Thunder News Flash – December 18, 2021

On behalf of all of the staff, a huge thank you for all of your cards, gifts and good wishes.  You spoil us with candles, gift cards, delicious treats, tea, lotions, adult beverages, and so much more.  It is our absolute pleasure to work with your children and see them grow and learn over the seasons.  From all of us, we wish you a very Merry Christmas – celebrate this blessed season, and stay safe and healthy.

Schools have been asked to share the following message with our community:

“COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities.  Amid emerging evidence about the Omicron variant of COVID-19, it is imperative that everyone continues to follow BC’s Public Health guidance and use layers of protection to keep everyone safe throughout the holiday season.  It is also important that everyone receive all doses of COVID-19 vaccine for which they are eligible, including booster doses when available.  If you haven’t already, register now to book a vaccine appointment and receive an invitation when you are eligible to get another dose.  The Provincial Health Officer strongly encourages everyone to limit holiday gatherings to family and trusted friends who have been vaccinated, and to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.  Connecting with the people we love and care for is important, and we encourage everyone to have a small, safe and happy holiday.”

Please click here to read a letter to parents and caregivers from the Honourable Minister of Education, Jennifer Whiteside.

Here is some important information regarding international travel from this week’s Ministry of Education COVID-19 update:

• The federal government has advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside the country 
• Staff and students who travel (or their parent/caregiver) are responsible for ensuring they adhere to all federal travel requirements.  This includes adhering to all quarantine and any other specific requirements
• Staff and students who travel should be reminded to regularly review information from the Government of Canada, which can be found by clicking here, recognizing requirements are subject to change, particularly in light of the rapidly evolving situation due to the Omicron variant
• Information about requirements upon returning to Canada following international travel can be found by clicking here 

The 2022 Prime Minister’s Awards competition is open!  Educators play an important role in helping to build the next generation of Canadians.  We all remember an educator that changed our lives.  The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Teaching Excellence in STEM, and Excellence in Early Childhood Education honour exemplary teachers and early childhood educators who are preparing youth for the innovation economy.  Consider nominating an educator for a 2022 Prime Minister’s Award!  Download your nomination package by clicking here. 

Please continue to read the Thunder News Flash weekly, as well as monitor your email closely over the Christmas break, as we will do our best to keep you updated regarding any information about COVID-19 that affects schools.  As you know, our Public Health Officer and the Ministry of Education want to keep schools open, as long as it is safe for staff and students to do so.  The situation is changing rapidly, and we hope that the new restrictions put in place for gatherings will stop the rapid spread of this new variant.  Let’s hope and pray that we will be able to open our doors for in-person instruction on January 4th. 

May the Peace of Christ fill your homes with Love and Joy this Christmas season.  We wish all our Thunder families a healthy, safe and blessed Christmas and New Year.