COVID-19 update: Plans for 2020/2021 school year
Dear Timothy Christian School community,
We are grateful to God, our Heavenly Father, for carrying us through the unprecedented time of school building closure since mid-March through June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With His help, TCS students thrived and were able to end the 2019-2020 school year successfully. A beautiful Zoom graduation for the Grade 8 class was held in late June that was a meaningful time of celebration for all. We congratulate the 2020 graduating Grade 8 class for all their accomplishments!
Commendation for TCS community
Students, Parents, Administration, Board and Faculty of Timothy Christian School (TCS) have done a tremendous job adjusting to the unpredicted mandated online learning after March 13, 2020. The TCS community is to be commended for adapting and thriving during this period. The foundation for online learning has been established and we will be prepared to continue this mode of learning with excellence if required by the public health situation. We would like to express appreciation for the tremendous support you have provided for your children throughout this period of online learning. We acknowledge that supporting your children’s learning during this time required an enhanced engagement and commitment from you as parents. Thank you for your excellent support of the TCS staff as well.
We are grateful for the TCS teachers and staff for their exceptional flexibility and creative online instruction throughout this period. They worked to maintain connection and community while carrying on with curriculum with excellence.
September Reopening
The TCS Board and Faculty are working towards a fully opened school in September.
Although the government mandate for September reopening will not be confirmed until mid to late August, TCS will be prepared for the three scenarios laid out by the Ontario Ministry of Education for Elementary Schools. The faculty have successfully researched and prepared protocol for each of the three scenarios listed below, under Principal Marg Lise’s leadership:
1. Fully Open School Buildings and students in school full time:
a) Normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols – students will attend school every day with regular classroom size.
b) Modified school day with a 15-student cohort in each classroom with enhanced public health protocols.
2. Blended Hybrid Learning Model with cohorts of 15 students. This may require alternate days at school and home for Grades 4-8.
3. Remote Online Learning – unified learning platform for each grade which will involve both synchronous (for example, Zoom or Google Meet) and asynchronous (for example, Google Classroom) methods of delivery.
In the fully open school building scenario, as well as the modified scenario and blended hybrid scenarios, enhanced public health protocols must be established for the health and safety of our children. If there is a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and there is a government-mandated school building closure, the TCS faculty will be prepared to transition smoothly to remote online learning.
In either case of hybrid or online learning contexts, TCS teachers will be ready to provide students with a developmentally appropriate program that provides an excellent quality Christian education and continuity to the academic curriculum and social-emotional growth that is part of the TCS experience.
Health and Safety Protocols
1. An Advisory Committee has been formed. This committee has been tasked with overseeing the public health situation and will help us with implementation of health-related protocols.
2. High-contact surfaces must be sanitized throughout the day. Classrooms, washrooms and public areas such as door handles and entryways will be cleaned throughout the day.
3. Mandatory at-home screening for children, such as checking temperatures and watching for symptoms such as cough, fever and running nose, will be necessary. A checklist will be sent home to parents with screening requirements. Any child who exhibits symptoms will be required to remain home until symptoms are gone. If a child becomes sick while they are at school, the child will need to go home to rest and recuperate.
4. More details will be provided in future communication.
Confidence for September
Although none of us were aware that this pandemic would cause so many changes to our daily lives, we remain confident in our Sovereign Heavenly Father, who through Jesus Christ is able to provide for all of our needs. We are looking forward to being reunited together as a community and to mutually support one another. With Christ as our Solid Rock and Foundation, we have great expectations for the school year of 2020-2021.
May the Lord bless you and your family,
Jacob Speelman (Board Chair)
Marg Lise (outgoing Principal)
Jocelyn Paas (incoming Principal)