It's so nice to be back in the swing of things! As much as I love summer holidays, I do really enjoy seeing our children return. It was an especial treat to be with so many families on Friday evening for the Welcome Back BBQ/Curriculum Night.

THANK YOU

• to our staff who worked so hard to prepare the school for the students' return, especially Mr. Tony who worked through extreme heat this summer to make our floors look great, did painting, etc.

• to our staff (including some spouses and children of staff) who worked so hard on Friday to prepare for, run and clean up after the Welcome Back BBQ, for providing supervision on Friday night and for preparing information for the Curriculum Night

• to our new families for choosing St. Mary's School. We are looking forward to getting to know you better!

INFORMATION

• Air Quality: With the wildfires happening in close proximity to Chilliwack, our Air Quality Health Index is currently at Very High Risk. When that is the case, it is recommended that schools cancel outdoor activities such as recess and sports practices. I will continue to monitor that Index on an hourly basis during the school week, and we will make appropriate decisions for the safety of the children. Please view the fact sheet that was sent out for Vancouver Coastal Health in 2020 when we faced a similar situation. Please take note of recommendations for keeping everyone in your family safe.

• Hot Lunch: I know this is a popular program for many, and the coordinator and I are meeting this week to plan for when and how hot lunch will return.

REMINDERS

• Please continue to monitor your children's health each day and remember our motto for the year: If you are sick, stay home. Children who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated for 5 days and may return as long as they are fever-free without medication, have had symptoms disappear (a cough may linger) and are feeling well enough to participate in ALL school activities, including recesses and PE classes. The same conditions apply to children who do not test positive for COVID-19, except they do not have to observe the 5 day isolation period, and can return when well.

• Lost and Found: it is amazing how quickly items accumulate. Please be sure to label all clothing, lunch kits, back packs, food containers, etc. with at least your family name.

MONDAY:

TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY:

• Mass for Grades K - 7. If weather permits, please wear school sweaters to all Masses. School staff will be commissioned at this Mass. All family members are welcome to attend - we love to see you there!

• Parent Fundraising Group Meeting, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom (link will be sent Monday).

  • All parents are invited to attend these monthly meetings during which plans are made for upcoming fundraisers. This is a great way to get to know other families. We are always looking for new ideas. Anyone who attends and participates in the discussion can count one hour of parent participation.

THURSDAY:

FRIDAY:

SATURDAY:

SUNDAY:

Not too much extra happening this week! I know that that will change very soon!