Month: January 2022

MDJH Update – Jan 25

Please have a conversation with your child/children as we start back to school tomorrow, Tuesday, January 25, Day 6.

Rapid Tests

  • Please ensure your child takes a second Rapid Test tomorrow before school. Instructions are on the blue sheet that was given out with the test kit.

Masks
Masks will have a critical role when we move back to in-school learning.

  • All students must wear masks at all times.
  • The only time students are permitted to remove their masks is:
    • When students are eating/drinking. Masks can be off for a MAXIMUM of 15 minutes, and students must be socially distanced.
    • While students are doing vigorous physical activity in gym class.
    • To prevent transmission, students should limit time spent with other students while not wearing a mask. As soon as the student is finished actively eating, or has stopped actively moving during gym class such as when they are on the sidelines, they should put their mask back on.
  • The only students who do not have to wear a mask must have medical documentation stating they cannot wear one.
  • Masks with three layers are recommended. This could be a three-layer cloth mask or three-ply disposable nonmedical mask. Whichever mask you choose should be comfortable and completely cover your mouth and nose with no gaps. Here is a video suggestion to help make your child’s mask fit better, especially if it gapes along the sides.
  • Please remind students to have extra masks in their book bag.

It is very important that the mask protocol is followed. Students will first receive warnings, but if the student continues to not follow the masking rules, home will be contacted.

For up-to-date information on COVID protocols please refer to the following links:

Cafeteria

  • The cafeteria has moved to online ordering only – click here to visit the Chartwells site.
  • When students are eating/drinking, masks can be off for a MAXIMUM of 15 minutes, and students must keep a 2m distance when eating. Unless actively eating, masks need to be on.

Bus Expectations

  • Students will be required to wear masks properly on the school bus.
  • Students will not be permitted to eat or drink on the bus.
  • Students that break these rules will be removed from the bus for a period of time and parents/guardians will be contacted.

Recess

  • In order to make sure students stay seated while they are eating recess with masks off, they will be given the last 5 minutes of period 2 (10:03) to eat at their desk.
  • During recess, students can put their masks back on to move around, stretch their legs, or use the bathroom.

Library at Lunch

  • The school library will be open during the 2nd half of lunch. Students MUST wear their mask at all times while in the Library.

Extracurricular Activities/Sports Teams

  • There will be no extracurricular activities or sport activities until further notice.

Thank you for your support.

Return of the Virtual Museum

In Grade 8 Social Studies we are studying the history of our province. As a part of that study, we are learning that history is the “Collective Story” of a region, a nation, or the world, that is made up of the individual stories of people that lived in these places at these times. It is their personal stories and the connections between them that make our collective history.

In this virtual museum you will discover artifacts from our students that allow us to learn a little about their family and their history and, perhaps, give us a window into the future of who they and we, as a people, might become.

Click here to access the museum.

MDJH Update – Jan 22

Thank you for picking up the Rapid Test Kits so rapidly. You were instrumental in our distribution success!

On Monday, January 24, there will be no school for students. We will be back to in-school instruction on Tuesday, January 25, and it will be Day 6.

The first Rapid Test needs to be completed by students on Saturday, and the second test needs to be completed on Tuesday morning before school. This is a change from an earlier email.

Proper mask-wearing is extremely important while in the building. This current COVID variant is highly transmissible. The first line of defence is wearing a mask, and we will be strictly enforcing mask usage. Students who consistently refuse to comply will be sent home until they agree to follow the masking rules. The only exceptions will be while eating or drinking, during vigorous physical exercise, or for students who have a medical exemption.

Please use a medical mask or a three-layered cloth mask. One-layered masks and buffs are not to be used.  

Our goal is to stay safe and healthy during this time while providing the best educational opportunities for students. This is a difficult time for everyone, thank you so much for your support.

Also, here is some information for when you complete your Rapid Test:

UPDATE – Rapid Test Kit Distribution 

January 19, 2022 – Time Sensitive

Good Morning, 

In order to prepare for the possible reopening of in-school instruction on Monday, January 24, the Education Minister and the NLESD have said that COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits will be made available to all students. As per this advisory, we will begin dispersing the rapid kits today. 

In order to ensure everyone’s safety, we will have a drive-through pick-up at the Student Entrance at MDJH, alphabetically, according to student last name. Families can arrange to have another parent/guardian pick up their child’s kit if they are unable to make their allotted time. Students in Grades 7-12 can also pick up their own kit during the allotted time.

Kits cannot be left in the cold because  they are temperature sensitive and cannot be stored below 15 degrees Celsius. 

To keep traffic moving in a timely fashion, we will have two lines of traffic at the Student Entrance. One line will move through the Bus Lane and the second line will move through the Student Pick-up lane.  Please wear a mask and stay in your car. Staff will be onsite to verify the student(s) names and distribute the rapid kits.  

MDJH Rapid Test Pick-up Schedule

Wednesday, January 19, 11 am – 2 pm

Last nameTime
A-B11 am – 12 pm
C-E12 pm – 1 pm
F-H1 pm – 2 pm

Thursday, January 20, 9 am – 2 pm

Last nameTime
I-M9 am – 10:30 am
N-R10:30 am – 11:30 am
S-T12 pm – 1 pm
V-Z1 pm – 2 pm

Friday, January 21, will be set aside for any parent/guardian that missed their pick-up time. Please come to the MAIN Office and BUZZ. 

Please hold your kit in a secure location until receiving the official go-ahead to begin the testing process. This notification will come in the form of a public advisory from the Provincial Government and communication from your school administrator. If we get this notification, and in-school instruction starts as planned on Monday, January 24, the first test MUST be taken on Friday, January 21, with a second test before school on Monday, January 24.