ENJOY SPRING BREAK

First day back is April 1

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Maple Grove just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that we are still in the cold and flu season.  As such, it is important to be reminded that encouraging students to wash their hands regularly is important.  Also, do not send sick children to school.  There is a general rule of thumb in the healthcare industry that students should be at home at least 48 hours after being sick.  This is for two reasons.  Firstly, sending a sick child to school only infects other children… not to mention that the sick child is miserable and would rather be lying down resting and recovering.  Secondly, sending children to school- when they’ve just been off sick and their immune system is compromised, only increases their susceptibility to catching another virus or cold from other sick students.

One of our classes was impacted by a scenario similar to the above.  Our engineer crew (and the teacher) washed toys, manipulatives, surface areas throughout the week.  During the Spring Break, engineering staff will disinfect the room.  It is thought that the cleaning and two-week break will kill any virus living on a surface.

There have been increased reports of student illness at school.  This virus is circulating in the community at this time.

During winter months, infections are common, especially in schools during winter and early spring.  Symptoms usually include a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.  They’re uncomfortable.  People infected usually get better on their own after a few days, without treatment.  Because a virus causes these infections, antibiotics do not work.

Keep your child home from school if they become ill with the symptoms listed above. Children who fall ill during the school day will need to be sent home as soon as possible.  Children should not return to school until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.  These measures will help stop the spread of the virus to classmates and school staff.  Make sure your child drinks lots of clear fluids to prevent dehydration.  If symptoms last more than a few days, or are more serious, contact your family doctor.

Viruses can be contagious but not everyone who is exposed will get sick.  If children do not have any symptoms, they can go to school.

Frequent hand-washing with soap and water is very important to reducing the spread of any virus.  This should be done by students, staff, and family members at home, especially after using the bathroom, and prior to preparing or eating food.  Children should not share food or drinks with their classmates.

Additional information can be located at the following web links:
Norovirus: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile87.stm
Hand-washing: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthtopics/content.asp?hwid=tv7076spec

Please feel free to contact your school public health nurse or our office for further information.
Sincerely,
Principal Evans                       Harj Johal RN(C) BScN
Maple Grove School               Public Health Nurse/Children & Youth Team
604-713-5356                          604-261-6366 ext 3339

ParticiPASSION Fun

Cash4Clothes:

Will you be Spring cleaning during the break? Are you looking to find somewhere to dump all of the stuff you don’t need or things that no longer spark JOY in your life? Did you miss our first drop off date or have more bags to donate? Well, the Maple Grove PAC will be doing a second drop off date after Spring Break! On Wednesday April 10th from 2:30 until 4pm, you can drop off your filled bags in the gym vestibule.

Invite your family, friends and neighbours to participate! Items can be collected in large black or green garbage bags. Alternatively, if you need bags, you can pick them up in the office!

• Acceptable items include: used clothing, bedding, towels, shoes, purses, drapes, sewing material, craft supplies, pots & pans, dishes & glassware, toys, games and electronics.
• The following items will NOT be accepted: books, pillows and large items.

Thank you for supporting this new fundraising initiative at Maple Grove!

Maple Grove Pac Website (Click to enter)

March 18 to 29 – Spring Break

April 2 – Photo day for Class and Panorama Photo

April 19 – Good Friday Holiday

April 22 – Easter Monday Holiday

April 29 -Professional Development Day – no school for students