Update on KCS’s Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
As a school that enjoys a robust connection within its community, our primary focus at this time is the health and safety of the students that we serve. KCS is in regular communication with the KFL&A Public Health Unit, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and Edvance Association of Christian Schools regarding recommendations and protocols around the outbreak of COVID-19. Given its rapidly-changing epidemiology around the world and ongoing uncertainty about its transmission via travel and within communities, we are issuing the following protocol relating to travel and onsite activities for staff, students, and parents. It is based on today’s reports, but as things change, KCS will adapt and adapt quickly. So, effective immediately, and until further notice:
TRAVEL
If you proceed with personal travel outside Canada:
- Check for Travel Health Notices on the Government of Canada website to learn if you need to use special precautions or avoid non-essential travel.
- It is strongly recommended that you advise the school office of your destination and travel dates.
Anyone traveling outside of Canada to an area that does not have a Travel Health Notice for COVID-19, is required, upon their return, to self-monitor for symptoms of a respiratory infection for 14 days, or in the case of a child, be monitored by a parent.
If you travel outside Canada to an area with a Travel Health Notice for COVID-19, you are required, upon your return, to do the following:
- Quarantine yourself at home for 14 days after your departure from the affected area
- Call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 within 24 hours of arrival in Canada
- Advise the school
DURING and AFTER MARCH BREAK (as of March 12 and subject to change)
| Families and Staff
· Ensure the office has up-to-date emergency contact numbers. · Report absences and illnesses to the office. · Stay home if you are sick. · Remain home if you have flu-like symptoms. · Self quarantine for 14 days if you have flu-like symptoms and have been travelling. · Prepare your home for a quarantine. · Students who exhibit flu-like symptoms at school will be sent home. Have a plan in place for childcare. |
Staff
· Spend time educating and monitoring students in vigilant hand washing techniques. · Instruct students on basic virus protection and good hygiene. · Begin preparing for continuity of instruction in the event you are quarantined or school closure. · Avoid all school assemblies and visiting other classrooms. · Arrange classroom seating to maximize distance between students. · Restrict volunteers and visitors to your classroom. · Postpone field trips for the next 6 weeks. · Staggered recess times are a consideration.
|
NEXT STEPS
In the event of wide spread school closures, KCS will close and parents will be notified by email. Teachers will prepare plans for instruction continuity, and students will continue receiving instruction at home. In a spirit of preparedness, students will arrive home today with work depending on the grade. It isn’t homework, but simply a provision meant to be used after the Break if needed.
Below is a link to our Communicable Disease and Pandemic Response Policy for your information.
Communicable Disease and Pandemic Response Policy
Lastly, with the various forecasts that inundate us, I wish all of you abundant protection and peace. As a Christian community, we are characterized by peace in the face of anxious circumstances. Isaiah 26:3-4, ‘You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.’
Where does our peace come from? From staying our minds on God and trusting in Him. As trouble threatens, be encouraged to stay your minds on the Lord, and be reminded of the many great truths about Him you’ve learned through teaching, but also your experience. Be encouraged also to fix your mind on the sovereignty of God. As this virus spreads to every country and comes closer to our doors, be prudent… but also trust.
Great God,
you are an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Be with front line medical workers,
give them courage to do their work
and keep them safe.
Be with public health officials
as they make decisions for the common good,
and politicians as they roll those decisions out.
Help us to be kind to one another
even when we are stressed.
Help our communities to be resilient
and expansive as we reach out to help
all who are isolated and afraid.
In these times of shutdowns and slowdowns,
when travel is restricted or banned,
as routines are disrupted and we spend
less time together or more time together,
help us zero in on what is essential.
Thank you that love is also contagious
and stronger than any virus.
You will be with us,
and we will be with each other
in sickness and in health.
In the blessed name of Jesus,
Amen.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Shoniker
Principal