Principal's Message

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

 Dear St. Ignatius School Families,

 Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! It is with great excitement that we begin a year that is filled with hope for the future!

 After more than two years of navigating the impacts of COVID-19 as a community, St. Ignatius School is well prepared to welcome students back on September 7, 2022. For the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, schools will be at the Limited Risk (GREEN) Level of pandemic preparedness. Therefore, there are no restrictions in place! However, St. Ignatius School remains ready to pivot to meet all Public Health guidelines that may be introduced during the school year. Our Caution (Yellow), Restricted (Orange) and Critical (Red) plans are complete and comprehensive plans that are unique to our School Facility based on the most up-to-date public health information and guidance available to us. Careful planning will ensure the safety and well-being of our students and our staff throughout the school year.

Four Priority areas will guide the practice at St. Ignatius School. 

 

• The Health and safety of our students and our staff 
• Promoting mental health and wellness 

• Focusing on re-establishing relationships, routines and experiences such as field trips, school events, etc. 
• Assessing and addressing the impact COVID-19 has had on student learning 

 Key Changes:

• All students and staff will be required to wear masks. This includes Nursery to grade 8 regardless of vaccination status.
• All staff is required to be vaccinated, or will be required to have regular rapid testing done

Summary of Public Health Guidelines  

 

•  On September 7, 2022, classes will resume with all Nursery to Grade 8 students returning to full-time in-class learning.  
• Schools will be re-opening at Limited Risk (Green) on the Pandemic Response System. 
• In the event that the level of risk changes, St. Ignatius School may implement additional measures. 
• Although Public Health Recommendations will be strongly considered, St. Ignatius School may choose to implement measures beyond the recommendations of Public Health 
• Assemblies, gatherings and events in the school and in the Church can proceed. 

• Extra-curricular activities, sports and field trips can proceed. 

 

Fundamentals Remain in Place 

• Staff and students should monitor daily for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 
• Self-screening and staying home when sick/preventing individuals who are ill from entering the school  

• Cleaning and disinfecting will focus on high-touch surfaces and common areas 
• Frequent hand washing will be encouraged 
• Practicing respiratory etiquette such as covering a cough will be reinforced 
• Encouraging vaccinations and routine immunizations will occur 
• Mask use will be recommended based on person risk assessment and/or preference. Respecting individual choices regarding mask use will be reinforced 

• If staff and students choose to wear masks, they are encouraged to bring their own masks 
• A supply of masks will be available in the short term for use as needed. 
• Maintaining a supply of masks and rapid antigen tests for staff and students to use if needed 
• Having plans in place for when students become ill at school. 

 It is truly a privilege to work with and learn beside our gifted students. It is an honour to serve this amazing community. The staff at St. Ignatius School is very excited to introduce new leadership opportunities for our middle years students. The St. Ignatius School Board is eager to move forward with our next five year strategic plan. Once this plan is in place, we will embark on the next chapter of the St. Ignatius School story which has a long history in the community. Founded 110 years ago, St. Ignatius School is proud to continue its mission to provide quality spiritual and academic growth based on the principle that every child is created in the image of God.

Trusting in His care,

Mrs. Jeannine Pistawka

Principal