Friday, February 5, 2021 – Lambton-Kingsway Friday Flash

This Week’s Friday Update:

Great Things Happening in Lambton-Kingsway Remote Learning Classes

Black History Month

Asian Heritage Month

Dr. Andrew Morris Speaks to Grade 7 and 8 Students

Return to School Date – February 16th

Reading Can Be Fun – Dr. Seuss

Great Things are Happening:  Ms. Norton and Mr. Howe have been visiting our remote learning classes and you won’t believe what is happening hidden away on our computers.  This week were heard about notable achievements of prominent black Canadians, weather forecasting with Wiarton Willie, ordering decimals with Ms. Taylor’s Grade 6 class, Ms. Shklar’s students learned about Henry’s voyage in a box as he escaped slavery and Ms. Westover and Ms. Kobair’s class discovered what dinosaurs and stuffed animals do at virtual school.  So much great learning has been happening in our online classrooms. Our students, staff and families continue to demonstrate great perseverance, learning and flexibility with the new learning environment.

Black History/African Heritage Month: Every February, people of Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.  In the past, the biographies and accomplishments of these Canadians has been overlooked or left out of history books.  You can read more about these accomplishments here

Asian Heritage Month: “Teachers open the door.  You enter by yourself.” – Chinese proverb.  Chinese- Canadians recognize Chinese New Year on Friday, February 12 with celebrations throughout the month.  We wish all those celebrating a safe and happy day.  Asian Heritage Month in Canada is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian origin.  You can read about the valuable contributions of Asian Canadians, here.

Many of our families also celebrate the Lunar New Year on Friday, February 12.  The Lunar New Year is also known as the spring festival and begins with the first moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar 15 days later.   Though celebrations will be altered this year because of the pandemic, the spirit and joyfulness will remain the same through virtual events and in-home family-based festivities.  More information about the Lunar can be found here.  We wish all of our families celebrating Lunar New Year a healthy and Happy New Year.

Dr. Andrew Morris Speaks to Grade 7 and 8 Students: This week our Grade 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to hear from infectious disease expert, Dr. Andrew Morris.  He provided an overview of Covid-19, the impact of exponential transmission, the importance of reliable information and answered so many thoughtful questions from our students.  Dr. Morris writes a newsletter and works each day to not only save the lives of those impacted by infectious disease but also educates the public.  Here is a link to Dr. Morris’ emails are available at www.covidemails.com.  Thank you to our Lambton-Kingsway who connected our students to this important professional.

Return to School:  The most recent announcement from the Ministry of Education has told us that we will be returning to school beginning February 16th.  The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority at Lambton-Kingsway.  We will continue with the enhanced safety procedures that have been in place since September combined with the additional recommendations from Toronto Public Health.  Please remember the following:

  • Each day, all students and staff are to be screened for Covid-19 symptoms prior to coming to school.  Students will be asked to confirm the screening at school with the teacher or office
  • If a student or staff member is experiencing a symptom, they are to consult with their healthcare provider or to remain home for a period of 14 days
  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizing should occur
  • All staff and students are to wear a mask, at all times, in the school – students may briefly remove a mask to eat or drink
  • All staff and students are to wear a mask outside if they are not able to maintain 2 metres from one another
  • NEW – If anyone in the household has symptoms of Covid-19, the student should remain home for 14 days
  • NEW – If anyone in the household has travelled outside of Canada, the student should remain home for a period of 14 days
  • NEW – If anyone in the household as been notified that they are a close contact of someone in the last 14 days or if a person in the household has been told to stay home and self-isolate, the student is to remain home for 14 days

We look forward to the safe return of our students and staff to Lambton-Kingsway.

Reading Can Be Fun – Dr. Seuss:  Reading poetry is always better with a rhythm.  Wes Tank is known for reading Dr. Seuss books in an entertaining manner.  As you read some of your favorite stories maybe you can add a rhythm or beat to your rhymes.