Students back in school by September 10

Students will be back to class by September 10 and will get familiar with classrooms that look different than they did before the pandemic.

According to the latest update by the BC Government, students will be assigned to their class, find out who is in their learning group, practise their new routines and familiarize themselves with how to safely move from the class to outdoor and common areas of the school.

The week of Sept. 8-11, 2020 will mark a gradual restart to allow extra time to orient students and staff on the new health and safety measures in place.

Starting Sept. 8, all staff will meet with their school’s joint health and safety committee to receive instructions about how the updated guidelines, co-developed with the BC Centre for Disease Control and provincial health officer, will work in their school.

This will also allow time for educators and staff to adjust to their new routines, finalize plans for learning groups, review health and safety protocols, and confirm lesson plans that align with the new normal in schools.

“Schools are going to look different in September,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education.

“Staff, students and parents need time to get familiar with all the new health and safety procedures that are designed to keep them safe and confident in their school settings.”

On Aug. 10, School districts were provided with readiness checklists to ensure they are updating their health and safety plans and considering, communicating and consulting with their unions, Indigenous rightsholders, staff and families in their local communities.

School district will also need to ensure their plans address equity and inclusion of children who require additional support in school.