Less than a week to go until kids are back in the classroom. The big day is set for next Tuesday, Sept. 7th, and Campbell River’s School District 72 says it’s looking forward to welcoming students back.
With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, Superintendent Jeremy Morrow says the health and safety of students and staff is SD72’s top priority.
Just like in June, Morrow says all students in grades 4-12, all K-12 staff, and visitors are required to wear a non-medical mask in all indoor areas, including at their desks and on school buses. This also applies to students in lower grades that share a class with grade 4 students.
As for kindergarten to grade 3 students, they’re strongly encouraged to wear a mask. However, it’s noted mask wearing for this age group remains a personal family or caregiver choice.
“Daily health checks are still required for students and staff before they enter the school and anyone who is feeling unwell or displaying symptoms will need to stay home,” Morrow says. “We ask for your diligence and support in helping to prevent the spread of COVID.”
He continues, “Regular hand hygiene will continue to be incorporated into the daily schedule, such as before and after lunch, before and after going to the library or using shared equipment, etc.”
This coming school year, sports, extracurricular activities, school gatherings, and events are set to return, in alignment with public health orders and guidelines. “Students will also no longer be organized in learning groups/cohorts or have staggered breaks and arrival or dismissal times,” Morrow explains.
“I appreciate that some will disagree with the safety measures, either considering them too restrictive or not restrictive enough, and that some families may still be feeling anxious. We continue to take health and safety direction from the provincial health officer, the Ministry of Education, and our local medical health officer.”
According to Morrow, families also continue to have a choice of one of three options this school year: in-class instruction, distributed learning, or homeschooling. Parents should contact their child’s school principal for more details.
In a letter to parents, Morrow adds, “Thank you for your patience as we work through the public health guidelines and for your ongoing cooperation in helping to ensure we have a safe and successful school year.” He says SD72’s website is updated with information from the school district, Ministry of Education, and provincial public health, as well as links to important resources.
