Communication and AnnouncementsInstructional Delivery, Curriculum and AssessmentMinistry of EducationParentsDiscipleshipLearning SupportWell-being
The Situation and What We Should Do
The Situation
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, “A new coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory infections, now known as COVID-19. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. B.C. has confirmed cases of coronavirus; however the risk to Canadians continues to be low.” We are continually monitoring the situation related to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and closely following the federal and provincial health officers – their advice and perspective.
Stay updated with these helpful links:
Find up to date information on how the province of BC is responding to COVID-19 here
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) B.C. public health guidance for schools and childcare programs – February 23, 2020
The BC Centre for Disease Control
What We Should Do
According to the Provincial Health Officer, these are the continued recommended actions for British Columbians:
- Cleaning your hands regularly
- Avoiding touching your face
- Coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve
- Disposing of tissues appropriately
- Staying home and away from others if you are sick. Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of, COVID-19 should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 811. Translation services for 811 is available in 130 plus languages.
From the Superintendent
November 2021 | AGM Report
– AGM Report – November 2021
November 3, 2020 | AGM Report
– AGM Report – November 3, 2020
August 24, 2020 | Letter from the Superintendent
– Letter from the Superintendent – August 24, 2020
May 28, 2020 | As Catholic classes reopen, school is far from normal: superintendent – The B.C. Catholic – Multimedia Catholic News
https://bccatholic.ca/news/catholic-van/as-catholic-classes-reopen-school-is-far-from-normal-superintendent
May 8, 2020 | Letter from the Superintendent
– Letter from the Superintendent – May 8, 2020
April 14, 2020 | Letter from the Superintendent
– Letter from the Superintendent – April 14, 2020
March 25, 2020 | Please refer to
– FAQ Continuity of Learning from the Minister of Education
March 18, 2020 | Letter from the Superintendent
– Letter from the Superintendent – March 18, 2020
March 9, 2020 | Letter from the Superintendent
– Letter from the Superintendent – March 9, 2020
From the Archbishop
Statements from Archbishop Miller on Coronavirus (COVID-19) found on the Archdiocese of Vancouver website.
From the Ministry of Education
December 18, 2020 | Holiday Message from Minister of Education
August 21, 2020 | BC’s Back to School Plan
July 29, 2020 | K-12 Education Restart Plan
July 29, 2020 | Five Stages Framework for K-12 Education
June 25, 2020 | Outgoing Letter to Parents, Outgoing Letter to Parents (French Translation), Outgoing Letter to Parents (Simplified Chinese Translation), Outgoing Letter to Parents (Traditional Chinese Translation), Outgoing Letter to Parents (Punjabi Translation)
May 21, 2020 | Vancouver Coastal Health – Re: Safety of the school environment in the Vancouver Coastal Health region during the COVID-19 pandemic
May 15, 2020 | Safe & Healthy Schools – Restarting B.C.’s Schools
May 15, 2020 | The BC Education Restart Plan
May 15, 2020 | Ministry of Health COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 School Settings
May 15, 2020 | Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines for K-12 Setting
From the Benefits Office
Canada Life is monitoring the outbreak and working with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and the affected claims areas in our organization to ensure we’re supporting our customers. This includes how Canada Life handle out-of-country emergency, travel, or disability claims related to the outbreak.
- Members affected by the novel coronavirus can continue to expect their claims to be handled on a case-by-case basis based on their plan coverage. Out-of-country medical emergency, travel assistance, and disability coverage are probably what your members are most concerned about. Claims related to the novel coronavirus that occurred during travel to a country with travel advisory warnings will be treated and assessed like any other claim.
- Based on discussions with the CLHIA, Canada Life will be waiving the waiting period for STD benefits related to the novel coronavirus and will consider claims for individuals who are under quarantine that has been directed by a physician/treatment provider or other public health official and are unable to work from home.
There is a special form that will need to be completed if a plan member is going to apply for STD due to COVID-19.
For the most up-to-date information on the outbreak, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Helpful links:
Public Health: Canada Public Health
EI Services: Employment Insurance
Travel Notice: Travel Notice from the Canadian Government
Finance & Administration
Remote Learning March-May 2020
Stage 3 Resources re Continuity of Learning March-June 2020
Open Schools BC
Operational Guidelines re K-12 Restart Plan
Online Considerations
Ministry of Education
Parent Resources
Guide
Continuity of Learning for Christian Education
In these troubled times of the COVID-19 pandemic many of us may be confused, discouraged, and even frightened. We confront a crisis which provokes uncertainty and panic. Such situations can provide an opportunity to allow GOD to take control, that fear should not have any power over us. In the middle of all this uncertainty, our GOD is the only thing that is certain. this is a time when we can fully trust in HIM as events unfold around us. Our fear can and should turn into HOPE because HE has the power to protect, the power to provide and the power to sustain.
Practical Application
Keep it simple and practical.
Continue to develop the K-12 Curricular Competencies (see below).
Develop Curricular Competencies by exploring the BIG IDEA questions; continue to bring people back to what matters.
Take advantage of the liturgical life of the Church: the liturgical calendar.
Consider core family Lenten/Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost Projects, e.g. story, program, movie, etc.
6 Ways to grow as a disciple of Jesus
As a child of God, students can:
1. Profess the Faith
a. Read God’s Word.
As a family, read the Word of God. Take time to read the readings of the day or read through one of the Gospels or an Epistle. Listen to the reading and take time and silence to ask and reflect on: “what is God saying to me today?” You could possibly journal.
b. Learn a teaching of Christ.
Read a section of the YOUCAT (CCC or Compendium) and reflect/share… Or watch/take a catechetical program once a week.
Read (watch a movie/show/program) on the lives of the saints.
2. Celebrate the Christian Mystery
a. Create a home prayer corner.
Setting aside a sacred space in your home encourages your family to pray. Candles, a crucifix, a Bible, holy water, and your favourite sacred icons and images can all be placed on a table or shelf (you may also wish to cover with a cloth of the liturgical season’s colour) to uplift the soul to God.
b. Participate in the Mass
While Mass may be closed to the public, Catholics can still participate in the Holy Mass via livestream and worship as if they are there. The archdiocese has provided links to livestream Masses in the archdiocese, including 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Michael Miller at Holy Rosary Cathedral.
3. Live a moral life.
a. Critique a TV show or movie.
Compare and contrast characters with Jesus: ask “what would Jesus do (WWJD)?” Discuss (note) who and which actions lead to freedom and the good, and who and which actions lead away from them (and why or why not).
b. Critique current events/news.
Discuss (note) how God would call us to live in the situations. Find examples of virtue in life today. Compare or refer to the lives of the saints.
c. As appropriate, help a neighbour.
Ask if they need anything if your family is going out for supplies. Write a letter to someone in need of social connection.
4. Pray in the Life of Faith
a. Turn to God through the day.
Begin each day as a family in prayer. Thank God for the gifts He gives us, ask for what you need, ask for what others need, and praise Him for the day. Pray grace before each meal. End the day as a family with prayer together: look back through the day, thank God and ask His blessing on all for the night.
b. Pray a daily family Rosary.
Set aside 15 to 20 minutes each day to gather around your home prayer corner as a family and to pray the Most Holy Rosary for a swift end to the pandemic, for all those aflicted, for all healthcare workers, for the souls of the faithful departed, and any intentions you and your family may have.
5. Live in Christian Community
a. Share God’s Word and work in you life.
As a family start a virtual small group, continue your existing small group via video chat, or study Scripture on your own. By studying God’s Word and pondering it in our hearts, we will grow in our faith and fall in love with Scripture.
b. Connect to your parish or the archdiocese.
Find out what your parish (or the archdiocese) is offering during this time; are there online communities, prayers, ministries you could conect with?
How might you reach out to the elderly and/or isolated in your parish?
c. Celebrate as a class or school.
Pray online as a class or school: live or recorded, and then shared out. Perhaps your pastor or chaplain would celebrate and record Mass for the school.
6. Be a Missionary Disciple
a. Is there anyone in your family that needs help?
Read to a younger sibling and/or help them with any learning.
b. Be a friend.
Play a game as a family. Call relatives and friends to say hello and ask how they are. SHare how God has been a comfort (when and as appropriate). Offer to pray for them.
Resource Hub
Please see the remaining tabs on this page.
Also see the open, shared Excel document of resources (note the tabs on the bottom of various worksheets). Please add any other great resources you know of or use, and add any lessons you have used.
Prayer
Resources for the family (RCAV) Church Never Stops
Prayer
CISVA resource on prayer, prayer corners, and prayer in the classroom (pdf)
Bishop Barron on Prayer
Fr. Mike Schmitz – Tips for prayer
How to build a Prayer Corner (video)
How to build a Prayer Corner (pdf)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd resources for home
Making prayer cards for a prayer corner (pdf)
Enthronement of the Bible at the prayer corner (pdf)
The Gift of Silence (pdf)
Routine at home (Domestic Horarium) (pdf)
Readings of the Day
Word Among Us (FREE)
Living with Christ (FREE – US site)
Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours)
Magnificat (FREE)
Universalis (FREE) (different trans.)
Divine Office (subscription)
eBreviary (subscription)
iBreviary (subscription)
Mass Livestream
RCAV list of Masses online (click “Watch Mass Online” tab)
Bishop Robert Barron (daily Mass)
Fr. Josh Johnson (daily Mass)
Rosary
Fr. Mark Mary, CFR on really praying the Rosary (video)
Divine Mercy
How to recite the chaplet
Examen
Examen prayer card (pdf)
Loyola Press (online resources)
Pathways to God (various, online)
Online prayer tools (Jesuits UK)
Prodigal Father (app)
Reimagining the Examen (app)
Reimagining – Flip Books (see list)
Lectio divina
Fr. Josh – What is lectio divina (video)
Bishop Barron (video)
Prayers
Morning Offering
St. Michael
Daily Inspiration (Dynamic Catholic)
Scripture & Catechism
Scripture
New Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE)
Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition (RSV-CE) Browsable Bible
New American Bible (NAB)
Catechism
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
Compendium of the Catechism
Compendium of Social Doctrine
Resources
Growing in Faith: Growing in Christ
Online digital resources are available to all Canadian Catholic schools during closures.
Student-Home Website login (please ask EFDF or Principal for username and password)
Student Profiles
Competency Based IEP Resources
Universal & Essential Supports
- Universal Classroom Supports for Access
- POPEY UDL Supports
- Alberta Accommodations
- CAST UDL Graphic Organizer
- Inclusion Universal Classroom Supports
Core Competencies
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Option 3 – New update (January 6, 2021): full 16-page document
- Option 3 IEP Compatible
Curricular Competencies
IEP Template
Updates:
1. Grade section – You are now able to select the grade levels K, 1-12, Transition Year, Adult Non-Graduate
2. Assessments box added beside Categorical Designation.
3. Changes made to OPTION 3 choices
4. OPTION 3 IEP Compatible added as a supplementary document
Learning Support Resources
- This newly developed assessment resource (FALL 2019) by Jennifer Katz; PhD uses language of the BC curriculum within a rubric to map out increasing levels of complexity by curricular subject.
http://www.threeblockmodel.com/resources.html - Supporting Students Through Uncertain Times: A package of ready to use visuals, stories and strategies to use for disrupted routine
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Supporting%20Individuals%20with%20Autism%20through%20Uncertian%20Times%20Full%20Packet.pdf - Building New Routines: A snapshot of simple steps and helpful resources
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Build%20New%20Routines%20Strategy%20Packet.pdf - Building New Routines: Strategies and ready to use resources
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/build-new-routines - Purpose for Visuals: Video that explains the importance of visuals to help make connections and apply information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1eZ7h6u3JM - Teaching Stories and Visual Supports: Social Narrative for Disrupted Routine- Click on Disrupted Routines Teaching Story and Fillable Visual Schedule -Click on My Day at Home Visual Support
https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources-families - Building “Off Screen” Transition: Simple steps to initiate screen time transitions
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Build%20New%20Routines-How%20to%20Transition%20Off%20Screens.pdf - Visual Supports for Curriculum, Environment and Self Regulation: Ready to use picture sets
https://www.comoxvalleyschools.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1064963&type=d&pREC_ID=1358106 - Visual Schedules and Time Management: Ready to use picture sets to help plan, organize, manage time and prepare for transition
https://w3.setbc.org/students/Pages/Student-Resources-Library.aspx – Module 4 Executive Functioning - Visual Schedules for Routines and Breaks: First…Then template
https://starautismsupport.com/sites/default/files/first%20then.pdf - Setting Up the Remote Learning Environment: Suggestions for parent
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/learning-at-home/learning-environment - Home Learning Environment Social Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5ae-jJOJoM - POPFASD: Social Story Coronavirus
https://www.fasdoutreach.ca/resources/all/c/coronavirus-social-story - SET-BC: Resource Set – Ready to use visual supports
https://w3.setbc.org/students/Pages/Student-Resources-Library.aspx - PosAbilities: A database of resources to support families
https://posabilities.ca/covid-19-resources/ - Family Support Institute: (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI supports and services are free to any family. This site will direct you to resources and support options.
https://familysupportbc.com/covid/ - ACT: A variety of resources to reduce anxiety and improve wellness during remote learning for children, youth and adults
https://www.actcommunity.ca/covid-19-resources
Continuity of Learning - Learning Support Communications Bulletins
- Continuity of Learning CISVA Learning Support – Communication #5 – May 22, 2020
- Continuity of Learning CISVA Learning Support – Communication #4 – May 13, 2020
- Continuity of Learning CISVA Learning Support – Communication #3 – April 22, 2020
- Continuity of Learning CISVA Learning Support – Communication #2 – April 7, 2020
- Continuity of Learning CISVA Learning Support – Communication #1 – March 30, 2020*Please note that once link is clicked, the file will auto download onto your computer. You may retrieve the document in your downloads folder on your computer.
Mental Health Resources
TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE
Ministry of Education BC Created Resources
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- This resource includes four workshop packages, intended to support schools and districts to further develop compassionate learning communities that operate within a trauma-informed practice.
- These workshops are intended for anyone who wishes to host professional development sessions for staff, or awareness sessions with other groups, or for individuals to view on their own. The workshop packages are flexible and customizable. They can be used as individual workshops or as a whole professional development suite. School staff, parents/caregivers, and educators can also download brief tip sheets.
Ministry of Education Alberta Created Resources
- A trauma informed video conversation guide
- Brain Builders: A short (under 5 minutes) video outlining the story behind brain development
- Brains – A Journey to Resilience: A short video outlining the science of resilience
- A short video outlining the impact of trauma
- Brain Story Concepts – Serve and Return: Learn why early interactions between young children and their parents or caregivers are essential to promoting healthy brain development, and how these positive experiences help to build fundamental brain architecture in children.
BC Trauma Sensitive Toolkit
- An overview of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study and its key findings that ACEs have significant effects on lifelong health and well-being.
Trauma-Informed Classroom Strategies
- A trauma informed handbook created by Linda O’Neill, Serena George, and Jillian Wagg outlining relationship, classroom, safety, and trauma-informed activities.
Crisis Prevention Institute
- A snapshot of research that promotes the importance of trauma informed schools created by Linda O’Neill, Serena George, and Jillian Wagg outlining relationship, classroom, safety, and trauma-informed activities.
Dr. Stuart Stanker – The Impact of Trauma
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING/ANXIETY/EMOTIONAL REGULATION
CASEL
Teach Mental Health
- Developed by education and mental health professionals, this seven module (8 to 10 hours) course will give you a foundation of mental health literacy, including effective strategies to use in your educational settings and, in your own life
Brain 1st Program
- A brain-boosting tool developed to help students thrive in the areas of anxiety, communication, emotional regulation, concentration, anxiety, and academic achievement
- Research documents that outline functional neurology, mindfulness, physical literacy, and primitive reflexes
Open Parachute
- Open Parachute Canada Website
- Custom produced relatable documentaries and practical mental health skill building
- Mapped onto BC curriculum and cover the areas of peer dynamics, cultural issues, and mental health
- 100% online curriculum that can be facilitated in class by a teacher or accessed at home
Anxiety Canada
- Anxiety Canada Website
- Educator Resources
- Free Downloadable PDF Resources
- Mindshift App – uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety
- My Anxiety Plan (MAP) is an anxiety management program based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment that was developed through decades of scientific research and has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for anxiety problems. MAP is a resource for parents and caregivers to “coach” anxious children or teens using practical strategies and tools to manage anxiety. MAP includes 6 units with 46 lessons.
- The CARD System (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) provides groups of strategies that you can play to cope with stressful situations. Originally used to help reduce fear and pain from medical procedures, CARD can also be used in situations that cause fear or anxiety. Playing your CARDs will give you strategies to help you with fear and anxiety.
- A brief video and write up on why teens feel anxiety. This section also includes brief write ups about anxiety basics, facing fears, thinking right, how to chill, healthy habits and common anxiety problems.
Learning Resource Team - Zoom Meeting #3 - May 14
Learning Resource Team - Zoom Meeting #2 - April 24
Learning Resource Team - Zoom Meeting #1 - April 9
Well-being
I am definitely loved and whatever happens to me I am awaited by this Love. And so my life is good.
St. Josephine Bakhita
It is important to care for our body, mind, and soul as we are integral, whole beings. We know that at our core we long to be known and loved and so it is essential for us to take time in silence and rest in the one who has made us, knows us whole, and loves us completely. Prayer and Scripture are vital to our being. Listen to God speak to us and allow ourselves to receive His love and His life.
We also know that we are not merely a soul and that our body is also who we are; we are a harmony and our bodies are just as much who we are, with our thoughts and feelings and emotions. Wellness comes also from caring for our body, our mind, our emotions and feelings.
And so, take time to care for the soul, body, mind, and emotions.
Pray, sleep well, eat well, exercise, and connect with others.
Routine is important
Rise from bed at the same time each day
Spend time with God
Thank God for 3 things, read Scripture, rest in silence/journal, ask for a need, pray for another
Online Mass
Morning Prayer (Divine Office)
Other
Eat meals at consistent times (and no work or devices, visit if possible)
Take a break (snack, walk, contact someone, thank God for 1 thing today, brief silence)
Stop work routine (set a consistent, reasonable time)
Visit others (as you can), spend time
Wind down just before sleep (no screen time, no exercise), pray
Go to bed at a consistent time (giving the sleep time you need for your consistent wake time)
Please find more resources in the tabs on this page
Resources
- Pope Francis Prays for Us to Use The Silence of This Time As an Opportunity
- Litany of Trust from the Sisters of Life
- Catholic Health Association of the United States: Well-being and Spiritual Care (excerpts)
- Dr. Josephine Lombardi Spiritual First Aid
- Dynamic Catholic Health & Well-being
- A Supporting Learning and Well-Being During the Coronavirus Crisis – practices and resources for parents and educators (website recommended by Dr. Kim Schonert-Reichl): https://ggie.berkeley.edu/supporting-learning-and-well-being-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/#tab_1
- Well-Being BC website: https://www.wellbeingbc.ca/
- UBC support toolkit to help K-12 educators, counsellors, administrators communicating virtually during COVID-19: https://bit.ly/2zFdNaU
Open Parachute
Open Parachute Workshops with Dr. Hayley Watson
Videos are password protected, please see your administrator for access
CONTACT
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T: 604-683-9331 F: 604-687-6692 E: info@cisva.bc.ca
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