Thunder News Flash – November 20, 2021

Last week’s storms created chaos and devastated the lives of many people across the province.  Lives, homes and livelihoods have been lost.  Things like this certainly remind us that the daily annoyances we often complain about are really unimportant, and help to give us perspective.  The recent events also remind us that we are one family, and that we need to support each other during these trying times.  Many families are willing to help in so many different ways, and I’m sure over the coming days and weeks the needs of others will become more clear.  If you are in need of shelter, food, clothing or other essential supplies, please contact the school and we will coordinate with the many families who have offered help.  But, most importantly, let’s remember to put our hope in Jesus, especially during these most trying times.  

After checking on school families, and in consultation with the Superintendent’s Office, our REC Chairperson and our Archbishop’s Representative, we are happy to let you know that it is our intention to open the school to in-person instruction on Monday, November 22nd.  While some of our families have been evacuated or are stranded in locations away from home or the school, we will do our best to support these students electronically.  I’m also happy to let you know that the school busses will be running, except those that travel to and from Chilliwack.  There may some slight modifications to some of the routes, but the bus company will be in touch with any affected families.

As I’m sure you are aware, new gas and travel restrictions were put in place as of November 19th.  British Columbians have been asked to travel for essential reasons only, take transit or carpool, and work from home if possible.  With these new restrictions in place, and the prediction of more rain for next week, it will be very important for parents to monitor the school’s website and their email daily in case the situation changes.  While the school itself did not sustain any flooding, and the new roof kept the school dry from above, the experience over the last week has shown us how quickly things can change.  As always, the safety of our staff, students and parents is our primary concern.

With the U.S./Canada border opening up, and the Christmas Break coming soon, many of you may be considering international travel.  It is important for parents to be aware of the fact that even if they are fully vaccinated, their unvaccinated children are restricted from attending school for 14 days following the international travel, including travel to the U.S., even just for the day.  Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by someone who qualifies for the fully vaccinated traveler exemption are not required to quarantine; however, these students must follow strict restrictions.

For 14 days after their return, the children must:

• not attend school, camp or daycare
• not attend large or crowded settings, indoors or outdoors, such as an amusement park or sporting event
• not take buses, subways, trains or other crowded transportation
• not attend a setting where they may have contact with vulnerable people (e.g. long term care facility)
• stay in a place that allows the child to avoid all contact with any person that has an underlying medical condition that makes the person susceptible to complications related to COVID-19; has a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatments; OR is 65 years of age or older
• limit contact with others – remain with their fully vaccinated parent or guardian, as much as possible
• wear a mask and physically distance when in contact with non-household members

There is no allowance for unvaccinated children to return to school within 14 days following international travel, regardless of who they travel with or if they receive a negative PCR test result.  For more information, click here.

Health Canada has announced the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children age 5-11.  If you would like more information about this, click here to read a joint statement by Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Provincial Health Officer, and the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

The next meeting of the Regional Education Committee (REC) will take place on Wednesday, November 24th at 6:30pm.  The agenda for the meeting will be posted on the school’s website on Monday.  Please note that this meeting will be virtual – if you would like to attend the open portion of the meeting, please email the REC Chairperson, Tasha Mijinke, to receive the Zoom link by clicking here. 

Due to last week’s school closure, the Grade 6/7 auditions for the role of narrators for our Outdoor Christmas presentation will be moved to Tuesday, November 23rd at lunch.  We look forward to seeing these students shine!

Are you a member of St. Joseph’s Parish?  The Regional Education Committee (REC) is looking for one more member to represent St. Joseph’s Parish at our monthly meetings,  Please contact Tasha for more information by clicking here. 

Our current fundraiser, ShopFunds Gift Cards, is underway.  This is a wonderful way to support St. James & St. Ann’s School while shopping AND with no extra cost to you! 

• You pay face value for the gift cards!
• Many different participating retailers:  grocery stores, entertainment options, gas stations and so many more!
• For each gift card purchased, retailers offer a 3-10% kickback to our school.
• Many ways you can use gift cards: purchase them to use at your favourite grocery store, purchase them for the retailers you plan to buy Christmas gifts from or use them as your gifts!

More information, including an online order link, click here, and list of participating merchants was emailed home earlier.  Please complete the order form with method of payment (Direct Debit or Cheque payable to St. James & St. Ann’s School) by 3pm Monday, November 22.  Gift Cards will be ready at the school sometime between November 29 and December 3.

Thank you for your support with this opportunity to raise money for our school!

Please complete a Daily Health Check with your child each day before they come to school.  The easiest way to do this is to go to the BC K-12 Health Check website by clicking here.  Please also remember that adults and children in Kindergarten – Grade 7 are required to wear masks in indoor spaces.  These proactive steps will help us all remain safe and healthy.