News from Vanier - October 23

Dear Vanier students and families: 
This is a special edition Friday email with some important news and information: 

• Covid-19 operational plan adjustment effective Monday 
• Inappropriate/disruptive use of personal devices in classrooms 
• Mr. Sikkes on temporary assignment starting November 2nd 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reply to this email, email [email protected], or call the school at 667-5901 
Have a great weekend! 
Sincerely, 
Ryan Sikkes, principal and Alethea Wallace, vice-principal 


Covid-19 operational plan adjustment 
Due to the colder weather which is causing more students to choose to remain indoors, the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in and out of Yukon, and our continued difficulties enforcing physical distancing outside of classrooms, the following update to our Covid-19 operation plan will be in place, effective Monday, October 26. 
It is recommended that students age 10 and older (Grade 4 and up) wear nonmedical masks in school settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Inside of classrooms, we can maximize physical distancing, therefore at this time masks are not required in classrooms.  When students are not in their assigned classrooms, the following changes will occur:  

• Masks are not required at this time when students are outside of the school building.  
• Masks are not required at this time when students are by themselves in the hallways while transiting to another part of the school. 
• We will expect students to wear a mask (reusable or disposable) where social distancing is not happening consistently:  in hallways, other common spaces, Learning Commons, gymnasia, cafeteria, and bathrooms. This includes during class change times, waiting for the gym to open at lunch, waiting in the morning for classes to open or any other time there are two or more people together.    

Essentially, we want to have students develop the routine and habit of wearing masks in the hallways and other common areas, because wearing a mask can help to protect others by containing droplets made when you sneeze, cough and speak. All students were issued reusable masks earlier this year.  Replacement masks or disposable masks are available in the main office. 


Inappropriate/disruptive use of personal devices in classrooms 
We are continuing to struggle with technology use during class times.  Of course, in the senior school there is more technology use in classes but less so in the junior school. 
We will be enforcing the following policy: Personal devices may not be seen, heard, nor used in classrooms during class time unless authorized by a teacher for a specific purpose related to the class. 
Students who are not able to adhere to this policy may have their device held by the teacher or in the office until the end of the day or, in repeat circumstances, until a parent/guardian comes to collect the device. 
We thank all parents/guardians for your support and cooperation regarding this issue. Also we gently remind parents that if you need to get in touch with your child during class time, please call the school at 667-5901 and we will make sure your child gets the message to return your call at their break time.  


Mr. Sikkes on temporary assignment starting November 2nd 
Dear Vanier students and families: 
I will be working away from Vanier for the next several weeks on a temporary assignment as an acting superintendent starting November 2 until a permanent superintendent is in place. 
Katrina Brogdon will be the principal while I am away.  She has served as a vice-principal of Vanier for several years during my educational leave and has also previously been the principal of Takhini Elementary.  I wouldn’t consider being away from the school if I didn’t think the school would be in good hands and I am confident that Ms. Brogdon and Ms. Wallace will do an excellent job leading and administering the school. 
I know there is never a good time to be away, and this is a particularly difficult time.  I am confident that our school is very well positioned to continue its positive trajectory.  Even under the circumstances of Covid-19, I absolutely believe this to be the case.   
Please pray for me as I undertake this assignment – it will stretch my professional and interpersonal skills – and I have very mixed feelings about being away from Vanier.  Please pray for Ms. Brogdon and Ms. Wallace and all the staff as they adjust to this change. 
Sincerely, 
Mr. Sikkes ​