Principal’s Message June 2020

As we near the end of a very difficult school year I would like to take a moment to thank the school community for your perseverance and resiliency in this time. Never in our lifetime have we had to face a global scale issue that threatened every aspect of our lives. Never in our lifetime have we had to give up our freedom and decision making to a higher authority, in this case the provincial health authority. From March 13th to present every decision has been made by Dr. Strang, a very respectful and responsible man who has guided us through with confidence and compassion. From March 13th on decisions were not made by individual schools or principals, Regional Directors or even the Department of Education. Information has been shared with all of us, Regional Centers of Education, general public, families and students at the same time. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have processed each change in our restrictions and figured out how to put in place the actions that have been requested of us. The SAC has played a valuable role in keeping the interest of North Queens Community School in the forefront of these changes along with the administration and we would like to thank them for their efforts. The staff have made tremendous effort to continuously reach the students academically and personally to ensure their well being and have adapted their practices to reflect the new challenges they faced. The students and families responded with suggestions and concerns and were instrumental in making sure we as a staff were aware of the needs and barriers that arose. The community responded with generous consideration and actions for our graduates who will end their school career in a way no other class has before them. Thank you for coming together to understand that recognizing the accomplishments of these graduates, and showing them how proud we are of them, is what is most important. Thank you for supporting our students at home and recognizing what they needed most, whether it was time in the garden, kitchen, garage, shop or academics.

As we look forward to September and the uncertainty the next school year brings please remember that we hear you. We are all in this together and will continue to value your feedback and do what we can to meet the needs of our students. Enjoy the summer and the increasing freedom the warm weather brings. Continue to look at the school website, facebook and email for updates. Always feel free to contact administration with questions and concerns.

Take care, give care and stay safe.

Ruth Amiro

Principal, NQCS and GES

NQCS Graduation - Friday, June 26th, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm

1. Please follow all provincial health guidelines (attached). Make sure you wash your hands before and after your appointment, and please do not come to school if you are feeling sick.
2. Call Ms. Amiro (902) 527-8653 or Mrs. Wagner (902) 521-5088 to book a 15 minute appointment.
3. Four people may come with a graduate to take pictures.
4. Park and stay in your vehicle until someone comes to let you know you can enter the school through the front door.
5. Go to the Learning Commons (to the left after entering school).
6. Two pictures will be taken by a photographer; one alone with the diploma, one with parents.
7. Parents/Guardians may take a few pictures.
8. After completion of pictures parents/guardians collect their envelope, binder and swag bag.
9. Exit the school through the end door.
10. Go directly to your vehicle and leave school property promptly.
11. Please remember to return your grad gown to Mrs. Uhlman after the community ceremony, date to be determined.

Item pick up and return at NQCS Monday, June 8th-Tuesday, June 9th, 2020

If you missed the pick up window, please come to the school between 8am -2:30 Tuesdays and/or Thursday and call the number on the door.

Dear Families,

IMPORTANT NOTICE on entering our school building to retrieve your child(ren)'s belongings at NQCS.

This is a most unusual time for all of us and we hope you are all safe and doing well. Thank you for your patience as we work to respond to provincial and regional directions and to continue to support your children. It has been a learning opportunity for us all.

Access to the school grounds in order to pick up your child’s belongings will begin on June 8th. During your scheduled time please stay in your vehicle, drop books into the bins and park along the bus line and someone will come to your vehicle. At that time, we will gather sports uniforms, library books, technology, cords, flash drives, and any other school items. You will be given all your child(ren)’s items in the parking lot. At that time you may look through the bag for content.

Grade 12 students will pick up their gown at this time and will be returned during their graduation ceremony appointment at the end of June.

Families are being scheduled alphabetically, by last name, to come to the school. If you have a family with multiple last names you can decide which time slot you wish to come to the school. Access will be limited to a single student or family member.

Please contact Ms. Amiro (902) 527-8653, Mrs. Wagner (902) 521-5088, if you have any questions or concerns.

Following provincial health guidelines, please remember to wash your hands before and after your appointment and please do not come to school if you are feeling sick. Thank you.

Grades Primary - 6 Students

Work is available from your teachers in a variety of ways including email, phone calls, website pages.

For those without internet, there is a learning package in this week's Flyers on Wednesday, April 8th.

Students are welcome to try any of the extra Daily Challenges in a variety of subject areas.

Grades 7-9 Students

Work is available for Math, English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies in their Google Classrooms.

For those without internet, there is a learning package in this week Flyers on Wednesday, April 8th.

FST, Tech Ed, Outdoor Ed, Art, Music and Phys Ed challenges are optional and will be posted weekly on social media and the website under Daily Challenges.

Grades 10-12

Individual teachers are posting through Google Classroom and email.

Those without internet are encouraged to call by phone. More to come this Thursday, April 9th.