As all in-school classes in the province are suspended until further notice at the direction of Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, local teachers and students affected have more questions than answers, said Anita Richardson, School District 57 superintendent.
When schools open on March 30 students won't return but teachers will be back at work in deep-cleaned schools across the district to make sure everyone is safe, she added.
"We are in unprecedented times and it is clear that this is the time for us to pull together and to put our community's health and well being at the forefront by stopping the spread of the virus," Richardson said.
Senior staff is working to develop timelines and priorities for what continued learning looks like moving forward, she added.
"Once school staff returns from spring break they will begin to plan and implement a variety of
strategies to support student learning in alternative ways," Richardson said. "It is important to emphasize this is unprecedented in British Columbia. Learning for students will continue but it will look different. However we don't know the specifics at this time."
Every student will receive a final mark at the end of the school year, according to Education Minister Rob Fleming's statement on Tuesday.
"Students on track to move to the next grade will do so in the fall," Richardson said. For Grade 10 and 11 students graduation assessments will be postponed.
Every student who is eligible to graduate this year will do so, she added. There will be smooth transitions to post secondary institutions for graduating students as well.
"Please know that School District 57 will continue to have conversations about how and when we will be able to help our graduates celebrate this huge milestone," Richardson added. "We also continue to be concerned about our vulnerable students with the need for unique supports. We recognize that many families rely on our school system for a variety of supports and we will continue to work on plans to provide supports that are required during these challenging times."
Teachers will need time to prepare for this alternative learning plan.
"This situation is changing hourly and we will strive to keep everyone informed as we get up-to-date information," Richardson said.
All updates will be shared on their website that will soon host a Q&A section. For more information visit www.sd57.bc.ca.
