Dear Parents/Guardians,
I want to begin this update by thanking our dedicated and professional custodial staff for their tremendous efforts over these past days as they performed a top to bottom cleaning of our schools and Board facilities. As always, the health and safety of our students, staff and visitors to our buildings is our first priority.
Our usual standards for cleanliness are exceptionally high. Even so, in the days leading up to the closure of our schools we had implemented additional resources for more frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces and since March 14, our custodial and maintenance staff has been working to thoroughly clean and sanitize all buildings. In addition, all of our electronic devices have been given a thorough cleaning by our computer technicians.
Throughout this closure period, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board will continue to follow the advice of the Ontario government and public health professionals. As you know, the extraordinary measures currently in place are intended to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We can all help to protect ourselves and each other by following the advice and direction of our government leaders and public health professionals.
I want you to know that our Board is in regular communication with the Ontario government regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our staff, students and families. The Ministry of Education is developing a plan and resources to support a continuation of learning for our students. We expect to have more information about this in the coming days. Please continue to visit the Board website at www.st-clair.net for regular updates and links to important resources.
The most recent website updates this week include:
- Cancellation of EQAO for the 2019-2020 school year. Read more at:
- Good Mental Health and Wellbeing – resources that include coping strategies and information to help you support your child.
- Bishop Fabbro has announced Masses are suspended until at least April 30. Read the Bishop’s letter to the faithful.
There will be more information in the coming days. Again, please visit the website regularly for updates.
Finally, I want to encourage you to reach out to your friends, family and colleagues. Although COVID-19 has caused many of us to isolate physically, we live in an age when we can use technology to stay connected. To say these are uncertain times almost seems an understatement; and sometimes where there is uncertainty there is also fear. But as God’s people, we will do what we always do in times of trial – turn to our faith.
“Be strong and courageous … for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
That is His promise to us! Let’s hold on to it and encourage each other in the days and weeks ahead.
Blessings to you and your family,
Deb Crawford
Director of Education