Dear Families,
Happy Monday! We hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weekend. Looking forward to a great week-post Winter Carnival. Huge thanks to our leadership group, students, and staff! Last week was a great reminder of relationships before rigour - connection before curriculum. We sincerely hope students enjoyed themselves and had opportunity to positive connect with their classmates. 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
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 to support our children's empathy, understanding, and perseverance. Holdfast. Wearing masks in schools far outweighs the risks this virus has on us.
1) Heart Zap: First Aid Training for OHS students will be going ahead Monday, March 28th 2022 and March 29th 2022.
2) Vending Machines: Just a reminder not to input bills into the vending machines. Often times there is not enough change for anything over $10.00 bills. If you need change it is better to ask the cafeteria.
3) Student Engagement Survey: FYI, students will be completing a short Student Engagement survey in their respective English classes this week. This survey is anonymous and designed to support our Positive Relationships and Wellness school development determinant. Baccalieu Collegiate is part of three-year program working with a Comprehensive School Health team with access to $8,000 grant money to support its initiatives.
4) International Transgender Day of Visibility: Please note that Thursday, March 31st 2022 is InternationalTransgender Day of Visibility.
5) Be Cool for Autism: The Autism Society Newfoundland and Labrador is reaching out to let all schools know that Be Cool for Autism will take place on Monday, April 4 (to coincide with World Autism Day which is Saturday, April 2). Be Cool for Autism is a province-wide event aimed to help raise autism awareness and understanding (see attached poster). Be Cool for Autism encourages schools, workplaces and individuals to wear their sunglasses to spread the message of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. It’s easy to take part…..
- simply wear your sunglasses
- share a selfie or group photo with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by using the hashtag #BeCoolForAutism
- tag us @AutismSocietyNL.
6) Baccalieu Idol: Who will be our next Baccalieu Idol? Encourage students to give it their best shot! Baccalieu Idol will take place April 28th 2022! Save the date!
7) 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 May 2nd 2022. Current Grade 10 students will participate. No preparation is required. Only that students try their best and have fun with the assessment challenges.
8) NLESD Memo (VaxPass): Please note that VaxPasses/Verify will no longer be required for afterschool events and activities. Please see memo for more information.
9) Close Contact: Please see the UPDATED Covid-19 Close Contact Flow Chart. My apologies, the last update was not the most current. This updated flow chart can also be found on our website under "Resources".
10) 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.
11) Check the Calendar: Check the Calendar (www.baccaliecollegiate.ca) for further updates.
Good News Report (In no particular order)
- Winter Carnival: Huge thank-you to our leadership team, students, and staff for organizing an amazing Winter Carnival week! Congrats to Grade 12 and 7A for claiming top overall honours this year. Congrats to everyone for participating.
- We are very #BaccaProud to announce our students raised $506.95 for the Canadian Red Cross: Stand with Ukraine. #NLESDteachersforpeace
- Grade 9 Family Presentation: Thank-you to families and students for attending our Gr. 9 presentation in preparation for the graduation program this past Tuesday, March 22nd 2022 at 6:00pm
- Cannabis Presentation: Huge thanks to the RCMP delivering such an objective, and informative presentation on the risks and benefits of cannabis.
- Jr. Girls Volleyball: Congrats to our Jr. Girls Volleyball team for a great showing at this past weekends volleyball tournament held in Roncalli.
- 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
- 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.
- Wednesday Open Mic: Big thanks to Dominick LaMouche for organizing and entertaining Open Mic every Wednesday during lunch in the Learning Commons!
- Check Facebook/Twitter: For more updates on good news and information check out our Baccalieu Collegiate
facebook/twitter page.
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