Dear Woodbine Families
As we close out 2020 I want to extend my deepest gratitude for all you have done to support your children in their learning and well-being during these past few months. We know how hard you are working to help keep students and staff safe and we greatly appreciate your efforts.
As you are already aware, on November 24, 2020, Premier Jason Kenny announced new health measures and restrictions for Albertans including many that impact our school system and our school. These restrictions are in place to help bend the Covid-19 curve in our city.
For the week of January 4-8, 2021 students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will be learning at home. While your child will be learning from home, please know the school is open and health measures will continue to be in place. Should you need assistance or support please contact the school office at 403-777-8630 ext. 0. In an effort to reduce as many in-person interactions at school during this time, some staff will be working from home. Administration, the office staff, custodian and additional cleaning staff will be on-site at Woodbine School for the duration of the week.
While on-line learning takes place from January 4-8, 2021, teachers will be providing instruction following a very similar timetable as in-person learning. For students in grades 1-6, there will be four live on-line lessons each day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon. The live sessions will be followed by independent work sessions where teachers will be available to support students as needed. Kindergarten students will have two live on-line sessions followed by two independent work sessions. All teachers will be following the provincial Program of Study to ensure students are achieving all outcomes.
Your child's teacher will be sending you a School Messenger message before the end of the day tomorrow, Friday, Dec 18 with more details and on-line schedules specific to their class. If you have more than one child in the school, expect to see an email from each of your child's teachers. This information should allow you to know when and what your child is expected to do while working on-line and when working independently on tasks, all from home.
The year 2020 has taught us many lessons, one of which is to appreciate the good in humanity. I am grateful every day for every student, parent or caregiver, and every single one of our staff members. Your collective strength, diligence, positivity, and unwavering support gives me such hope for our future.
May you all have a very merry winter break enjoying precious time with your family and thank you in advance for supporting your children with at-home learning January 4-8, 2021.
Stay safe, stay well, and we will see our students, your amazing children, back in the school on January 11, 2021 for in-person learning.
Warmly,
Patti Bellamy – Principal, Woodbine School
