Western Québec School Board
15 rue Katimavik J9J0E9 Gatineau, QC, Canada

Des fois ça rend du monde un peu mal-à-l'aise quand on leur parle d'aide professionnelle . C'est OK. Ça veut dire de parler à quelqu'un qui en sait beaucoup sur de nombreux problèmes différents auxquels les jeunes sont confrontés. Vois ça comme une conversation avec quelqu'un à qui tu peux faire confiance, qui ne te jugera pas, et qui veut aider.

As you may be aware, further COVID measures specific to the holiday season were announced by the provincial government yesterday. Most notably, preschool and elementary students will not attend classes at school between December 17th and January 10th (note that this is a change, as originally the return date was January 3rd). For the sake of clarity, we have prepared a summary of all measures which are now in effect: westernquebec.ca/letter-to-parents-further-covid-measures-s

Western Québec is currently looking to fill the position of Superintendent of Maintenance Services. Read more and apply on https://westernquebec.simplication.com//AttJobPosting.aspx

Please note that earlier today, Québec Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge announced that the provincial government passed a decree stating that the school board elections, scheduled to be held on December 19 and 20 have been suspended until further notice. More info on westernquebec.ca/elections

Join the Connexions Resource Centre on Wednesday next week from 7:00-8:30 PM as special guest, Matthew Johnson, Director of Education for MediaSmarts, examines some of the moral dilemmas that kids face in their online activities and shares some strategies to help them build the social and emotional intelligence that is needed to support ethical decision making and build resiliency if things go wrong. This webinar will address different aspects of cyberbullying, from online "griefing" and harassment, to online hate and the sharing of personal information, as well as provide practical tips for preventing and dealing with it. To register for this Zoom Webinar and for help connecting online, please contact us at 819-557-0615 or [email protected]

As you know, the 2020-2021 school year began under unique circumstances, and it continues to present a variety of challenges for both school staff and students. Adjustments have been made to the requirements for the evaluation of learning that normally apply so that attention can be focused on supporting students in their learning. In this document, you will find information on the modifications that have been made to the report card. https://westernquebec.ca//Feuillet_bulletin_Parents_MODIFI

Our education professionals contribute to building a generation of students that is educated and prepared for the future. By their daily work, they enhance the school experience and make it a better place to live and work. This week, let's thank our 53 Western Québec professionals. #1studentatatime

Last night, Premier François Legault held a press conference during which he outlined a set of COVID-19 measures specific to the holiday season. Read our latest letter to parents on westernquebec.ca/coronavirus

On this 11th hour of Remembrance Day, we would like to share the video ceremony prepared by the staff of our new Western Québec Online Academy. Lest we forget. The Online Academy brings together staff and students with medical exemptions from in-person schooling.

Recently, Minister of Education Jean-François Roberge announced that all schools in the province have been allocated three days to be used for training and planning. Learn what this will mean by reading our most recent letter to parents: westernquebec.ca/letter-to-parents-allocation-of-3-addition

Sharing on behalf of the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau. Please share: While so many things have changed these days, the traditional Halloween hunt for treats will still go ahead on Saturday, October 31. Therefore, the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) will be very visible as super heroes, witches and princesses will be taking over Gatineau’s streets. As in previous years, SPVG officers will be patrolling and looking out for kids and adults alike. N...ormally, this festive evening is the ideal opportunity for police and residents to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. Although, given the current context, please be informed that our police officers and volunteers will not be handing out glow lights to children on Halloween like the previous years. Our numerous police officers will have to minimize their contacts with residents during Halloween night for everyone’s safety as we seek to avoid the spread of COVID-19. However, reflective wristbands are being handed out in nursery schools and first grade classes throughout Gatineau. The distribution of wristbands has been underway for a few days now, the idea being to improve the visibility of children on the streets. If your child has not received his or hers, make sure they are equipped with a flashlight or a bright object such as a luminescent stick when he or she goes door-to-door. On Halloween night, police officers will be particularly focused on ensuring that pedestrians and drivers comply with the Highway Safety Code. Therefore, parents should not drive behind their children. It is also important to cross the street only at intersections and at designated places, and to avoid zig-zagging. In addition to these usual tips, we count on your cooperation to contribute to the collective effort and to comply with the public health guidelines issued by the government regarding the Halloween festivities. These guidelines are available on the Quebec government's website at https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health- issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/answers-questions-coronavirus-covid19/gatherings-activities-covid-19/

Read today’s letter to parents regarding further measures in our red-zoned secondary schools: westernquebec.ca/coronavirus

High school students: This year, our board’s college, university and trades information fair will be online-only. Our guidance counsellors have worked with their post-secondary partners from all over the country to present, in a single comprehensive webpage, what some of the best options are. Should you have any questions (and you should!), you can visit a school’s website to learn more about their programs, or you could set an appointment with your guidance conscellor to further discuss your options. Start here when you're ready: https://pwhsguidance.weebly.com/virtual-college-university-