March 5, 2020

Dear Students and Parents / Chers élèves et parents,

As we prepare for the March break period, we encourage continued awareness of communications from public health authorities and attention to travel advisories with respect to COVID-19.

Due to the current situation and anticipated travel complications, we have unfortunately cancelled our March break international student trips and have communicated with those who were registered. We are committed to supporting our boarding students who may change their March break travel due to the evolving global situation.

We remind our school community to verify all insurance prior to travel and that international students consider the advisory by Guard Me Health insurance about potential loss of coverage in Canada if you travel to an affected area.

If you or your family plan to travel to affected areas, the Government of Canada has added additional screening measures and messaging for travellers and the Public Health Agency of Canada asks you to adhere to their guidelines following your return to Canada.

When students return to school on March 22 (boarders) and March 23 (day students) they can expect school-based screening—particularly for international travellers—to ensure the health and wellness of our community. Students, staff and visitors to the school will be required to identify if they have been to an affected area or are aware of exposure to someone who has been to an affected area prior to coming to campus.

Students facing travel disruption will be able to continue with their schoolwork remotely through our Edsby course management systems.

As this remains a rapidly-changing situation globally, we are expecting that protocols may change and that travel disruptions may become significant. We will continue to provide updates during the March break period as needed.

Sincerely,

Norman Southward
Head of School – Directeur