Dear SD43 Families,
You have likely heard about the recent announcement from the Premier, Minister of Education and Provincial Health Officer regarding the provincial plan for a voluntary return to in-class instruction to be implemented June 1st (the news release is available on the district website at www.sd43.bc.ca).
District leadership and school administrators are working together to create a plan for SD43 students and staff to return to optional in-class instruction. Once this plan is complete, it will be submitted to the Ministry of Education for review. The plan will then be more fully communicated to parents/guardians and rolled out in the district. It is important that parents/guardians decide what is best for their family and their personal circumstances when considering sending their children to school. Parent/guardians need to be aware that participation is voluntary and optional for all students and parents/guardians may choose to keep their children at home. Remote, online learning will continue throughout the month of June and the in-class instruction offered will complement, but not replace, online instruction.
Guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, Ministry of Education, BCCDC and WorkSafeBC are being rigorously applied to our local plans for a safe return to in-class instruction including:
- Physical distancing, which may include staggered drop off/pick up times, staggered recess and lunch breaks, and increased outdoor time.
- Increased instruction around personal hygiene, including handwashing technique and frequency; access to additional handwashing stations and hand sanitizer.
- Limits on class sizes and the number of individuals inside a building at any given time.
- Limiting touch points and access to non-essential areas.
- Increased cleaning protocols within buildings.
- Providing children of essential service workers, students with diverse needs and vulnerable students with continued access to 5 day a week, in-class instruction, as needed.
You can expect a survey from your school administrator, asking you to provide an early indication of whether you may or may not choose to send your child(ren) to school. Next week details specific to the SD43 plan will be distributed to parents/guardians to assist you in your final decision-making.
Recent months have presented us tremendous challenges as we all adjust to life during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as a community and I am grateful for each of you and the role you have played in supporting the children of SD43.
Sincerely,
Patricia Gartland
Superintendent/CEO
Superintendent Letter to Families May 20 2020.pdf
