Dear Families,

August is an exciting, yet nervous time, for students, families, and staff anticipating the start of school. We are in the process of organizing the school in preparation for the return of students on Tuesday, September 7th. The 8:30 am bell signals the start of classes. School ends at 2:30. More information about the first day will be communicated with you next week.  The school website is being updated daily and can be found at https://gbe.hrce.ca/.

Elwin LeRoux, the Regional Executive Director of HRCE sent an email on Monday outlining what school will look like on September 7. Some information from his email is included below.

What to Expect

This year, the daily routine will be similar to previous school years before COVID-19. Subjects such as music, physical education and instrumental music will be delivered much as they have in the past. Students and staff will be permitted to use cafeterias and participate in food programs. School sports can resume and school gyms will open to community groups in the evenings and on weekends. Principals can invite visitors back into schools with the requirement visitors follow all public health measures.

To ensure schools are as safe as possible, core public health measures will remain in place.

These include:

•        frequent hand washing and sanitizing;

•        cleaning of high-touch surfaces; and

•        staying home if you are feeling sick.

As an additional layer of safety, all students, staff and visitors will be required to wear masks inside schools to start the school year. Schools will transition away from mandatory masks once the province reaches Phase 5 of its re-opening plan. Of course, we will communicate any changes with families in advance.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at jhurley@hrce.ca or by phone.

Looking forward to the start of school!

Jimmy Hurley

Principal

George Bissett Elementary School

(902) 464-5184