August 13th, 2020
Dear Cummer Valley Parents/ Guardians,
I know many families are eager to know how our school will open this September under the current COVID conditions. We know that school will look quite different as a result of continued efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. We have been planning for our return and considering all possibilities. Our priority and the Board’s priority is to ensure student and staff well-being and safety.
For more information, the Returning to School: A Guide to the Safe Reopening of the TDSB is now available on the Board’s website and shortly will be on our school’s website for parents to review. In this plan you will be able to see the changes we are making to how schools will open, how we will deliver learning, and the new health and safety measures and protocols that will be in place for schools and for students and staff. All schools will be adopting these new measures and that is why it is very important that families review them ahead of time so that they are aware of what to expect when schools open on September 8.
As we get closer to school opening, staff in TDSB schools will undergo training on the Board’s plan and begin to prepare our school following the guidelines and procedures included in Returning to School: A Guide to the Safe Reopening of the TDSB.
There is much work that needs to be done to get ready for the start of the school year, but both the Board and myself are working to prepare the school and all TDSB schools for a safe reopening. In the weeks ahead, you will be hearing from the Board and from the school on our preparations ahead of September.
I wish you and your family continued enjoyment of the summer and hoping that you are safe and well.
Sincerely,
Esther Leung Tou,
Principal
Frank Costa,
Vice-Principal
March 26, 2020
Dear Cummer Valley Families,
During these challenging times, we hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe. Social distancing has impacted every part of our daily life and the stress caused by it can be difficult to manage especially for our children. We are concerned about the well-being of our staff, students and families and are here to support you during this unprecedented situation.
As you are aware, Premier Doug Ford has announced that schools will not be opening on April 6, 2020 as initially scheduled. We are waiting to hear more details about the specific timelines and we will keep you informed as we receive more information. Please be reminded that much of the information and updates to parents will be accessed and directed through School Connects and the Cummer Valley Website, and the TDSB website.
On March 25, 2020, Director Malloy sent out a letter to our parents outlining the plans of the TDSB to prepare for the teaching and learning of our students. Please continue to use this link to the Ministry of Education’s Learning at Home website, which provides supplementary learning materials in math and literacy for elementary and secondary students. In addition, please continue to use this link to the TDSB additional online resources that will also support the Ministry’s Learn at Home initiative. These websites will help keep students learning and engaged during the first phase of COVID-19 school closure period as TDSB works with the Ministry of Education to develop a plan to establish a delivery of curriculum for an extended closure.
Going forward student well-being and mental health will also be a vital focus. Both school-based staff and Professional Support Services share responsibilities for supporting student well-being. There are a variety of Mental Health and Well-Being Resources for students and families available on the TDSB web.
We are spending this week and next to develop a plan that would connect teachers to their students and to continue curriculum focused learning while accommodating the needs of all our learners.
We are gathering information, assessing needs, and formulating plans about the continuation of learning and will be communicating with families as soon as these plans are finalized.
As we work through the existing barriers to reach our students and families, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding. Please take care of yourself and your family.
Please feel free to reach to out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Yours warmly,
Esther Leung Tou
esther.leungtou@tdsb.on.ca
Krisha Kumar
krisha.kumar@tdsb.on.ca