Baccalieu Collegiate Family Weekly Updates: Monday, March 14th 2022 (DAY 12)

Dear Families, 

Happy Monday! Thank-you everyone for holding down another week. I hope everyone found some rest and relaxation over the weekend! Please see the following important updates. Any questions or concerns let me know.  If I have missed anything please reply-all to this email.

                                              Updates and Important Information

1) COVID-19 Restrictions in Schools: Please note (Memo: NLESD), as per the CMO and NLESD, schools will continue to mandate mask wearing up until the end of Easter Break both on the bus and in school. At which time, further decisions will be made. While we understand youth (and adults) are entering yet another confusing and tiresome period of time where the outside world says it's okay not to wear a mask and schools are saying it isn't - let's focus on the research/facts. For example, looking at one of the largest studies: "A huge National Institute of Health (USA) study involving 1.1 million students found that schools with masking mandates during the Delta surge had ~72% fewer cases of in-school transmission." The view of this research is not to say masks are full proof, but a clear indicator that they serve a proficient tool (and the only tool that we have) to help everyone ease into a world without restrictions (for now). While we're all tired, it's important we empathize with the whole public, and not just our specific cohort. It is important that support our children's empathy, understanding, and perseverance. Holdfast. Wearing masks in schools far outweighs the risks this virus has on us.

2) Close Contact: Please see the UPDATED Covid-19 Close Contact Flow Chart. This updated flow chart can also be found on our website under "Resources".

3) Class of 2022 Graduation Photos: A reminder that Graduation Photos will be conducted at the school on Monday, March 14th 2022. Students were emailed their picture times. All students should sit this picture whether they will be going with outside photo sources or not. There is no fee unless students purchase the pictures. The photo is the only photo that can be used in our Wall Composite picture mounted in our school building. 

4) Term 2 Reports:  Please see the following schedule for reporting. Any questions/concerns please let me know. 

• Reports Due: Tuesday, March 15th 2022
• Reports Sent Home: Wednesday, March 16th 2022

5) Family/Teacher Conferences: On Thursday, March 17th 2022 family/teacher conferences will be in-person and take place from 1pm to 5pm. Families who cannot attend in-person are encouraged to reach out to teachers via email. Conferences will take place in teachers' respective classrooms. Meetings should be limited in time. Social distancing and mask wearing are required. Additionally, it is very important to note that we are SCENT FREE. Please do not wear scents into our building. 

6) Boys Basketball Regional Qualifier: There's a big weekend (Saturday, March 19th 2022) coming up for the Senior Boys Basketball as they participate in the 2A Boys Regional Qualifier. Location: Baltimore. Schedule: TBA. Go BCP Go!

7) Canada Post Community Foundation: Please note that there is an community grant application offered through Canada Post Community Foundation which will be open from March 7-31, 2022.  For more information about the granting process and criteria, please visit canadapost.ca/community. This is a great opportunity to obtain funds to enrich children’s well-being mentally, physically, etc. Any families with an idea(s) are encouraged to work on an application in partnership with the school. As many of you understand, teachers are very stressed and overworked, so any support from the community is greatly appreciated. 

8) Understanding Behaviour: When you have time you're all encouraged to view the attached infographic outline "Behaviour." Whether you're a student, parent or educator who has been following the tremendous research and breakthroughs regarding brain development, or if you're a new and opening mind to this stuff; the infographic is simply a gentle reminder and/or important starter kit for knowledge and understanding. Youtube links are embedded on the poster.

9) Grade 9 Family Presentation: On Tuesday, March 22nd 2022 at 6:00pm Baccalieu administration will be hosting a presentation for current Grade 9 students and families to overview the NL High School Graduation Program and upcoming course selection process. All Grade 9 Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend. 

10) CDLI Family/Teacher Conferences: CDLI Virtual Family -Teacher Conferences will occur on Wednesday March 23rd with appointments being scheduled using Optis. More information to follow.

11) Winter Carnival: We're excited to announce BCP Student Leadership are organizing Winter Carnival Week. Yes, it's back!  For the week of Monday, March 21st to March 25th 2022. More details to come! 

12) Baccalieu Idol: Who will be our next Baccalieu Idol? Please see the promotional poster attached. Encourage students to give it their best shot! Stay tuned for a confirmed performance date either shortly before or after the Easter holiday. For more information see Mr. Harte!

13) Code of Ethics Training: Please see memo (search in email) from Tony Stack, CEO/Director of Education regarding required staff training for the District's Code of Ethics and Conduct. Employees must complete the training video and Declaration noted in the memo by April 14, 2022. 

14) PISA: Please note that our school has been selected to participate in PISA. For more information please see the brochure attached. This assessment will take place sometime between April 18th and May 27th 2022. 

18) Check the Calendar: Check the Calendar (www.baccaliecollegiate.ca) for further updates. 

Good News Report (In no particular order)

• Jr. Girls Volleyball: Best of luck to our Jr. Girls Volleyball squad(s) as they prepare for a tournament March 25th 2022.
• Term 2 End: Congrats on working through a tough Term 2 with tremendous overall success!
• Moosehide Campaign: Thank-you Ms. Ruttgaizer for bringing the Moose Hide Campaign to our school for a chance to bring learning and awareness towards Reconciliation with Indigenious People. The official day is May 12th! To learn more check out Moose Hide Campaign
• Ukraine Support: Thank-you to everyone who participated in the Blue and Yellow Day in support of Ukraine! Thank-you for any and all monetary support. 
• Support Services: Huge thanks to our Instructional Resource Teachers for supporting and accelerating our students with their learning needs! 
• Gaming Club: Baccalieu gaming club is back on the go during lunchtimes!
• Extracurricular Sports: It is great to see so many youth back in the gymnasium including Jr. and Sr. Girls Volleyball, Baccalieu Boys Basketball, and Baccalieu Boys Floor Hockey! Thank-you to all the coaches volunteering their time! Don't forget to check out our calendar for all practice times and game dates!
• Doorways: Appreciation for Doorways! Thank-you for joining our school every other week. 
• School Development Surveys: Thank-you for supporting our school development process with your feedback. Thank-you!
• Wednesday Open Mic: Big thanks to Dominick LaMouche for organizing and entertaining Open Mic every Wednesday during lunch in the Learning Commons! 
• Congrats: Congrats to Brooklyn Eddy for mesmerizing us with her amazing art work, winning her second place in the Provincial Remembrance Day Poster Contest (Black and White category). 
• Sr. Boys Basketball: Congrats to the Senior Boys Basketball Team for defeating the Carbonear Collegiate team 71-55! The BCP boys are 2-0 with wins against local giants Ascension and Carbonear. 
• Check Facebook & Twitter: For more updates on good news and information check out our Baccalieu Collegiate facebook page. Both are embedded in our website homepage.