We are a bit of a last stretch this week before the break in February and I can tell that families and students are probably feeling that the multiple days of cold and turbulent weather this winter has been enough for all of us. If we all hope and wish together, maybe our positive energy for it will have us all come back to warmer temperatures in March. That said we’ll all have to be considering whether March comes in like a lion or like a lamb and what the end of that month will have in store for us.

I know everyone is talking about the provincial announcement about masks and not requiring them after the break. The school division has done a great job of sending out updates all year as they get new information and so you’ll be aware that starting on February 28 we will not require students to wear those masks in school. I look forward to seeing those faces and smiles again after not having a chance for a couple years. I also look forward to meeting some students face to face who we’ve never had the chance to do that with before. That all said, we also want to support families and staff and students who are uncomfortable with the change and will encourage those students and staff to continue to wear the masks as they might need to. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss this and how we can support your student.

Our school year was split into quads for the senior grades this year after a school division survey completed last year by staff and students, as well as parents gave feedback in support. Another survey was sent out this year and the responses collected showed a variety of supports for quads and also for semestered classes. We will be connecting with students and staff in the school as well to hear that variety of supports for both and making timetable plans that reflect those answers and our current staffing levels and course offerings.

With the end of the month changes to the health mandates, much of our previous practices at school will return. Like many schools and staffs and students, we hope that some simpler days are ahead of us. Thank you again for your adjustments to our practices over the last school year and a half. Your cooperation through some difficult changes and restrictions is appreciated.

I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable break with family and friends and hope your students return on February 28 rejuvenated and ready for the next chunk of the school year. I’ll also leave you with a heads up reminder of the March 7 day of no school for students.

That’s all for now.  For further information and updates from the students and classrooms, check out our school website at http://blogs.spiritsd.ca/hanley/.  As always, Mr. Hindmarsh and I would love to talk to you if you have time to send us a message or give us a call. We’ll talk to you soon.