Campbell River’s School District 72 is looking forward to welcoming students back to class on June 1st.
Superintendent Jeremy Morrow says staff are eager to once again connect in person with more students.
“Earlier this month, we surveyed elementary parents and guardians asking them to indicate if they would be sending their children back to school in June,” says Morrow. “We received responses from 82 per cent of our elementary families and of the surveys we received, 57 per cent indicated that they are planning to attend as of June 1st.”
Morrow says this is a personal decision for students and families.
“We respect whichever decision feels right for your family. No matter which option you choose, your child will continue to receive support through this next phase. However, as teachers balance both in-class and remote learning, remote learning opportunities will look different.”
Parents and guardians will be welcome to send their children back to school throughout the month of June should they change their mind from their initial response.
The district is asking you to connect with your school principal before your child returns to school so that any necessary arrangements can be made to continue to follow all the necessary protocols.
“Under the Phase 3 Restart Plan, schools are moving to an increase of 40 per cent in-class opportunities for K-5 students and 20 per cent for 6-12 students. At elementary school, some students will attend on Monday and Tuesday and others on Thursday and Friday. At middle school, Grade 6 and Grade 7 students will each attend one day a week and the Grade 8’s will be split into two groups with half coming on one day and the other half on another day,” Morrow says.
He adds that for secondary students, “each grade will be assigned a different day of the week for attendance to ensure that the school population is kept to no more than 20 per cent occupancy at any given time.”
Wednesdays will be set aside, at all levels, for remote learning opportunities and to allow for a deep cleaning of school buildings.
Schools will provide specific instructions to their own school community with regards to what days and times students attend, along with any other site-specific information.
“Children of essential service workers in kindergarten to Grade 5 who have been accessing urgent childcare will continue to have the option to attend school full-time and identified vulnerable students will continue to be provided with in-school supports five-days a week,” Morrow says. “If you are a parent of a child with special needs and you would like an expanded offering, please contact your child’s principal.”
Morrow says that one of the protocols established is a daily student health check.
“As parents and guardians, it is your responsibility to ensure your child remains home if they are displaying COVID-19 symptoms or even if they are feeling unwell. We need your help and diligence in this matter.”
