School District 57's (SD57) superintendent provided reassurance to the Prince George community of learning excellence yesterday (March 27) as schools adapt to COVID-19 changes.
Anita Richardson issued a video statement before teachers head back on Monday (March 30) to come up with alternate learning strategies as all schools in B.C. were ordered to be closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I wanted to spend a little time sharing some broad thoughts for education in our district," she says in the video.
"It's hard to believe it's only been two weeks since we began seeing significant changes in B.C. So much has changed and we are already starting to adjust to the new global reality, one we've never seen before. We are working diligently to prepare for a fundamentally different learning program required by this new reality that we find ourselves living. We recognize our journey must be gradual, mindful and purposeful."
Richardson says SD57 has four guiding principles that are leading its work into a new learning system.
- Safety of students, staff and community
- Communication
- Connection
- Instruction
"We are finding new ways to make this happen as we enter uncharted territories," she says.
Richardson says herself and SD57 board trustees will be looking more closely at these ideas in the coming days and weeks as the situation evolves while providing regular updates to parents and the school community.
"Our community is a team and we need to be in this together," she adds at the end of the video address.
"Looking out for each other and keeping one another safe and cared for. Let's continue to focus on that, together."
Parents and guardians are invited to access the district's website to ask questions, share concerns or any other issues they feel needs discussing.
The B.C. Ministry of Education has also provided a FAQ sheet you can read on its website.
You can watch Richardson's full statement below.
