Subject: Case of COVID-19 at Charles Bowman Public School

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Dear families and staff,

The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, we are letting you know that the Durham Region Health Department has notified us of a case of COVID-19 at our school. The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Those identified as close contacts are asked to isolate at home and will be contacted by Public Health. Staff and students who were not contacted are deemed low risk and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Please continue to self screen daily before entering the school. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms for adults over 18 may include fatigue (generally feeling unwell or tired), or muscle aches and pain. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/COVID19.

If staff or students develop one or more symptoms, immediately self-isolate, get tested at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre at covidswab.lh.ca. If you are unable to self refer online follow up with Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729.

Follow these steps to help protect yourself from COVID-19:

• wear a non-medical mask or face covering
• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home and self-isolate if you are sick
• use physical distancing
• self screen daily
• get vaccinated for COVID-19, if eligible

Our school remains open, and as always, we continue to follow all public health and provincial recommendations, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by Durham Region Health. In addition to these steps, our school will be disinfected by an electrostatic sprayer this evening.

For COVID-19 information in different languages, please click here.

We will let families know of any further developments. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Fehr                   Mary Jane Corradetti

Principal                              Vice Principal 

Subject: Confirmed Case of COVID-19 at Charles Bowman Public School

November 25, 2021

Dear families and staff,

The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, we are letting you know that we have been informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at our school. The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Those identified as close contacts have been asked to isolate at home and will receive more information from Durham Region Health. Staff and students who were not dismissed today are deemed low risk, can continue to attend school and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. 

Please continue to self screen daily before entering the school. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms for adults over 18 may include fatigue (generally feeling unwell or tired), or muscle aches and pain. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/COVID19.

If staff or students develop one or more symptoms, immediately self-isolate, get tested at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre at covidswab.lh.ca. If you are unable to self refer online follow up with Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729.

Follow these steps to help protect yourself from COVID-19:

• wear a non-medical mask or face covering
•  wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
•  sneeze and cough into your sleeve
•  avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
•  avoid contact with people who are sick
•  stay home and self-isolate if you are sick
•  use physical distancing
•  self screen daily 
• get vaccinated for COVID-19, if eligible

Our school remains open, and as always, we continue to follow all public health and provincial recommendations, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by Durham Region Health. In addition to these steps, our school will be disinfected by an electrostatic sprayer this evening. 

For COVID-19 information in different languages, please click here.

We will let families know of any further developments. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Fehr, Principal

Mary Jane Corradetti, Vice-Principal

Vickie Mazzocchi, Vice-Principal

Subject: Case of COVID-19 at Charles Bowman P.S. 

December 2, 2021 

Dear Families,  

The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, we are letting you know that the Durham Region Health Department has notified us of a case of COVID-19 at our school. The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared. We wish them a full and speedy recovery. 

Those identified as close contacts are isolating at home and will be contacted by Public Health. Staff and students who were not dismissed from school are deemed low risk and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  

Please continue to self screen daily before entering the school. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms for adults over 18 may include fatigue (generally feeling unwell or tired), or muscle aches and pain. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/COVID19. 

If staff or students develop one or more symptoms, immediately self-isolate, get tested at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre at covidswab.lh.ca. If you are unable to self refer online follow up with Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729. 

Follow these steps to help protect yourself from COVID-19: 

• wear a non-medical mask or face covering 
• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve 
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth 
• avoid contact with people who are sick 
• stay home and self-isolate if you are sick 
• use physical distancing 
• self screen daily  
• get vaccinated for COVID-19, if eligible 

Case of COVID-19 at Charles Bowman Public School

December 8, 2021

Dear families, 

We need to let you know that the Durham Region Health Department has notified us of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at our school. The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Those identified as close contacts have been asked to isolate at home and will be contacted by Public Health. Staff and students who were not contacted are deemed low risk, and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. 

Please continue to self screen daily before entering the school. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms for adults over 18 may include fatigue (generally feeling unwell or tired), or muscle aches and pain. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/COVID19.

If staff or students develop one or more symptoms, immediately self-isolate, get tested at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre at covidswab.lh.ca. If you are unable to self refer online follow up with Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729.

Follow these steps to help protect yourself from COVID-19:

• wear a non-medical mask or face covering
•  wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
•  sneeze and cough into your sleeve
•  avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
•  avoid contact with people who are sick
•  stay home and self-isolate if you are sick
•  use physical distancing
•  self screen daily 
• get vaccinated for COVID-19, if eligible

Our school remains open, and as always, we continue to follow all public health and provincial recommendations, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by Durham Region Health. In addition to these steps, our school has been disinfected by an electrostatic sprayer. 

For COVID-19 information in different languages, please click here.  We will let families know of any further developments. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Fehr             Mary Jane Corradetti            Vickie Mazzocchi

Principal                         Vice Principal                          Vice Principal

December 16, 2021

Dear Families and Staff, 

We have been notified of two cases of COVID-19 at our school. The identity of the individuals is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Those identified as close contacts have been notified and are receiving information from the Durham Region Health Department. Staff and students who were not dismissed from school are deemed low risk and should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. 

Please continue to self screen daily before entering the school. Common COVID-19 symptoms include fever (temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms for adults over 18 may include fatigue (generally feeling unwell or tired), or muscle aches and pain. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/COVID19.

If staff or students develop one or more symptoms, immediately self-isolate, get tested at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre at covidswab.lh.ca. If you are unable to self refer online follow up with Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729.

Follow these steps to help protect yourself from COVID-19:

• wear a non-medical mask or face covering
• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home and self-isolate if you are sick
• use physical distancing
• self screen daily 
• get vaccinated for COVID-19, if eligible

Our school remains open, and as always, we continue to follow all public health and provincial recommendations, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by Durham Region Health. In addition to these steps, our school will be disinfected by an electrostatic sprayer this evening. 

For COVID-19 information in different languages, please click here.

We will let families know of any further developments. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jackie Fehr, Principal 

Mary Jane Corradetti, Vice-Principal

Vickie Mazzocchi, Acting Vice-Principal

December 18, 2021

Dear Families,

We have been notified of a case of COVID-19 at our school. The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared. We wish them a full and speedy recovery.

Those identified as close contacts have been notified through a separate message and provided with information from the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD). Anyone who did not receive information from DRHD is deemed low risk, but should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  

If there are additional cases connected to our school, close contacts will be contacted through School Messenger on behalf of DRHD, regarding self-isolation requirements. During the holiday period, any additional COVID cases connected to our school will be reported on the school board website:  https://www.kprschools.ca/en/COVID19Reporting.html 

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.durham.ca/COVID19.

For COVID-19 information in different languages, please click here.

If staff or students develop COVID symptoms, immediately self-isolate, and get tested at a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre at covidswab.lh.ca. If you are unable to self refer online, please follow up with Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) at 1-800-841-2729.

Wishing you a safe holiday break.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Fehr, Principal

Mary Jane Corradetti, Vice-Principal

Vickie Mazzocchi, Acting Vice-Principal

Charles Bowman News - January 5, 2022

Dear Charles Bowman Families,

Happy New Year! We hope you have had a restful and rejuvenating holiday break. We

welcome 2022 with hope and enthusiasm for a great year ahead filled with new

experiences and many successes for our students.

As you are all aware, learning for our students is remote for now. We recognize the

challenges this may bring to students and families and we will continue to work in

partnership with you to support student learning and well-being in whatever ways we

are able. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any questions or concerns and

they will be happy assisting you.

Information regarding Remote Learning and Technology Attainment can be found

below as well as on the KPR website. Also, please find the “10 Guidelines for KPR

Families” for remote learning below.

Office hours for pickup or drop off of any necessary items will be Fridays from 9:00am

to 12:00pm. If you need to access the school at an alternate time, please contact the

office to make arrangements.

We look forward to seeing everyone in person as soon as we are able. Take care and stay

well.

Yours in partnership,

Mary Jane Corradetti, Principal

Vickie Mazzocchi, Vice-Principal

Bob Sinclair, Vice-Principal

Upcoming Dates (dates can also be found on Edsby)

• January 5, 2022 - First day of remote classes for 2022
• January 13, 2022 - School Council Virtual Meeting, 6:30 pm
• January 31, 2022 - PA Day
• February 21, 2022 - Family Day (no classes)

Technology Device Requests

Families requiring technology support for students during this period are asked to

complete the form linked here: KPR Technology Request. Requests received by

Wednesday, January 5th at 9 pm will be deployed on Friday, January 7th at the student’s

home school, with later requests being met the following week.

Please note: To be responsive to the learning requirements in the secondary

quadmester model, we will be prioritizing secondary student requests ahead of

elementary student requests for devices. Families will require student OEN numbers to

complete their request, which can be found on students’ report cards (Report cards are

available in Edsby). If you do not have an OEN# or it will not work in the google form,

please email kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca with student name, date of birth and home

school.

10 Guidelines for KPR Families (For Remote Learning)

The transition to remote learning can be complex for families. Families will need to think

differently about a) how to support their children; b) how to create structures and

routines that allow their children to be successful; c) how to monitor and support their

children’s learning. Some students will thrive with remote learning, while others may

need time to adapt. The ten guidelines provided below are intended to help families

think about what they can do to help their children find success in a remote learning

environment.

1—Establish routines and expectations

KPR encourages families to set regular hours for their children’s school work. Educators will

follow the regular school day schedule to create consistency for family planning. Keep normal

bedtime routines for younger children and expect the same from your older aged students, too.

(Don’t let them stay up late and sleep in!) Encourage your child to move regularly and take

periodic breaks as they study. It is important that families set these expectations for how their

children will spend their days.

2—Define the physical space for your child’s study

Your child may have a regular place for doing homework under normal circumstances, but this

space may or may not be suitable for an extended period of time, such as through remote

learning. We encourage families to establish a space/location where their children will learn

most of the time. This should be a public/family space where adults are present and able to

monitor their children’s learning.

3—Monitor communications from your children’s educators

Educators will communicate with families through established platforms (e.g,Edsby, Google

Classroom, D2L). If families do not have access to the internet then communication will take

place by phone. KPR encourages families to contact their children’s educators to be partner’s in

their child’s education.

4—Begin and end each day with a check-in

Adults are encouraged to start and finish each day with a simple check-in. In the morning, ask

what is your child learning today? How will they spend their time? What resources do they

require? What support do they need? This brief grounding conversation matters. It allows

children to process the instructions they’ve received from their educators. It helps students

organize themselves, set priorities and continue to engage in the learning.

5—Take an active role in helping your children process and own their learning

In the course of a regular school day at KPR, your child engages with other students or adults

frequently. While some of these social interactions will be re-created on virtual platforms,

others will not. Human beings learn best when they have opportunities to process their learning

with others. Beyond the check-ins recommended at the start and end of each day, adults are

encouraged to regularly circle back and engage with their children about what they’re learning.

It’s important that you let your child own their work. Educators will be explicit and distinguish

for students and parents/guardians learning “in progress” tasks (when parents/guardians can

support) from assessment independent tasks (when it is important that students show what

they know on their own).

6—Establish a schedule and structure for learning

As families with multiple children adapt to the routines of learning remotely, they will need to

work to balance all of their children’s needs, especially when those children are different ages

and have different schedules for learning. There may be times when siblings need to work in

different rooms to avoid distraction.

7—Encourage physical activity and/or exercise

Make sure your children remember to move and exercise. This is vitally important to their

health, wellbeing, and to their learning. Building in for opportunities for movement or a change

of scenery will support students to sustain focus during learning.

8—Remain mindful of your child’s stress or worry

It is imperative for adults to help their children manage the range of emotions they may

experience due to school closure. Support your child to see a positive perspective through

modelling an optimistic outlook on situations and maintaining a normal routine as much as

possible.

9—Monitor how much time your child is spending online

Finding a balance between online and “offline” learning experiences is important for supporting

student well-being. Encourage your child to reflect on whether after interacting online

throughout the day, they would benefit from offline down time, instead of engaging in virtual

activities after school hours.

10—Keep your children social, but set rules around their social media interactions

Help your children maintain contact with their peers. Please monitor your children’s social

media use during this extended school closure. If your child uses social media to connect with

peers, encourage respectful and appropriate use of technology as a part of being a responsible

digital citizen.

Dear KPR Families,

As a school community we are very happy to welcome our students back following the holiday break. As we shift to remote learning, we can appreciate how difficult the transition has been for students, their parents/caregivers, and staff. Please know that your child’s learning, mental health, and well-being is very important to us, and that we are here to help. At KPR we will continue to prioritize your child’s well-being through a range of classroom-based supports and programs, and professional services. You are not alone; we will continue to navigate together.

It has consistently been demonstrated that the pandemic has had a significant impact on children and youth’s mental health. WITH CARE is a tip sheet that has been developed by School Mental Health Ontario, for use by parents and caregivers. This resource may be helpful in recognizing and understanding the signs or symptoms of a mental health problem for children and youth.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, there are a number of ways that you can seek help. Please speak with your child’s classroom teacher or their Principal who can help to direct you to resources and supports within the Board, or in your community.

If your child requires urgent assistance with their mental health symptoms, there are a number of excellent crisis-based resources available to KPR students:

Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868 provides 24/7 access to counselling support for children and youth.

The Black Youth Helpline offers support for all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, and provides professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families, and schools. Please call: 1-833-294-8650

The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Please call 1-855-242-3310

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) offers a 24-hour Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line with culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario in both English and French, please call: 1-877-767-7572.

Families should also use Ontario 211 to explore additional community-based services in your area.

We recognize that during these very difficult times, everyone has had a different experience with the pandemic and that each of us has different challenges to navigate during these times. While there is no single approach that will meet everyone’s needs, we do hope that in working together we may be able to mitigate the challenges associated with this current shift to remote learning.

Charles Bowman News - January 14, 2022

Dear Charles Bowman Families,

Our doors are opening once again for in person learning on Monday, January 17, 2022.
School staff are so looking forward to welcoming all students back to the building.

Thank you to our staff who have, once again, committed themselves to student learning
and well-being during remote learning, and for working to prepare for the return to in
person learning. Thank you to you, our school community, for your continued support,
understanding and patience as we work together with your families.

We recognize that this newsletter is lengthy but we wanted to be sure you had access to
all of the information you require prior to arrival at school on Monday. Teaching Staff
may also provide classroom information via their preferred method of communication.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school office,
905-697-1777. Information can also be found on the board website:
https://www.kprschools.ca/en.html

Yours in partnership,

Mary Jane Corradetti, Principal
Vickie Mazzocchi, Vice-Principal
Bob Sinclair, Vice-Principal

Follow us on Twitter @CharlesBowmanPS

Upcoming Dates (dates can also be found on Edsby)
● January 17, 2022 - Return to School
● January 25, 2022 - School Council Virtual Meeting, 6:30 pm
● January 31, 2022 - PA Day
● February 21, 2022 - Family Day (no classes)

Charles Bowman Kiss’n Ride Drop Off

The Kiss’n Ride drop off can be an excellent convenience for students & parents. It is
only safe and effective if everyone follows the drop off procedures. These
procedures are in place for 2 reasons:

1. For the safety of the students, staff and adults.
2. To ensure a timely and efficient drop off.

PLEASE…..
● do not park and leave vehicles, except to undo a seat belt or car seat and escort
children to the sidewalk if necessary. Once on the sidewalk your child will know
where to go.
● do not stop in the parking lot at the front of the school or near the exit on the east
side of the parking lot. This area is reserved for bussing and staff parking and is
busy with walkers with no crossing guard.
● leave parking for staff as all spaces are needed.
● drive slowly when in the parking area, being mindful of pedestrian traffic.
● if walking onto the property, use sidewalks, avoiding cutting through the parking
lot, to ensure proper visibility by drivers.

Kiss’n Ride is not available for pick up at the end of the day. If you wish to pick up your
child at 3:35 pm please meet them on the road. We understand that parking space is
very limited around the school. We appreciate your support, cooperation and
understanding with the safe arrival.

Technology Device Return

Charles Bowman deployed almost 300 devices for remote Learning. We require ALL
families who have borrowed technology to return devices along with power cord/power
supply to Charles Bowman on Monday, January 17. We will rehouse these devices to our
computer carts for in-person learning. Students are asked to turn the device and power
cord to their classroom teacher.

Inclement Weather Days

During inclement weather schools will remain open to staff and students. Instruction
will continue on these days. Teachers will deliver instruction to students who arrive
in-person and provide appropriate, asynchronous learning activities that will be shared
electronically (via email, posted on Edsby or Google Classroom) to those students who
remain at home.

On winter mornings, inclement weather and poor road conditions may lead to the delay
or cancellation of school transportation services.

The decision to cancel bus service due to inclement weather is made based on the daily
weather forecast and in consultation with area bus companies between 5:00 a.m. and
6:00 a.m. All cancellation notifications are posted on STSCO’s website www.stsco.ca by
6:15 a.m. Radio stations and STSCO’s social media accounts are also updated at the
same time. If you have provided an email address to STSCO, you will receive a
cancellation or delay notification for your child(ren)’s route(s).

Reminders:
• Listen to your favourite local radio station for cancellation updates
• Visit www.stsco.ca in the morning for delays or cancellations; and
• Access STSCO’s Parent Login at www.stsco.ca to sign up to receive delay and
cancellation information by email and to obtain your child’s bus route number, bus
company name, and bus company phone number.
• Follow STSCO on Facebook or Twitter to learn about Mass Region or County
Cancellations.
• If a bus is cancelled in the morning, it will also be cancelled in the afternoon.
• Make sure that your child is at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled bus
arrival time in the morning. If you meet your child in the afternoon, make sure you are
at the stop 10 minutes before bus arrival.
• Review busing procedures with your child so they will know what to do if their bus is
late or cancelled.

KPR News

Provincial Screening Tool and KPR Screening Confirmation

To help keep students and staff safe, it is VERY important to monitor for symptoms of
illness and complete the Daily Self-Assessment Tool before coming to school. The
assessment provides direction regarding symptoms and isolation requirements.

Most importantly, students and staff must not come to school when they are ill.

There have been provincial changes to the symptoms list, and to isolation requirements.
Regardless of vaccination status, if someone in a household has possible COVID
symptoms (as identified by the screening tool), everyone in the household must
isolate, and not attend school.

Please use the tool every day and follow the guidelines. After completing the screening,
please fill out the KPR Daily Screening Confirmation Form for each of the students in your
household. Multiple students can be added to the form. This form must be completed
each day.

Updated Mask Requirements - Including Kindergarten Students

With the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and with the
recommendation of our local public health partners, all Kindergarten students will now
be included in the mandatory masking requirement. ALL students must wear a properly
fitting cloth or medical mask, except for those with approved medical exemptions.

As a reminder, due to the increased volume of people, and difficulty in maintaining
social distance, parents and caregivers are required to wear masks on school property
during school pick-up and drop-off times.

Personal Protective Equipment (3-ply masks for students) and RAT (Rapid Antigen
Tests)

Although students are still encouraged to bring their own masks to school each day,
students will also have access to a limited supply of 3-ply cloth masks at school.

The provincial government has announced plans to provide two Rapid Antigen Tests to
all staff and students. We will distribute our allocation as soon as it is available. Schools
also have a limited supply of PCR tests on hand. These will be distributed to students
and staff who develop COVID symptoms while they are at school, while supplies last.

Communication Changes re: COVID Cases in Schools
Provincial direction for managing COVID cases in schools and child care centres has
changed. The new guidance includes public health changes that will affect COVID
testing, reporting, communication and contact management.

With reduced access to testing, schools and school boards often will not have
information about positive COVID cases in schools, and are no longer publicly reporting
cases.

As part of our commitment to support student and staff safety and open
communication, when we are informed of possible COVID exposures as a result of
positive Rapid Antigen Tests or PCR tests, we will share that information with affected
classes/staff and/or buses.

Public Health will no longer be dismissing students or staff as close contacts when
there are confirmed or suspected COVID cases in schools. In accordance with public
health guidelines, students and staff who may have been exposed to COVID at school
are NOT required to isolate themselves as close contacts, unless they do not pass the
school screening tool.

Virtual Learning Portal

For any families who wish to transfer to virtual learning for the rest of the school year,
the Virtual Learning Portal is now open to accept transfer requests.

Virtual learning requests will be accepted for elementary students from January 13 - 21,
with students transitioning to Virtual Elementary School (VES) February 1. While
students wait to begin in the VES, they will continue to be connected to their current
class and can discuss options for doing this with their school principal.

The secondary student virtual learning portal is open from January 13 - February 2, with
students transitioning to Virtual High School February 2. It is recommended that
requests be made as soon as possible to allow for quicker transitions for students.

Ventilation in Schools

Most KPR schools have centrally controlled air refresh systems, monitored and
maintained in optimal condition by qualified staff. At these schools, we have installed
higher grade air filters (MERV 13 filters). The systems also have alarms so that we can
identify and fix problems immediately. We have upgraded the minimum amount of fresh
air in our air exchange systems from 20% to at least 35%.

Over the past year, we placed over 1,200 stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate
air) filter units in classrooms, starting with all Kindergarten classrooms.

Air inside our schools is totally exchanged 1-2 hours before students and staff arrive
each day. We also hired an independent HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
consultant to review all of our plans and ensure we are taking the best possible steps
for the next 5 years.

As a result of these steps, we can confirm that all classrooms in KPR are serviced by
either a stand-alone HEPA unit or a mechanical HVAC system.

For more information regarding ventilation in our schools, please visit our website:
https://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/SchoolImprovements.html

Outdoor Cohorting

To reduce student contacts, during recess and outdoor activities, students will remain in
their class cohorts. When students are unable to distance outdoors, they will be asked
to wear masks.

Additional Precautions

The following will be paused temporarily to help ensure the health and well-being of
students:
● Indoor high contact and high intensity activities, such as wrestling or basketball.
● Multi-cohort choirs and wind instrument ensembles.

Low contact indoor sports and other activities can continue, with masking and
distancing protocols in place.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The province is providing two rapid antigen tests (RATs) for every staff and student attending in-person learning in KPR schools. We have received our shipment and are sending them home with students on Thursday, January 20 and Friday, January 21, 2022.

These tests are for at-home use if your child develops symptoms of illness.

Individuals with symptoms who test negative twice (24-48 hours apart) may return to school if symptoms are improving, in accordance with the isolation guidance outlined in the school screening tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Please remember to complete the Daily Self-Assessment Tool before coming to school and stay home if ill.  Please use the tool every day and follow the guidelines. After completing the screening, please fill out the KPR Daily Screening Confirmation Form for each of the students in your household.  Multiple students can be added to the form. This form must be completed each day. 

Virtual Learning Portal 

For any families who wish to transfer to virtual learning for the rest of the school year, the Virtual Learning Portal is now open to accept transfer requests.

Virtual learning requests will be accepted for elementary students from January 13 - 21, with students transitioning to Virtual Elementary School (VES) February 1. While students wait to begin in the VES, they will continue to be connected to their current class and can discuss options for doing this with their school principal.  

Thank you

February 16, 2022

Dear Parent or Legal Guardian,

Re:  Age 5-11 COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Students with Returned Signed Parent/Legal Guardian Consent

We are pleased to confirm COVID – 19 vaccine clinics will be held at Charles Bowman Public School. The first vaccine clinic will be held on February 23, 2022. The second vaccine clinic will be held on April 20, 2022, to provide the second dose to your child.

For those who have provided a signed consent, your child will be vaccinated during school hours. A parent/guardian will need to be available by phone the day of the clinic. Your child will need to be able to identify themselves by telling the nurse two pieces of information such as name, date of birth, address, or phone number. If they are unable to do so, they will not receive vaccine at the school clinic.

If you choose to withdraw consent, you must email consent@durham.ca by 8 AM the day of your child’s vaccine appointment. In your email please provide your child’s name, date of birth, and school they attend to ensure the necessary follow-up is completed.

While COVID-19 vaccinations are safe, we understand you or your child may have questions about the vaccine. Please speak to your child about the many benefits of being vaccinated against COVID-19. To prepare your child for vaccination, please review Facts About COVID-19 Vaccine For Children 5-11, My COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap, and CARD Tool for further information. If you have further questions, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6242 or 1-800-841-2729. 

Sincerely, 

Regina Elliott RN, MN

Program Manager

Durham Region Health DepartmentDurham Region Health Department

Charles Bowman News - March 2022

Dear Charles Bowman Families,

It is so wonderful having all of our students in the building. The energy is positive and
you can definitely feel that spring is around the corner. We look forward to having more
opportunities for more outdoor learning and seeing less ice and more grass on our field.

We welcome any and all parents and guardians to our School Council Meetings, the next
one scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 6:30 pm where we will welcome
Superintendent Jamila Maliha as a special guest. Please call or message us on Edsby if
you would like to attend and a link will be sent out to you.

If you require access to Edsby, where you will be able to access reports cards, class and
school information and a communication tool, please contact your child’s teacher.
Teachers are able to send you an invitation to sign up.

Please see below for some updated information and as always, we thank you for your
ongoing support of our hard working, dedicated staff and school.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school office,
905-697-1777. Information can also be found on the board website:
https://www.kprschools.ca/en.html

Yours in education partnership,

Mary Jane Corradetti, Principal
Vickie Mazzocchi, Vice-Principal
Bob Sinclair, Interim Vice-Principal

Follow us on Twitter @CharlesBowmanPS

Upcoming Dates (dates can also be found on Edsby)
● March 3, 2022 - Durham Region Public Health - Vaccination Clinic 4:30-7:30
● March 8, 2022 - Grade 6 and Kindergarten Graduation Photos
● March 11, 2022 - Non-Instructional School Day (No school for students)
● March 13-17, 2022 - March Break
● March 21, 2022 - Return to School
● March 23, 2022 - Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
● April 8, 2022 - PA Day
● April 15-18, 2022 - Easter Weekend

Kindergarten Registration
Welcome to Kindergarten in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board! We're
looking forward to welcoming new Kindergarten students to our local public schools this
September. Kindergarten teachers and Early Childhood Educators work together to
provide safe, inclusive, engaging programming where students learn through play.

Visit our website at www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten to register online for the 2022-23
school year.

Durham Region Public Health - After Hours Vaccination Clinic
Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) is offering additional opportunities for
residents to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine at immunization clinics that will occur at select
schools across Durham Region. These clinics are being held after school hours and
during March break. The clinics are open to all eligible residents, including children 5 –
11 years old and youth/adults 12 years of age and older for first, second or booster doses.
The clinics will be walk-in only and no appointments are required.

Our school has been selected as one of the locations:
Thursday, March 3
4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Information about additional clinic locations, dates and times is available on the clinic
calendar. To learn more, please see the DRHD website www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Family Pizza Night
Domino’s has prepared a special combo meal for Charles Bowman Public School!
Order the Family Pizza Special outlined below and our school will receive a $5.00
contribution from each order. Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Use code FPNM to order:
2 Medium 3-Topping Pizzas Your choice of Cinna Stix®
Bread Sticks or Cheesy Bread
All for a discounted price of just $ 24.99

Use code FPNL to order:
2 Large 3-Topping Pizzas Your choice of Cinna Stix®
Bread Sticks or Cheesy Bread

All for a discounted price of just $ 29.99

Anyone can help support the school by ordering on March 3rd, friends, teachers,
business owners and relatives. Please share with your contacts, fundraise for the school,
and enjoy a meal you don't have to cook!

Spirit Wear Sales - **Coming Soon**
Charles Bowman is excited to announce the opportunity to order Bowman Bulldog spirit
wear in the very near future. Please stay tuned for more information coming your way.

KPR News

Volunteers In School
Based on updated provincial guidance, and in discussion with local public health partners,
we are pleased to be able to begin welcoming volunteers back into KPR buildings.

Volunteers who did not already complete the vaccination attestation process in the fall,
must attest using this online form.

After completing the attestation process online, volunteers must print or bring an electronic
copy of their vaccination receipt to the school when volunteering. This can be shown at the
school office or to your activity contact person at the school during the sign-in process.

As a reminder, all visitors to schools must also complete the provincial COVID-19 school
screening tool prior to attending school each day:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Provincial Funding Announcement
Yesterday the provincial government announced a number of significant investments in
mental health and learning recovery for students. Minister Stephen Lecce presented
Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan – a five-point plan to strengthen learning recovery in
reading and math, including tutoring supports, summer programs and mental health
resources to bridge learning gaps, support academic success and focus on overall student
well-being.

School board administration is reviewing the details related to this announcement and we
look forward to implementing programs and resources to support student success.

The full announcement is available here.

Travel Guidelines
As part of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the Government of Canada has announced a
series of adjustments to the current border measures and requirements for international
travel.

As of February 28, 2022, the following changes will take place:
● Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will continue to be exempt
from quarantine. They are no longer required to wait 14 days before attending school or child
care.
● All unvaccinated travellers (including children under 12 travelling with unvaccinated adults) will
continue to be required to follow federal requirements for testing and quarantining, including
not attending school or child care for 14 days.

Changes have also been made to the pre-entry testing requirements. Visit the federal travel
website prior to booking any travel arrangements: COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering
Canada - Travel restrictions in Canada.

Please remember to complete the COVID-19 school screening tool every day before coming
to school or child care.

Extracurricular Activities Resuming
We were pleased to hear the provincial announcement that extracurricular activities may
resume at all schools, including high-contact sports. In alignment with advice from public health
officials, protocols will remain in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19, including masking
and screening. Students may temporarily remove their mask where required, to enable active
participation in activities such as playing basketball or musical instruments. Indoor
curriculum-based programs including health and physical education and music, will continue
with similar masking and other health and safety requirements in place.

These activities provide important opportunities for both physical activity and social connection,
and we look forward to welcoming students back to clubs, sports and groups.

School Year Calendar
At this week’s Board meeting, the Board approved minor changes to the 2022-2023 School
Year Calendar.

Highlights of the calendar include:
● 1st day of classes – Tuesday, September 6, 2022
● Last day of classes – Wednesday, June 28, 2023 (revised)
● Winter Break – Monday, December 26, 2022 (Friday, Dec 23, 2022 will be the last day of
school) through to Friday, January 6, 2023 (Monday, January 9, 2023 will be the first day
of classes)
● March Break – (March 10 to March 17, 2023)

The calendar has now been submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval.

We are excited to be moving forward with construction of a new
$19.9 million school to serve students and families in the Northglen
neighborhood and surrounding Bowmanville area!

To help us create a common vision for the design phase of the project,
the board has partnered with Fielding International to identify preferred
learning space and design options as part of a common vision for the
new school.

In support of this visioning process, please join us at an evening forum
for family and community members to provide input on some of the
possible learning spaces and design features of the new school.

Thursday, May 26, 2022
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Charles Bowman PS – Gymnasium
195 Bons Avenue
Bowmanville, Ontario
L1C 0L3

To help us plan for this event, please take a
moment and register your attendance here.