Spring Break Memo - Lions Gate Montessori

Dear Families,

Thank you for your support in protecting our school community during this evolving COVID-19 situation. As a small school with strong traffic controls (limiting entrance to our school only to enrolled students/families and staff) and ongoing classroom cleaning throughout each day, the risk for virus spread is low and there were NO cases of COVID-19 prior to going on break. Our students and teachers have been very proactive in reminding themselves and each other to wash their hands throughout the day. However, we have taken the extra precaution to close one day earlier to sanitize all materials, furniture, and walls to ensure that we return back to school in a virus-free environment – sealed from contamination for at least 14 days. North Creek and Anchor Point facilities have been and will remain vigilant with regards to cleaning, hand hygiene, and educating students on respiratory etiquette while working with families to support students who may be away for extended periods. Please read the attached (Ref: 218644) letter from the Deputy Minister of Education.

As per the BC Minister of Health Adrian Dix’s announcement of March 12, 2020, for all persons travelling outside of Canada during Spring Break, please ensure you follow the self-isolation procedures for 14-days after completing your travel before returning to school.

Useful Links:
B.C. urges end to large gatherings as well as international travel – including to the U.S.: https://globalnews.ca/ news/6668957/bc-coronavirus- update-march-12/
The Pandemic Coordination Plan: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/ assets/gov/health/about-bc-s- health-care-system/office-of- the-provincial-health-officer/ reports-publications/pandemic- provincial-coordination-plan. pdf
Latest travel notices and advisories on the Government of Canada’s website: https://travel.gc.ca/ travelling/advisories
BC Centre for Disease Control site: http://www.bccdc.ca/ health-info/diseases- conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
We plan to return back to school on Monday, March 30th unless directed to do otherwise by the Health Authorities. Some schools in Canada have been instructed to remain closed beyond their Spring Break period so please check your email over the next 2 weeks for any updates from the school. Both North Creek and Anchor Point facilities are now equipped with No Touch thermometers at the door. All persons entering the school will be checked before entry. Those individuals (including staff, students and family members) showing a fever will be asked to return home.

CONGRATULATIONS to Lower Elementary students Aaron, Felix, Olive and Saba who took home 2 out 5 prizes at last weekend’s Science Games organized by the Engineers and Geoscientists BC! They were awarded the Silver Medal and “Most Innovative Team” by the province’s Minister of Education, Honourable Rob Fleming and Ms. Lianna Mah, President of Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia. Many thanks to Ms. Janice, Ms. Roiza who guided the team on their sustainable building materials project and LGMS families who came out to support our team!

Wishing you and yours a creative, warm, and safe Spring Break,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori

NORTH CREEK COMMUNITY (PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN)
A friendly reminder that avoiding tardiness is very important for all students. Arrival time for morning Preschool and Extended-Day/Kindergarten students is at 8:45 AM! We start giving lessons at 8:45 am. It is important that your child is involved from the beginning of the day together with his/her group just as it is important that late arrivals don’t interfere with the lessons that have already begun.

For students who took their indoor shoes and toothbrushes home at Spring Break, please remember to bring them back when you return. Thanks!

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT! We have been notified that a child in our Casa community has life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) reactions. The triggers are walnut, pecan, and egg. Sensitive reactions alert on tomatoes, certain kinds of fruits, and lactose intolerance. Some children have gluten and dairy-free diets. The school is aware of each child’s needs and we are following the VCH guidelines to protect our students. All AM and PM Preschool and Extended Day are learning about this. North Creek is a peanut and nut-free environment. Teachers and students will be asked to wash their hands vigilantly and regularly, both at North Creek and in the Extended Day classroom at Anchor Point. Please take this opportunity to introduce your child to anaphylaxis awareness. Kindly inform the teachers of particular items or needs at the door. It will help us coordinate the classroom to protect all the children. For more information, please visit Food Allergy Canada. Thank you very much for your attention and assistance.

ANCHOR POINT COMMUNITY (GRADE 1 & UP)
A friendly reminder that avoiding tardiness is important for all students. The children must be at school by 9:00 AM. It is important that your child is involved from the beginning of the day together with his/her group just as it is important that late arrivals don’t interfere with the lessons that have already begun.

Please provide a change of clothes and a pair of indoor shoes for your child in case you haven’t done so yet. For students who took their indoor shoes home at Spring Break, please remember to bring them back when you return. Thanks!

Taekwondo Lessons: Students have their last Taekwondo lesson on March 31st., after Spring Break. Physical Education lessons are mandatory. All students are expected to participate. Students who do not participate must submit an excuse note from a parent/guardian.

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT! We have been notified that a child in our elementary community has life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) reactions. The triggers are walnuts and pecans. The school is following the VCH guidelines, the families are working with the school, and all Extended Day and Elementary students are learning about it. Teachers and students will be asked to wash their hands vigilantly and regularly at Anchor Point. Please refrain from sending these foods to school. Instead, this is an opportunity to introduce other foods for snacks and lunches to the school environment as you introduce your child to anaphylaxis awareness. For more information, please visit Food Allergy Canada. Thank you very much for your attention and assistance.

COMMUNITY NOTICES We’re hoping that families will still have opportunities to enjoy some Spring Break activities. Here are some updates and ideas!

Suggestions from an article | Social Distancing With Kids: 10 Things To Do Together, by Heather Dixon

Metro Events Cancelled due to COVID-19 | Please note that the links on this list will be updated as quickly as possible.

Spring Break Events in Metro Vancouver | Check out some suggestions on their site!

Surrey Parks | Explore and connect with nature! Experience these Surrey parks’ habitats, history, trees, and trails with activities that are family-friendly, hands-on, exploratory, and engaging.