516A Stanley Ave.

Selkirk, MB R1A 0S1

Telephone 204-785-8284
FAX 204-482-8370

MISSION STATEMENT E-mail: bonaventure-sch@lssd.ca

École Bonaventure is a safe and respectful learning community in https://www.lssd.ca/schools/ebs
which every member has the opportunity to develop his or her
academic, social, physical and creative abilities within a French
Immersion setting.

Mme McGillivray’s Message December 2020

Season’s Greetings Bonaventure Families!
It is hard to believe that we are already coming to the close of 2020. While for many it
has not been the greatest of years, we are grateful that we were able to spend the last
three months in school with our students. They have been quite amazing with all the
challenges, changes and demands. We as adults, can learn a few things from their resili-
ence, their smiles, and their happiness through this pandemic.
As we continue to be at the Orange restriction level, we continue to plan in case we reach the “Red
Restriction Level” in schools. Thank-you to our critical service workers who returned their request
form on time. This helped us with the planning of the critical red phase. We have a high number of
critical service workers in our school, so it is imperative that we plan in case this becomes reality.
There is just so much room at school to accommodate the mandatory 2M restriction so if you feel you
need to change the information on your request forms, please call the school so that we can properly
adjust our numbers and the amount of staff required at school. As Tier 1 critical service workers will
be given priority, we will be in contact with Tier 2 critical service workers only if we cannot accommo-
date them at school.
A reminder to please read the weekly “Week in Review” e-mails from the school division as they share
important information for everyone. There is good information on understanding what happens at
the different stages (green, orange, red). Understanding as well, on what to do when your child is sick
or sent home from school due to illness, can be confusing. Remember that we are here to help support
in any way we can and understand that we must follow public health directives whenever a child is
sent home. We wish they would not have to be away for so long but in the long run, it is to keep eve-
ryone at school safe. Thank-you for understanding and for your support in following public health
protocols.
At our last PAC meeting, it was decided that Mme Neil would host a few virtual sessions on ‘Coping
with Covid-19’. We look forward to meeting with you tonight at 8:30 pm. The link has been sent to
you this morning via SchoolMessenger. You can also connect using the following link:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%
3ameeting_YjMzNDUzODUtMzFkNi00OGNkLWI1YzAtODU5NDc5MjAwNzU3%40thread.v2/0?
context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22244df41d-c59f-4ca8-b715-ee2752926f14%22%2c%22Oid%22%
3a%22f9e2e7ad-7a01-44f9-94bc-d234b0f70aa7%22%7d
Bonaventure Bulletin Page 2

The weather is getting colder, and it is a good time to chat with your children about
proper outdoor clothing. Students will remain outside as much as possible for recess
and gym classes so please remind them that even if it is damp, cold or raining a bit,
they may continue to be outdoors. Proper clothing is imperative so that students can
still enjoy the outdoors and stay warm.
As we head into December, things will definitely look different as there can be no concert or Christmas
activities like we had in the past. Every individual teacher, however, will do their very best to keep
the spirit alive in their classrooms.
A reminder that there will be no school December 4th and December 11th due to the additional non-
instructional days. Staff will be in various planning sessions throughout those days to plan for second
term and the possible future Red Level restrictions.
As we creep up the levels of the provincial pandemic response, I want to thank everyone who is doing
their best to follow provincial regulations to keep our community safe. Remember the best way to
stay healthy and keep everyone safe is to:
 Social distance (2M always the best)
 Wash or sanitize hands regularly
 Wear a mask indoors
 Reduce your bubble

Happy December everyone! Stay safe, stay healthy!! Mme Lucille McGillivray, Principal

Mme Neil's Two-Sense

As things continue to change it can be difficult to help your kids manage, cope, and adapt. It can also
be just as difficult for parents. Remember to keep in mind that children are perceptive; they look to
the adults around them as role models and reflect what they observe. I have included two links for
helpful information for parents and for helping to support your children who may be feeling anxious
during this time. There are many mental health supports available such as: School Counsellor, School
Social Worker, Community Mental Health, EAP through the workplace, or private practices. For
more information, please contact me and I can provide you with details.
As we look forward to the holiday season, which is so exciting for kids, making new traditions this
year might be a nice way to focus on something new and fun. For example, decorating for the holidays
earlier than usual, finding new baking recipes to try, writing letters to Santa, starting a Random Acts
of Kindness challenge for December (link below), Zoom chats with other family members, and starting
a daily routine of going for a walk. We all need something light and fun to look forward to!
https://27c2s3mdcxk2qzutg1z8oa91-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/WTI-tipsheet.pdf
https://27c2s3mdcxk2qzutg1z8oa91-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/WTI-
ParentResource.pdf
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/940632/december_2020.jpg
Keep well and as always, I am available for more information.

Bonnie Neil, Guidance Counsellor, bneil@lssd.ca, 204-785-8284