January 27,2021
Attention St. Mary's School Families,
RE: City Police Enforcing Student Groups of More than Five
We are very happy to have our students back in our building. For the majority of students, being
here in person is the best way to learn and experience high school.
here in person is the best way to learn and experience high school.
The first half of the school year, our staff and students worked hard at keeping the school a safe
place. Thank you all for this. We ask that everyone continues to follow the three W's:
place. Thank you all for this. We ask that everyone continues to follow the three W's:
*Wear your Mask* *Wash your hands* *Watch your distance*
Under the new Reopening Ontario Act, all of us, including our students and children are asked
while outside to:
- Refrain from gathering in groups of more than five
- Stay two metres away from others who are not part of the same household
- Wear a mask when physical distancing isn't possible.
The city police has informed the school how law enforcement could potentially impact our
students who do not comply with the Reopening Ontario Act. Specifically, they will be
looking at behaviour outside the school in areas like the "smokers pit" or "hot spots"
during lunch. They are not enforcing any behaviour of the Reopening Ontario Act inside the
school. Their preference is to educate rather than enforce. Our school staff is also working hard
to educate our students to keep them safe and out of trouble.
students who do not comply with the Reopening Ontario Act. Specifically, they will be
looking at behaviour outside the school in areas like the "smokers pit" or "hot spots"
during lunch. They are not enforcing any behaviour of the Reopening Ontario Act inside the
school. Their preference is to educate rather than enforce. Our school staff is also working hard
to educate our students to keep them safe and out of trouble.
We have been informed that police are mostly concerned with our students who are outside
and gathering in groups of more than five and that if students do not comply they will be
fined.
Enforcement will start on Friday January 29th and early next week. Fines are set at $750.00 + fees.
Please spend time discussing with your child the implications of outside behavior - specifically gathering in
groups of more than 5. Again, this will keep all of our community safe and will keep a hefty fine from being
issued to anyone.
Thank you and God bless,
Mike Kirby, Principal
Source: SMHS Principal, M. Kirby