Dear Families,
I would like to start by thanking you for your patience and calm during this unprecedented global health crisis. We are thinking of those who are self-isolating and applaud everyone for being mindful of social distancing as this situation around COVID-19 continues to evolve. This is new territory for all of us and we appreciate your support as we continually assess the implications for our learning community.
Following the provincial government announcement that all schools in British Columbia will suspend in-class instruction until further notice, we are working on plans for the continuation of services and programming and exploring alternative methods to provide instruction as much as possible.
We understand that families have many questions and we are committed to helping you find the answers. In the meantime, we have compiled some resources for you to hopefully ease the anxiety you and your children may be feeling in these uncertain times.
First and foremost, your children are top of mind. We encourage you to talk with them about the current situation. Here are some websites that we hope are helpful.
- KIDS and COVID-19 QA: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)#For--schools--and--childcare
- CBC Kids along with the Provincial Health Office produced a kid-centric Q and A video about COVID-19:https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-coronavirus-facts-versus-fiction
The provincial government has produced an online self-assessment tool as well as a new website that is meant to be a hub 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 available in over 110 languages.
The Ministries of Health and Education provide updates daily on the provincial government website. You can access them here.
We want to remind you that when we return from Spring Break schools will be closed to in-school instruction and we ask that you not enter them at that time. As we continue to work with the Ministry of Education on how we will support our students and staff while shifting the way we deliver education, we ask for your patience. It will not happen overnight, we won’t have plans ready to share on the first day back, but we will have answers soon.
We understand the importance of communication and will be providing families updates via email, social media and our District website, www.sd62.bc.ca.
Finally, we ask that families take all necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Given that the Provincial Health Officer has advised against taking children to playgrounds, we are asking parents to adhere to this directive and not use school district playgrounds at this time. Going for a walk with your family is a great way to get fresh air and stay active.
While we are physically distancing ourselves, we must continue to support each other. Whether it is a phone call, email or text message, please check in on one another.
Wishing you good health,
Scott Stinson, Superintendent of Schools