Lyonel Doherty
Aberdeen Publishing
While in-class instruction in B.C. has been suspended due to COVID-19, students in School District No. 53 will still be learning.
“It is expected that schools will implement a variety of measures to ensure continued learning for students,” said board chair Rob Zandee.
On Tuesday, B.C. Minister of Education Rob Fleming directed all schools to suspend in-class instruction based on advice from the provincial health officer.
Fleming said they are urging teachers and principals to begin planning to ensure continuity of learning.
“We expect school districts and independent schools will develop plans to maintain some level of service for children of people who are performing essential services across our province, like medical health professionals, first responders, pharmacists and critical infrastructure workers.”
Fleming also acknowledged vulnerable students who have unique needs, and important services such as school meal programs and child care services operating on school grounds. “We expect schools to consider these issues in their planning while we work together through these extraordinary times.”
The minister said every student will receive a final mark, and all students on track to move to the next grade will do so in the fall. For Grades 10 and 11 students, graduation assessments will be postponed.
Fleming said every student eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will graduate. The only graduation assessment required for current Grade 12 students is the Grade 10 numeracy assessment. The Ministry of Education will ensure Grade 12 students who have not yet completed this assessment and who are otherwise on track to graduate are able to meet this graduation requirement.
“This is a very challenging time in B.C. and around the world,” Fleming said. “Please take necessary preventative measures to keep you and your families healthy.”
If you think you have symptoms the Ministry of Health has developed an online self-assessment tool at covid19.thrive.health. If you do have symptoms you can call 8-1-1 to pre-arrange health testing. People with symptoms should self-isolate.
The province has launched a new non-medical information line for British Columbians who have questions about COVID-19: 1-888-COVID19. Phone lines are open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Zandee said the board will work closely with district staff to prepare a plan to support students and families in the coming days. He noted the priority at this time is for the overall health and well-being of staff, students and their families.
“We ask that parents, guardians and students remain patient as we work through the many issues related to continued learning under a pandemic and provincial crisis,” Zandee said.
The public is encouraged to check the school district website for updates at www.sd53.bc.ca.
