Add to the conversation - submit your question here. (Staff should visit My43 for the latest information)
Please note we will not be answering specific questions that relate to individual circumstances. At this time, we appreciate your patience as we navigate through our rapidly changing situation. Thank you.
Information pertaining to the June 1st return to in-class instruction and school buildings is contained under Question 1.
The Ministry of Education has released information regarding "a coordinated and measured phased-in approach" to resuming in-class learning. Please read the following BC Government's Ministry of Education News Release for more information:
BC Government News Release: Measured Approach to phasing in a return to learning in classroom
The following document provides information specific to SD43 and includes information useful to parents/guardians as they consider a return to in-class instruction.
Parent Survey Q and A English
Translated Documents
Parent Survey Q and A Traditional Chinese
Parent Survey Q and A Simplified Chinese
Parent Survey Q and A Farsi
Parent Survey Q and A Korean
Parent Survey Q and A Portuguese
Parent Survey Q and A Russian
The SD43 Guidelines for parents/guardians and children outlines instructions and information on school building access and drop off/pick up, as well as protocols that have been put in place to facilitate a safe return to in-class instruction.
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child - June 2020 English
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child - Traditional Chinese
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child - Simplified Chinese
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child_Farsi
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child_Korean
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child - Portuguese
SD43 Guidelines Parent and Child - Russian
Online remote learning will continue for all students and parents/guardians may choose to keep their children home without consequence.
Please note that all StrongStart programs are closed until further notice.
The District has created a safety plan to inform the community on procedures, protocols and other information they may need to know to assist in maintaining safe access to schools.
SD43 COVID19 Health and Safety Plan.pdf
SD43 is able to provide for children in K-6 of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Essential Workers who have no other options for childcare. Childcare is available at specific school sites. Space and capacity is limited.
Please refer to this list of Essential Workers. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/essential-services-covid-19
If you require childcare support, please contact your child's principal.
For parents and guardians, a new government website has been launched with up-to-date non-clinical information on COVID-19. British Columbians can also use the new provincial phone service by calling 1- 888-COVID19, available seven days a week from 7:30AM to 8PM, with information in over 110 languages. Specific public health questions re: COVID-19 should be directed to your local health authority for response.
The health and safety of all students and staff is always a top priority and SD43 will always follow and adhere to the advice of provincial health officials and our local health authority in matters of public health.
Our focus areas are:
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students, families and employees.
• Support children of essential workers.
• Support vulnerable students who may need special assistance.
• Provide continuity of educational opportunities for all students.
• There will be limited and controlled building access to ensure we are following all necessary health protocols. School principals will communicate further about access to schools.
• Everyone is expected to follow the social distancing and hygiene protocols directed by the Provincial Health Officer.
Planning to celebrate graduation takes place at the school level and parents, guardians and students are encouraged to speak to their principal or vice principal. For matters that are not resolved at the school level, you will be referred to a School District staff member, likely an assistant superintendent.
Validating and acknowledging this loss is an important first step. Knowing that support from teachers (including counselors), principals and vice principals is also important to keep in mind. Parents, guardians and school staff can do a great to help the Grads of 2020 identify their feelings (and clarify them), teach them about grief, and help them find meaning in the context of this loss. This article may be helpful in communicating with your child: How to Help Teens Handle the Loss of Proms and Graduations.
