Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Southpoint Sun - 7
Public board wants more details on back-to-school plan By Ron Giofu ESSEX COUNTY — Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) discussed the public board’s back-to-school plan for almost fourand-a-half hours last week but still wanted more information. Trustees wanted more information on an outbreak plan should students or staff contract COVID-19 symptoms and asked that administration provide more details on what that plan would look like. Trustee Julia Burgess made the request, believing trustees need to obtain that information with parents also very eager to know what that will look like. Trustee Aimee Omstead agreed, saying it is important for parents to have that information before making a choice on whether to send their children back to class. It was one of many motions that were debated at last Tuesday night’s meeting. Public board trustees agreed to send a letter to the Ontario government requesting additional funding to reduce class sizes to 15 at the elementary level though administration warned of challenges. Superintendent Todd Awender cautioned there is not enough space in most schools to accommodate that.
Letter to Editor
Hospice grateful to Hogs committee, community for 50/50 raffle
Dear Editor: The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County wishes to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Hogs For Hospice on an incredibly successful 50/50 Raffle. Not only was it exciting to watch the momentum of the raffle grow, it was the overwhelming and generous community support that was palpable! Congratulations to Gary Lauzon for winning over $120,000! A special thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, to all the sponsors, as well as to the Hogs for Hospice Board of Directors and Erie Shores Health Foundation for your incredible support of our Hospice of Windsor and Essex County – Erie Shores Campus. Although we are living in challenging times it is such an honour to be serving this community. Sincere thanks for supporting our Hospice and we look forward to a phenomenal Hogs for Hospice event in 2021. Sincerely, Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Board of Directors
LAC
“The space would not be there,” he said. Trustee Cathy Cooke said she was still concerned over class sizes and supported the motion that was put forth by trustee Linda Qin. “I don’t think we are doing enough,” said Cooke. “We need to step up and be loud. We need to support this and do it.” “Let’s think outside the box,” added Omstead, suggesting churches, gyms, community centres and outdoor classrooms be used. Trustees voted down a motion to have staff do tempera- Putting students ture checks at schools either and staff in at entry or during the mornschool without ing hours. Administration had called for self-screening masks is leading by staff and parents before us to danger.” coming to school, with director of education Erin Kelly — Aimee Omstead suggesting there could also be union ramifications. “Why not?” Omstead asked of temperature taking. “It’s one more level of protection. Safety is paramount here. I don’t think it’s asking too much.” “I personally believe it adds assurance,” added Cooke. “It may not be perfect but it adds assurances.” Cooke also didn’t believe it would cause line-ups to get into buildings, as administration believes. “It doesn’t take forever. It does not hold up lines,” she said. There were also concerns over masks and some trustees had a desire to have all grades wear them. As it stands, masks for students in Grades 4-12 will be mandatory with it being “strongly encouraged” for JK-Grade 3. Burgess and Omstead had particular concerns over Leamington and Kingsville with Omstead saying she has seen churches in that area with 200-300 cars at it and people regularly not wearing masks in stores. “Putting students and staff in school without masks is leading us to danger,” Omstead believed. Burgess and Omstead also floated the concept of having schools in Leamington and Kingsville start later in September due to risks over the virus but Kelly indicated that was not possible. “We are legally bound,” said Kelly. “We have to keep schools open and have to have them open for children who want to attend.”
Pet of the Week
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BABY HAMSTERS
This week’s pet of the week is…… baby hamsters! That’s right, we have multiple pets of the week because the humane society has lots of hamsters! These little guys came from 4 separate litters when their moms were surrendered to the humane society all expecting. After growing up in foster homes, these little ones, (all around 1 month old,) are back and ready to find homes of their own! Think you’d like to adopt one of these sleepy, adorable babies into your family? Visit windsorhumane.org and apply online today!
Windsor/Essex County Humane Society 519-966-5751 windsorhumane.org
OUTDOOR LIFE
ARTboard WFCU CREDIT UNION: Painting Competition + Exhibit
This is an incredible opportunity for emerging, mid-career and established artists to present their most accomplished works at the LAC for a chance to win $1200 in CASH PRIZES. 1st Place $500, 2nd Place $400, 3rd Place $300. Enter up to 3 peices. The exhibit’s focus is highlight and celebrate WKH DUWV LQ RXU UHJLRQ DQG WR RIIHU ÀQDQFLDO VXSSRUW DQG DQ audience for artists. Generously sponsored by the WFCU Credit Union. Deadline to Enter: Sun August 16, 4pm. Visit www.leamingtonartscentre.com/?page_id=5370 for entry form and details or stop by the LAC today.
VISITING HOURS: Wed - Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 11-5
Generous Supporters: Southpoint Sun & the Municipality of Leamington
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Kelly noted during her presentation the elementary schools will be open for five days per week with a quadmester system also to be used at the secondary level. The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is also instituting a quadmester concept. Under the public board’s plan, secondary students in cohort “A” would attend school Mondays and Thursdays and alternating Wednesdays while cohort “B” would attend Tuesdays and Fridays and alternating Wednesdays. Superintendent Shelley Armstrong indicated the GECDSB is “adopting multiple levels of safety protocols” including social distancing and hand washing to removing excess furniture and having “grab and go” snacks on nutrition breaks. Cafeterias and lockers will not be used at the secondary level, she added. “There will be no rentals or community use of schools until at least Dec. 31,” said Armstrong. Bus drivers will keep a record of their cleaning protocols, she added, and there will be a maximum of 48 students per bus with students to be assigned seats based on classroom cohorts or they will sit with family members. More details on that plan are at www.buskids.ca, she noted. Cooke did not think assigned seating on a bus is a doable plan. “It will not work. It will never work,” she said. Trustees also discussed topics such as portables, ventilation, and use of PPE among other issues.
IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of
Steve thompSon August 24, 2013
Seven years have passed. Missing you is the hardest part as days go by. To hear your voice, To see your smile, To hear your laughter. Cherished memories never fade. Sadly missed, never forgotten, forever in our hearts. Missed by family and friends. Love, Marlene CARD OF THANKS
Maria Ippoliti The family of the late Maria Ippoliti would like to thank everyone for their love and support during her passing. The Leamington Mennonite Home for their many years of love, compassion and wonderful care. Also the Mennonite Home Chaplin whose prayers were most comforting. To the pallbearers who would have made their Nonna proud. Thank you Father Tom for everything... you are one of a kind. Chrissy Thiessen for the most exquisite flowers. Reid Funeral Home who got us through one of the most difficult times in our life. Also thank you for all the flowers, food, visits, messages of condolence, special phone calls, cards, prayers and donations. They were beyond belief. Thank you once again. Joe, Andy, Frank and Family
