Back to School FAQ

• Why isn’t SD62 offering a hybrid model for families?

  Under the Stage 2 model that the Ministry of Education and Provincial Health Officer have laid out, a hybrid model is not included. Currently, we do not have the capacity, staff, resources or training to offer this model adequately for students. We know things can change rapidly so we are looking at processes that we can shift to.

• Why are schools returning to in-class instruction?

  We take all of our direction from the Ministry of Education and the Provincial Health Office. They say the schools need to be open and we oblige knowing we have a great plan in place.

  There are a number of reasons for a return to in-class instruction:

  • Schools are important community hubs. Social interaction is critical to our individual and collective well-being and mental health.
  • Schools are critical to student learning.
  • School closures have significant negative mental health and socioeconomic impacts on vulnerable children and youth.
• What happens if I don’t send my child back to school? Will they lose their spot?

  We understand families have many reservations. At this time, the School Act does not allow a student to be registered in two places, for example in a school and online or in a school and homeschooled. During this time, if a student does not return to school and does not have a doctor’s note, the student will be withdrawn from the school.

• What are some of the enhanced health & safety measures that will be in place in the fall?

  Under guidance from the provincial government, Provincial Health Officer, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and our local health authority, SD62 schools have strict health and safety measures to ensure the safety of our staff and students. These include:

  • Frequent hand washing
  • Added sanitization stations
  • Hand sanitizers in all portable classrooms
  • Mandatory masks or face coverings for all students in Grades 4-12 and all K-Grade 12 staff in all indoor schools, buildings and buses. *Exceptions will be made for people who cannot wear masks for medical reasons
  • Floor markings and/or signage to address traffic flow
  • Trust in parents, students and staff to stay home if they feel ill
• What supports will be put in place for students with disabilities and diverse abilities?

  When school resumes in September, all students with disabilities or those who need extra support in school will continue to have full-time access to in-class instruction and the supports and services they are eligible to receive.

  School districts and independent school authorities will be expected to identify students with additional support needs through a needs assessment to allow for proactive planning to ensure supports and services are in place at the start of the school year.

• What if my child has a complex medical condition or is immune compromised?

  Parents/guardians of children with complex medical conditions or underlying risk factors should consult with their healthcare provider to determine their child’s level of risk regarding returning to school. Subsequently, parents/guardians may wish to reach out to the principal or support teacher (case manager) of their current school to discuss available options and support.

• Where can I go for more information?

  If you have a question that has not been answered here, please reach out to your school principal or email us. Administrators will ensure commonly asked questions are shared (while protecting your personal privacy) so that we can update our FAQ and provide an answer that benefits all visitors to this page.

Sickness at school or home, learning from home

• If my child gets a runny nose or common cold, how long until they are allowed back at school?

  The provincial guidelines cover this – all of our schools are following these guidelines and conducting daily health checks to monitor for symptoms.

  The guidelines state that students who show any symptoms of a cold, the flu or COVID-19 should not go to school.

  • For mild symptoms without fever, students and staff can monitor at home for 24 hours. If symptoms improve, they can return to school without further assessment.
  • If the staff or student (or their parent) indicates that the symptoms are consistent with a previously diagnosed health condition and are not unusual for that individual, they may return to school. No assessment or note is required from a health care provider.
• What happens if a student or staff starts to feel sick at school?

  If a student or staff shows any symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, they will be supervised and cared for and returned home as soon as possible. The individual will need to be assessed by a healthcare provider. If COVID-19 is confirmed, public health will notify the school and district.

• What happens if my child has to self-isolate for 14 days. Will they receive schoolwork during this time?

  This is something that we would review on a case-by-case basis. As would be the case in any prolonged illness or absence from school, we would work with the student and their family to provide for the continuity of learning.

Daily Health Check

• What is the Daily Health Check? Do I have to do this?

  Parents/guardians have a responsibility to assess their child(ren) daily for symptoms of COVID-19 before sending them to school.

  Staff and other adults entering the school must assess themselves daily before entering the school.