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School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
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Superintendent's Year-end Letter to SD43 Families

June 22, 2020

​Superintendent's Letter to Families June 2020.jpg​June 22, 2020

Dear SD43 Families,

As you are well aware, this school year has presented us with many challenges. No one could have guessed when we returned to school after the summer of 2019, our situation approaching the summer of 2020. That fall and winter we held Terry Fox Runs, played sports, joined clubs, sang in the choir, rehearsed Christmas concerts and musical theatre productions, and participated in a myriad of other activities, all while attending to academics and our classes. By the end of spring break our circumstances had changed dramatically and a rapid shift in our normal routines was required. Students, with the support of their parents and guardians, were asked to continue their studies remotely. School staff were tasked with creating viable and meaningful remote learning opportunities for students. It seemed that almost overnight, our world had been flipped upside down. But the truly remarkable outcomes during this challenging time have been the incredible resilience of students and their families and the extraordinary ingenuity displayed by staff. The SD43 community adapted in the face of adversity to continue student education and support for vulnerable students and families β€” for this, we should all be proud! We have weathered this storm with courage and determination.

The Minister of Education has stated that a return to full in-class instruction is a strong likelihood in September but that we also have to be prepared for any possibility based on the advice of the Provincial Health Officer. We hope to know more information shortly, but no matter what direction we receive, we know that the district and families will need to be flexible with our plans upon our return in September and for the school year.

While some uncertainty still looms over September, we are confident that our plans are in place and that our students will once again rise to meet the challenges that may be presented. So, enjoy your summer and be content in the knowledge that the students of SD43 are resilient and equipped with the skills and determination to return to school in whatever form it may take in the fall. Thank you for the tremendous support you, as families, have provided your children to enable them to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic so far and for however long we may continue to face its effects. To paraphrase Dr. Bonnie Henry, we look forward to advancing together, but apart, as we continue to be kind, calm and safe.

Sincerely, 

Patricia Gartland
Superintendent of Schools, CEO
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)

Superintendent's Letter to Families June 2020.pdf


School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)

1080 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam BC
V3J 0M6
604-939-9201 604-939-7828