Welcome to Spring Term

Welcome back to school McMillan Families!

I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break, and whether you stayed close to home, or were able to enjoy a vacation somewhere else, I hope you are well rested and refreshed. This term brings some new "firsts" for this year and the staff at McMillan are looking forward to working together with you to make the most our of this last term we have. Here are a few updates that everyone should be aware of;

1) The lifting of the mask mandate: masks are now an option for all staff and students, unless you have returned from travel outside of Canada. Currently, anyone returning from travel outside of Canada must wear a mask for 14 days. For more information on this, please see https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

The issue of masks will likely remain a polarizing subject for some time. Everyone is moving forward within their own comfort zone, and it is the intent of the school that we all remain supportive of our students and staff regardless of their personal decision around masking. Treating each other with dignity and respect as we come out of this pandemic and learn to live with the covid-19 virus is our best way to maintain our amazing McMillan community. 

2) Field Trips: We are currently planning for a handful of field trips, including the grade 3 trip to Xa: ytem, Mission, a grade 5 celebration trip to the waterslides, and the traditional year end trip to Harrison for all students. We will keep you informed on all these as the dates near.  Parent volunteers will be welcomed, and teachers will be facilitating that.

3) In school events: We are still required to cap any in school events at half capacity when parents/outsiders are included. We will, however, be enjoying some whole school assemblies for students and staff to build community and school spirit. These will begin very small, in order to practice the process of assembling, and being seated together (less than 15 minutes). We will ventilate the gym with open exterior doors, to play things safe, and then proceed each month as guidelines allow.

4) A reminder about pick up/drop off and parking: Thank you to all the parents who so effectively use the upper parking lot to circle around and drop off/pick up their children. Just a reminder that leaving your car in the fire lane unattended is not allowed. Parking should be done on the street, or in a spot, if one is available. Also, drop off and pick up at the front door is for daycare vehicles. If you arrive after 8:30 (second bell) or are picking up late (after 2:40) you may also use the front door. This is intended as an option for students who are occasionally late. There has recently been an increase in the number of students consistently arriving 1 or 2 minutes late, and I would like to remind you that these missed minutes can really added up, setting the tone for your child's success in school. Please do not make late front door drop off a habit for your child.

Thank you so much for all you do to support the school. 

We are looking forward to a great final term!

Mrs. Jordan