Dear parents/guardians,
I’d like to take a moment to extend my appreciation to you all. I know the start of 2022 hasn’t been easy and your hard work has not gone unnoticed. This is true for all our staff, our students, and our families. We’ve all had numerous challenges thrown our way over the last few weeks and your dedication is impressive. Thank you.
We have a few updates to share with you now related to work for absent students, rapid test kits, information on where to find bus disruptions, and a link to our latest newsletter.
Work for Absent Students
We know that some students need to stay home, either for illness or other reasons. If a student has been absent, they will have access to the work being done in-class. Teachers will provide missed classroom and work assignments. If teachers are using digital (e.g. Google Classroom) or print materials in-class, those materials will be made available to students who were absent. Teachers are not expected to provide in-person and online learning at the same time. For more information, contact your school.
Rapid Test Kits
As we shared last week, rapid test kits are being distributed to students and staff. Nova Scotia Public Health updated their instructions for rapid kits and now recommends swabbing both the throat and nostril.
Nova Scotia researchers have determined that collecting samples from both the throat and nose provides a more accurate rapid test result than a nose swab alone, which is the instruction provided by the manufacturer.
An updated instruction sheet has been printed and included with all kits that will be distributed. Please note, kits may have two sets of instructions, and families are encouraged to refer to this new advice.
Given the potential for ongoing COVID-19 exposures in schools, students and staff may choose to test up to twice per week regardless of symptoms. Test kits will be replenished on a regular basis as supply allows.
Bus Disruptions
Bus notifications will now be compiled in one location to make it easier to find details on your child’s bus. When there are impacts to bus operations they will be posted as soon as possible, on an alert banner on www.tcrce.ca. We recommend checking the website daily for the latest bus info.
Newsletter
Here’s our January Regional Update. It’s important to us that we continue to show you the work that’s happening inside our schools to support student achievement and well-being.
Please click here to view our newsletter.
Sincerely,
Jared Purdy
TCRCE Regional Executive Director
