Dear GCA Families,

We are pleased to share further information with you, to support the Alberta government’s announcement last week that students will return to in-classroom learning in September under “Scenario 1: in-school classes resume with near-normal operations, with health measures in place.”

But first, we’d like to make sure you know that we are committed to plenty of communication between now and the beginning of school. We will provide information and also interactive opportunities so you - and your students - can ask questions and share your thoughts. In addition to COVID-19, we have a few other topics to cover, so we really encourage you to take time to read each email you receive in the coming weeks. 

Today we have a detailed COVID-19 Organizational Handbook and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that explain how GCA will operate under the Province’s Scenario 1. Both are lengthy but searchable. To help you digest the details, we’ve summarized the top ten things to know, below, and prepared a video with Mr. Hielema to show your students. 

One more thing that’s important to emphasize as you dive into this information: Dr. Hinshaw has recently explained, “There is no risk-free approach to living with COVID-19, we still have to learn to live with it… We will almost certainly identify cases of COVID-19 in students and staff in the fall. We are putting measures in place to protect the health of children, staff and families by limiting onward spread within the school.” We want our families to know we are working very hard to reduce the risks and that with your help, we believe we will have a safe return to class in September.

New measures to address COVID-19 at GCA:

  • As of July 28, schools are exempt from Calgary’s upcoming mandatory mask bylaw. However, if parents choose to send their students to school with a mask, their choice will be respected.
  • Masks must respect the character and nature of the school.

  • Each class at GCA is limited to 20 to 26 students, as in the past. This number will help us maximize physical distancing, with desks separated as much as possible.
  • In some classrooms with tables, the configuration will require students to face one another but clear barriers will be placed between students. 
  • Teachers will move classrooms, students will stay in their homeroom as much as possible. An exception will be options for Junior High, and some classes for Grades 4 and 5.

  • We ask you to assess your students every day for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. They might be similar to having a cold or flu. Complete the Alberta Health Questionnaire before sending your child to school.
  • Use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19.
  • The Province is now making Albertans’ health records, including COVID-19 and other test results, available online. It takes some time to activate an online account, so it is advisable to sign-up before school begins.

  • If your child develops or shows symptoms while at school, they will be isolated from other students and you will be contacted to pick up the student immediately or within a maximum of two hours.
  • If both parents work during the school day, please have an additional emergency contact available for pick-up.
  • Students can return to school when they are feeling better but must provide a negative test result for COVID-19. 
  • No one should enter the school if they have COVID-19 symptoms, even if symptoms resemble a mild cold. However, please review pre-existing conditions notes below.

  • If a student has allergies or ongoing health issues with symptoms similar to COVID-19, please take them for a test at least once to establish a baseline. The student can attend school as long as their symptoms stay the same. 
  • If symptoms change the student must stay home until they are tested and cleared for COVID-19.
  • The Province is now making Albertans’ health records, including COVID-19 and other test results, available online. It takes some time to activate an online account, so it is advisable to sign-up before school begins.

  • If a student is away for illness or testing, teachers will provide support by sharing homework with parents or students via email or Powerschool; this will look similar to how it did in the past.
  • If a group of students must self-isolate because of a positive case of COVID-19, the class will shift to distance learning during the isolation period.

  • If there is a case of COVID-19 identified at GCA, the Zone Medical Officer of Health will work directly with our school administration to determine the course of action. Any decision to send a class home or to close the school will be made by the local Medical Officer of Health.

  • Parents can order hot and cold lunches in advance online, there will not be buffet-style options. A link will be provided closer to September. 
  • Following guidance from Alberta Health, we plan to have one grade eat in the cafeteria at a time, on a rotating basis. The remainder will eat in their classroom, under adult supervision. For students eating in classrooms, lunches can be ordered and will be delivered.
  • Custodial staff will disinfect tables and seats between each sitting.  
  • Each student will be assigned a specific seat in the cafeteria and spaced apart, with one seat in between. Microwaves are not available.  

  • Playgrounds will be available to students at recesses, and supervisors will encourage students to physically distance as much as possible. Study Halls will have maximum capacities to ensure physical distancing.

  • We discourage parents and visitors from entering the school, including for drop-off and pick-up. See the handbook for exceptions, including Parents of Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Out of School Care students.
  • Posters at entrances direct visitors to self-screen before entering the school.

PikMyKid app to manage pick-up
We are excited to introduce ‘PikMyKid’, a school safety app to allow parents or guardians to check students out of school from the comfort of their own vehicles.
This app is an easy and efficient way to manage pick-up from school, used by hundreds of schools across North America and around the world. With its use, we expect to eliminate crowds gathering in and around the school during this busy time of the day.  

After school, parents will digitally announce when they’ve entered the car line, or found a parking spot. Students will then be dismissed by their teacher. The school and the parents will be confident that each student is where they’re supposed to be and will know who has picked them up. 

There is more to come about this. Please watch for a separate message with a demonstration video and detailed instructions closer to the beginning of school.

Mental health supports
This pandemic has been hard on all of us and we understand it may have taken a toll on our students’ mental health. We are looking at ways to provide support, through our Family & School Liaison Counsellor and Pastoral staff. Soon you will find recommendations on the Parent website, and we will announce additional supports as they are available.

It will take some time to get used to the new ways of doing things at school. Again, our goal is to provide information and answer questions so you know what to expect when students arrive. And, these plans are not static - we will continue to adjust as needed, as governments update COVID-19 information and protocols.

Thank you for engaging with us to prepare for an extraordinary year ahead!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Stanford Hielema
Head of School