March 25, 2020
Dear PSB parents/guardians and students,
Circumstances have required that our schools remain closed until at least April 6. I want to acknowledge that the decision has created significant challenges for you and our Public Schools Branch staff. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, as well as your creativity and flexibility in the days ahead.
Everyone is looking to be helpful at this time. One way is to follow the direction of the Chief Public Health officer and stay home, when we can. Staying home keeps us all safe, limits the spread of COVID–19 and assists to ‘flatten the curve,’ which our health care system needs. Thank you for taking good care of each other while at home.
Student Learning
The Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (DELL) has provided ongoing learning opportunities for students while at home. Parents/guardians and students can refer to the PSB website at https://edu.princeedwardisland.ca/psb/ for initial activities and resources that will support ongoing student learning at home. The activities are intended to assist students in the areas of health and well-being, literacy and numeracy, however, they are not required to complete every activity.
Please know that teachers are exploring additional learning opportunities for students, should we find we are not able to return to school after April 3. We are working on what this learning might look like and we will communicate the plan, should it become necessary.
Support for Families
With our PSB schools being closed, the absence of access to school breakfast and lunch programs has put a financial strain on many families. Assistance is being provided to families dealing with food insecurity. Families are being asked to contact the Support for Families lines 902-368-5155 or 902-368-6990 or supportforfamilies@edu.pe.ca for further information and assistance. If you know of a family who could use this support, please share this information with them.
New Ways to Connect
I know many students are missing their classmates and teachers. Our teachers and staff are missing the contact with students and colleagues as well. We need to find creative ways to stay connected with our PSB family. I will be sharing a Wednesday message every week to help keep you connected and informed until we are able to welcome students back into our schools.
We have all been inspired by the messages and creative ways that staff from our schools are using to connect with students. Equally amazing has been the response by students with pictures and videos sharing how much they love their school and miss the teachers and staff. We are finding ways to make meaningful connections, while also keeping our distance. Thank you for reaching out and supporting each other during these uncertain times. We are looking forward to connecting further with students and parents/guardians in the days ahead.
Parker Grimmer
Director, Public School Branch
We have added a page to our website with some information to help families cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. Click the link below to review these resources.
COVID–19 has impacted all of us in ways we couldn’t have expected. With our PSB schools being closed, the absence of access to school breakfast and lunch programs has put a financial strain on many families. Assistance is being provided to families dealing with food insecurity. Please contact the Support for Families lines 902-368-5155 or 902-368-6990 or supportforfamilies@edu.pe.ca with your name and contact information so we can get back to you about the supports that are available to assist you and your family at this time.
Computer Lab:
Off-grounds
Variety Show
March Break