Return-to-School Update for June

The Ministry of Education is moving toward a coordinated, measured phased-in approach to resuming in-class learning for BC schools, guided by strict health and safety guidelines. This model involves five stages; BC schools are presently in Stage 4 and moving into Stage 3 in June. Stage 1 is the full return of students on campus at some point in the future. In the interim, the approach offers flexibility to continue home learning even while in-class instruction is available. 

 

Schools are operating under the guidelines established by the Provincial Health Officer and BC Centre for Disease Control to ensure the safety of students, families, teachers and school staff. These guidelines include controlling access to buildings, maintaining physical distancing among staff, implementing distancing strategies for students on campus, and reinforcing good hygiene practices.

 

At WPGA, we have been extensively preparing for a partial return to campus for select grades June 1-12, the last 10 teaching days of this school year.  Limited numbers of students, grouped by grade, would be on campus part time, and we would continue with remote learning for those students at home. One model could see JK to grade 5 students on campus on alternating days, by even and odd grades, for a Ministry-designated partial return; online learning would be in place the alternate day. Grades 6/7 could attend one day a week, continuing with remote learning the other four days, as suggested by the Ministry. A full home learning group will be an option for families who choose not to send their child to campus. This will be organized by grade with assigned teachers. 

 

Senior school students could come to campus, one grade per day, continuing with eLearning the other days, for a Ministry-designated 20% return. 

 

We will provide further details next week as we receive more information from the Ministry of Education and finalize schedules and planning, which includes comprehensive social distancing and hygiene protocols in consultation with public health authorities, our nursing team, and our external medical safety consultant. 

 

We truly appreciate the many challenges COVID-19 has created for all of us these past few months. We also appreciate that a partial return may present yet another challenging decision for some families. Please know that this is a voluntary decision for your family. For parents who choose to keep their children at home, we will maintain our eLearning program, although it may look a bit different. In the next week or so, we will be asking families to indicate attendance intentions so we can plan accordingly. 

 

We remain committed to continuing to offer the best teaching and learning we can for your children. The health and safety of all members of our school community is our priority and is paramount in guiding our decisions. We are optimistic and excited for the possibility of reconnecting in person, checking in on the social-emotional experiences of our students and each other, and bringing some joy and positive closure to what has been an unprecedented school year.