Stingray Statement Community Bulletin April 2021 - Louis Riel ...
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Stingray Statement Community Bulletin April 2021
A Message From Administration
Dear General Vanier School Community,
There are times as a principal when you are asked more questions than you have answers for, and the best you can do is to
listen to your families, know their concerns, and then work towards getting everyone on, or at least near, the same
page. There are two questions that in one form or another we have heard repeatedly throughout the past few weeks. The
first is “What will school look like next year?” concerning the pandemic, and the second is “What will school look like
next year,” concerning Bill 64.
Concerning the Pandemic:
Dr. Roussin, Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer, has often been heard saying, “If I had a crystal ball…I would tell
you,” when asked about what will happen next with the pandemic. It does not make any one feel better when he says this,
but it is the honest truth. Unfortunately, at the writing of this note, we cannot say what restrictions, we will be under at
the start of the 2021/2022 school year. Currently we are making two sets of plans: one set for a return close to normal,
and another set for a return with similar school restrictions to the current year. As more information is made available, we
will keep our community informed.
We would like to thank the staff, students, and community for their support with the many changes that we have had to
make to the way that education has traditionally been delivered and for your careful compliance to the many health
protocols that we have had placed on us.
We are not finished with this illness yet, but we are optimistic.
Concerning Bill 64:
“In order for the Legislative Assembly to enact a law, a Bill must be prepared. Bills are proposed laws. If passed by the
Assembly and given Royal Assent, they become part of the law of the Province. Once part of provincial law, Bills are
known as Acts or Statutes.” - www.gov.mb.ca
Bill 64 is a Provincial Bill unlike many other educational bills. It is a complete reworking of the current Public Schools
Act that changes the structure and the functioning of many of its key components such as school boards, administrative
personnel, parent representation, and the accountability of staff to provincial standards. The Bill was revealed on March
15, and we are continuing to learn about what the many changes mean for GV and education in Manitoba.
We encourage you to be informed and engaged.
The Louis Riel School Division has created a story that contains many useful links to the most up-to-date information.
https://www.lrsd.net/news/pages/education-announcement-and-lrsd.aspx
As well, a recent PARENT POST by the Louis Riel School Division has additional information and a link to a Thought
Exchange if you wish to share your thoughts with the LRSD.
As a parent, it is difficult to keep up with the many changes that are occurring. If either of us can be any help to you,
please do not hesitate to call. We may not have all the answers at this time, but we will do our best.
Allie Hassin Principal
allie.hassin@lrsd.net
Connie Stanley Vice-Principal
connie.stanley@lrsd.net
Save the Dates for “Thrival” Thursdays
General Vanier School is proud to offer a month of Thursday evening activities designed so that you have
something fun to keep your family busy while waiting for Covid restrictions to lift. They are free activities for
the whole family. Below are the dates to put into your calendars. Sign up is required as outlined below, so that
any supplies may be dropped off to homes. All sessions begin at 6:30 pm. Please watch for the registration
information coming out soon via email.
April 15 - Zumba
April 22 – Yoga Evening
April 29 – Gardening (Sign up required)
May 6 – Wildlife Haven (Part 1)
May 6 - Healthy Snacks (Sign up required)
May 13 – Wildlife Haven 2- Part 1 not needed.
May 13 – Yoga Evening
The Winnipeg Wellness Grant is a one-time initiative funded from the Federal Safe Restart Agreement that has
provided money in each electoral ward to support community activities and initiatives that reduce the
emotional, physical and spiritual stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and allow residents to connect with one
another in a safe way.
You are welcome to attend these online, evening activities with your children. Come to one, two, or all of the
events.
A Message from our Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The General Vanier Parent Advisory Council invites you to join us for a virtual PAC meeting on the evening of
Tuesday, April 20th. We have some exciting news to share and will be discussing plans for the 2021/2022
school year. The meeting will be held on Zoom from 7 - 8 pm and we encourage everyone to join us.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2264321034?pwd=MytWSVZkRi8zTnI1NFp5cWZBY2RUdz09
Class Placement Information 2021-22 School Year
In the coming weeks the staff at General Vanier will begin class placement meetings to create classes for next school year
preparing for 2 possible scenarios. The structure for multilevel classes allows for students to spend up to two years with a
teacher, and up to two years with a cohort.
Here are some of the factors we consider when building classrooms:
• Gender balance
• Numbers of each grade when multi-level
• A variety of students with different skills and abilities in each class.
• Social dynamics; friendships; who works well together, who does not.
• Instructional needs of the students
• Classroom learning groups
To assist us in verifying what we have observed about our students, we have questionnaires that students in grades 4, and
6 fill out called “Sociograms”. The students are asked to reflect using a series of questions to help focus their thinking.
Samples of these questions are:
Who are 3 students that you work well with?
Who do you not work well with?
If I had the opportunity, 3 students I would like to work with next year are:
These questionnaires are kept confidential and are used to help guide our classroom planning. The student services
personnel assist each teacher in administering the Sociograms to ensure consistency and once complete, classroom drafts
are created and reviewed by classroom teachers, specialists and administrators.
The time to make requests for classroom placements is now for the 2021-22 school year. If there is information in addition
to the knowledge we presently have about your child that you believe may be important to our consideration of class
placement, please contact Mr. Hassin allie.hassin@lrsd.net or Mrs. Connie Stanley connie.stanley@lrsd.net. All requests
should be in writing, and should not include a teacher request, but rather speak to the personality and qualities that would
best suit your child. The deadline for these requests is April 30, 2021.
All requests are considered as part of the planning process, but please know that not all requests can be honored and that
changes are not possible after the class placement process.
Street Safety on Lomond Blvd
Winnipeg Police Service | Service de police de Winnipeg
“A Culture of Safety for All” « Cultiver la sécurité pour tous »
"SAFETY OVER CONVENIENCE"
The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is often apprised of traffic and parking concerns related to schools and their
immediate surroundings. Issues are brought to our attention when there is an increase in driving complaints and traffic
violations. Fortunately, most drivers exercise safety & caution when travelling to, through and from schools.
Traffics concerns are not only isolated to your child’s school as many others throughout the City of Winnipeg also
experience similar issues despite ongoing efforts made by the school division and staff. The School Engagement Section
of the Winnipeg Police Service strive to ensure road safety through education and communication.
Please take time to review the following 9 points which have been identified as common traffic related concerns:
1. "No Stopping” zones: In these areas, stopping or parking is strictly prohibited. They are not considered loading
zones and must remain clear at all times. (If there are no specifics such as dates and in-between times then the zone
is enforceable 24hrs a day - 7 days a week).
2. "No Parking” zones: No vehicle may be parked in these areas however you are allowed to stop (pick up/drop off
passengers). The vehicle is considered parked when the driver’s seat is unoccupied, or the vehicle is stationary
beyond the loading or unloading process. “No Parking” zones are not Loading Zones.
a. If parents/guardians chose to park and walk, the preferred and recommended option is to park legally in
the vicinity of the school.
b. The consideration of a Loading area is to pick up / drop off and is intended for a very brief stop & go (this
gives equal access to all parties and promotes safe traffic flow).
3. "Loading/Unloading while in roadway ": It is unsafe and illegal to stop your vehicle while in the roadway in
non-designated safe loading zones for loading/unloading purposes. This has been identified as one of the most
dangerous practices and is considered a serious safety concern.
4. "U-turns": U-Turns on a two-way street continue to be a safety hazard for all. These risky and ill-advised turns
also negatively affect the flow of traffic. It is imperative that you find alternate means such as: going around the
block, conducting a safe three-point turn or proceeding to the next intersection.
5. “Bus Loops”: These loops, whether located at the front, side or back of schools are primarily intended for buses.
Drivers should be not utilizing the loop during the posted in-between times unless permission has been granted by
the school.
6. “Drop off/Pick up loops”: These loops (if applicable) are in place to allow drivers to safely and conveniently
drop off/pick up children. It is not recommended to leave your vehicle unattended as this hinders traffic flow as
well as potentially creating unnecessary frustration for other drivers.
7. “Pedestrian Crossing”: Utilizing marked and posted pedestrian crossings are the safest way for children and
adults to cross the street. Crossing in the middle of the street or at uncontrolled areas are considered high risk and
dangerous. Pedestrian Crossings are often serviced by school patrols (students) or crossing guards (Adults) to
assist with safe passage. Please be patient and give them a “brake”.
8. “Distance Ruling”: Adhering to the following parking distances ensures a better line of sight and ensures overall
safety for all those who share the roadway and sidewalks. The distance ruling are as follows:
3 Meters from any intersection, crosswalk and fire hydrants
9 Meters from any posted traffic control device (i.e. stop signs/traffic signal)
9. “Respecting Community Residents”: If you feel the need to accompany your child(ren) to school, we encourage
parents/guardians to locate a safe and legal parking zone. Please be mindful not to block back lanes, driveways
and roadways as it’s all of our responsibility to be mindful and respectful. Staff member parking lots, unless
advised otherwise are not alternate means to safe and legal parking.
General Vanier School’s Guidelines
At General Vanier student safety is paramount. Occasionally, we need to be reminded and advocate for the
safety of our children. So that our students are kept safe, we have some driver etiquette guidelines which we are
hoping our driving community will adhere to. After two situations, and several calls from neighbours, we are
compelled to ask for your help.
1. Please refrain from dropping off or picking up your child from the opposite side of the road. Drop off on
curbside of the school only. This eliminates the possibility of a student going between two vehicles or a
vehicle backing up student unseen, creating an unsafe situation.
2. Lomond Boulevard is beautifully set up to have all traffic go the SAME way during the school day.
Approach the street from the west part of the bay. Follow the road and take the east exit out of the bay.
This eliminates the possibility of someone backing into something or someone.
3. Be courteous, in that this zone in front of the school is a drop and go zone. Refrain from long durations
of parking.
4. Please do not turn around, or park in driveways when picking up children. This makes it difficult for the
students who live across the street to safely see who is coming and going.
Other places to pick up and drop off your child are:
- along Paterson St which is right beside our school field.
- on Cottonwood Ave at the path which leads directly to the yellow cohort doors.
Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Our children’s safety is of utmost importance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hassin and Mrs. Stanley
Students entering the building & arrival at school in the morning
Please ensure that your child knows that the bell rings at 8:32 in the morning and 12:25 after lunch. We would
like your assistance in ensuring that your child does not arrive to school too early in the morning. We are
noticing that some students are arriving to school unsupervised as early as early as 7:50 AM in the morning.
This is a long time for a child to be waiting outdoors in the cold and unsupervised until the school opening at
8:32 AM. Students should not be entering the school until the morning bell sounds at 8:32 AM unless they are
accompanied by a parent, guardian or have plans to meet with a teacher. If it is raining or if the wind-chill
temperature reaches -27°C we will continue to allow students to wait indoors until the morning bell sounds.
Thank you in advance for your support in this matter.
School Hours
8:32 Bell to enter school. 12:25 to 3:15 p.m.
8:42 to 11:30 a.m. Office Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
11:30-12:25 Lunch
Playground Pride
The staff at General Vanier School have been working to teach outdoor play to the children in each
cohort. Windsor Park Collegiate has once again reached out to General Vanier School and will be
“freshening up” our hardtop with a labyrinth, hopscotch lines, and four-square frames. Our Circle of
Courage logo will be redone as well.
The custodial staff created indoor game spaces in our hallways and the teachers have been teaching
hardtop recess games. Once the new lines have been drawn, the students will be ready to play the games
they have been working to learn.
Lastly, thank you to our Parent Advisory Council for purchasing some new outdoor equipment for each
classroom. The selection consisted of skipping ropes, soccer balls, footballs, and frisbees.
I Love to Read Week- Reading is Healing
Back by popular demand! I love to read week will take place April 12-15, 2021. The theme for this year
is called “Reading is Healing”. The theme ties in with our School Plan which focusses student well-
becoming and mental health.
Some of the activities which will occur during the week are bookmark creation, I Love to Read Bingo,
and students will be reading stories online to classes.
On Thursday, April 15th it will read my shirt and hat day (Please remember etiquette).
School Resource Officer Review: Survey for LRSD Students, Families, and Staff
The Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) has hired an Independent Researcher to conduct an
equity-based review of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program (police officers working
in schools) in LRSD. The division has one SRO assigned to 40 schools.
You are invited to participate in a survey to help us understand the experiences of LRSD
students, families, and school staff. Your feedback is important to gaining an understanding
of the impact of the SRO program on equity-seeking groups* and shaping recommendations
on the future of the program.
TAKE THE SURVEY
The survey is short and can be completed in about three to five minutes. Your responses
will be anonymous. The survey is open from April 5 to 19, 2021.
People from the following groups are strongly encouraged to respond to the survey:
• Those who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or from other equity-seeking groups.
• Those with direct experience with the SRO.
You will have the opportunity at the end of the survey to submit contact information to
participate in an interview with the Independent Researcher at a later date to provide more
details on your experience with the SRO.
Please contact Fadi Ennab with any questions, comments or concerns regarding the
review.
*Equity seeking groups are those from communities that face significant collective
challenges based on race, economic status, gender, ability, etc. in participating in society.
Renovations at General Vanier School
This year, one of our washrooms on the lower level is receiving a facelift. With accessibility
laws in effect, General Vanier School is receiving an upgrade to the grooming room facility
in the middle years wing. There will be accessibility from the hallway so that everyone will
have access to the facility when and if they should need it. The contractors work after school
hours and during the weekend. Staff and students have no access to this area at this time.
Important Covid Updates
On Monday, March 1, Manitoba Education provided updated guidance on close contacts,
self-isolation requirements, and COVID-19 variants of concern. Read the full bulletin here.
Based on this information, we have updated the following documents:
• INFOGRAPHIC: What should I do if my child is sick?
• INFOGRAPHIC: When does a household need to self-isolate?
Both infographics are available for families to view on our website.
Student Work
Other Information
Upcoming “Save the Date” Information Date Event Friday, March 26 Last day of classes before Spring Break Friday, April 5 Classes resume April 12-15 I Love to Read Week Friday, April 16 Professional Learning Day-No classes Tuesday, April 20 PAC 7 PM Tuesday, April 27 Staff Meeting Early Dismissal at 2:15 PM Friday, May 7 Professional Learning Day-No classes Tuesday, May 20 PAC AGM
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