We just wanted to let parents know that with the unprecedented number of phone calls teachers are making to students and parents, many of these calls will not be coming from our school phone number.
Some of the calls may show up as No Caller ID.
Some will show up on your call display as (236) 600-9089.
Please answer as it will be a teacher attempting to contact you. Thanks!
If you missed Monday’s letter to parents explaining about the phone calls please click here.
To help slow the spread of COVID-19, B.C. has suspended all in-class instruction until further notice. This means as spring break ends, please do not bring your children to school.
On Monday, March 30 parents will be receiving an emailed letter from SD83 with further information and initial learning opportunities for your child. Staff will be working this week to assess needs and further develop plans.
You will soon be contacted by telephone by your child’s teacher.
SD83 would also like to share this information received from the Ministry of Education:
New guidelines for school leaders and a new website are being introduced to support B.C.’s K-12 students while in-class education is suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“This is a challenging time for families in B.C. as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, but it is vital students have a sense of routine and continued opportunities to learn while they are at home,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “These guidelines will ensure the needs, health and safety of students are put first as school leaders actively plan to serve the unique needs of their communities.”
While in-person classes are suspended, the B.C. school system remains open to continue to support students and families in a variety of ways. Note that parents should not bring their children to school on Monday, March 30, 2020, as they usually would after spring break.
However, essential frontline health-care workers, like those directly involved in patient care, who need urgent care for their school-aged child the week of March 30 are advised to contact their school principal as soon as possible to discuss care arrangements available during the first week back after spring break. Other parents who are deemed an essential service worker and who may need child care for their school-age children can expect to hear from their school regarding care options by Friday, April 3, 2020. Schools will be doing their best to accommodate urgent child care needs while meeting the guidelines and directives of the provincial health officer.
Since there are many students who will have challenges working online, schools have been directed to look at alternative approaches for continued learning that will fit with the individual needs and circumstances of their communities. School leaders are actively working on these plans, and families will hear from their school superintendent and/or school principal in the coming week with an update on their timelines.
Government is working with all 60 school boards, independent school authorities, First Nations schools, teachers, school leaders, support staff, public health officials and all education partners on a co-ordinated approach. Guidelines for developing education plans for students will follow these principles:
These principles will also guide planning and support for students who need extra learning support or those with disabilities, important services like meal programs and child care services operating on school grounds.
“Boards of education across the province are working on ways to ensure continuity of learning in their communities,” said Stephanie Higginson, president, BC School Trustees Association. “Local boards of education understand the unique needs in each community. That local connection will be key as boards roll out plans tailored to each school district in the province.”
While teachers and schools will have primary responsibility for continuous learning, government has launched Keep Learning BC. This is a central place where families can find ideas for everyday educational activities, annotated links to free learning resources, as well as how to help children learn and how to ensure their well-being while they are at home. Keep Learning BC is available at: www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/
The Keep Learning BC website will have helpful guides to maintain routines and stay safe online, giving parents information about how talk to their children about COVID-19, along with other mental health resources to manage stress or anxiety. A comprehensive set of frequently asked questions is also available, with continuous updates about school services and programs as things progress: www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools/
Fleming added, “While it’s important for kids to keep learning, there is no expectation that we can duplicate a normal school day at home, and every family will need to figure out what works best for them, in discussion with their children’s teachers. I understand that many children are experiencing anxiety, while also missing their teachers and friends, and that’s why it’s important they know the actions we’re taking are designed to keep everyone safe, and we will return to regular school life down the road. By working together and supporting each other, we will get through this.”
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, said, “We are proud of the parents, families and school communities who are working together to keep their children safely at home, and recognize how important it is for children to have continued learning opportunities in these challenging times. Parents who are health-care workers are also eagerly waiting for support, and it’s our job to work as a team to make sure they can continue their essential services.”
Quote:
Andrea Sinclair, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils —
“The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils is truly appreciative of the united effort that is being undertaken across the education sector resulting in the continuity of an educational program while our children are at home. Parents understand that alternative instruction plans are being created to best meet the needs of children and that learning will vary by grade, district and region. As we try to maintain a daily routine in our homes, including academics and recreation, parents acknowledge that educators play a critical role supporting our children during this extraordinary time.”
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Students, parents, guardians and teachers can find learning resources and accurate, timely information about schools, programs and educational services, including regularly updated frequently asked questions at: www.gov.bc.ca/SafeSchools/
A new website is constantly being updated with the latest information: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19
The best source of COVID-19 health information can be found at the BC Centre for Disease Control website: http://www.bccdc.ca/
For non-health-related questions, please visit www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19, email servicebc@gov.bc.ca, or call 1 888 COVID-19
For those who think they have symptoms of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has developed an online self-assessment tool at: https://covid19.thrive.health
People with symptoms can also call 811 to pre-arrange health testing.
If children are struggling with a problem big or small, encourage them to call the Kids Help Line, a free resource available at 1 800 668-6868.
For a traditional Chinese translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Continued_Learning_during_COVID19_Mar27.Chinese.pdf
For a Punjabi translation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/COVID19_March27_Continued_Learning_during_COVID_Punjabi.pdf
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We hope this update finds you and your family healthy, and that you are doing what you need to do to stay safe in this challenging time. Our paramount concern, as always, is the well-being of our community and all of those within it.
By now, you have likely seen numerous announcements from Federal and Provincial authorities, and you are aware that in-person instruction has been suspended in our province’s schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though our District is currently on spring break, planning has begun at the District level to determine what continuity of learning might look like after staff return to work next week.
Once staff are available, principals and teachers will need some time to assess their capacity to provide opportunities for learning without meeting face to face with students. As part of this preparation process, you can expect a call from your school by the middle of next week. These calls will give staff an opportunity to check in with students and inquire about student access to technology, which will help inform potential next steps.
As well, this contact will also help staff plan for exceptions to campus closure. These exceptions will include scheduled access for students who need to retrieve school supplies or personal items left in the building prior to spring break. Exceptions may also include options for service to children with complex learning needs as determined by the School District, or for younger students who have identified parents who work in an essential service as defined by the Provincial Government.
Please note that opportunities for learning in this new environment will be very different than they would be if we were in session as normal and will vary depending on student age and readiness. Potential options may include:
Above all else, we recognize this may be an incredibly stressful time for families, and it may be difficult for students to focus on learning. While the suspension of in-class learning continues in its current form, our schools will provide resources and activities that you may access and use in a manner that best fits your family’s needs.
For more information, please consult our School District website, where we will post the most recent updates and links to other sources. I would also ask you to keep in mind that this is a rapidly changing situation, and that Federal or Provincial authorities could change the way we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic on short notice.
Once again, we encourage you to stay healthy and safe, and we look forward to the eventual return of students to our schools.
In support of our communities,
Peter Jory
Superintendent/CEO
School District No.83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will learning opportunities for students begin?
Though our District is currently on spring break, planning has begun at the District level to determine what continuity of learning might look like. The Ministry of Education is developing an integrated planning framework to assist in local planning. When principals and teachers return to the schools on Monday, March 30, they will need some time to assess their capacity to offer different types of learning opportunities. As part of this preparation process, you can expect a call from your school by the middle of next week. These calls will give staff an opportunity to check-in with students and inquire about student access to technology, which will help determine potential next steps.
I am an essential service worker. Can my child go to school?
The District is working on a plan to support the important work being done by our essential service workers. Please communicate your essential worker role and potential need for this type of support when your school reaches out to you.
My child has special needs.
The District is also working on a plan to support students with specific special needs. School staff will engage with you about your student’s IEP and what that support may look like.
Will my child graduate?
Every student eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will graduate. Students who are in Grade 12 and not yet eligible for graduation will receive priority support so that they can meet necessary graduation requirements. The only graduation assessment required for current Grade 12 students is the Grade 10 numeracy assessment. The Ministry will ensure Grade 12 students who have not yet completed this assessment and who are otherwise on track to graduate have the opportunity to meet this requirement.
The Ministry has also promised to work with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and with post-secondary institutions on admissions and the smooth transition of graduating students for next year.
Will my child pass?
Students who are currently eligible for transition to the next grade will move forward with their peers. Students who are not yet eligible will receive priority support.
Are school playgrounds closed?
In an effort to slow down the ongoing spread of COVID-19 School District No. 83 will be closing its playgrounds and playstructures, as will most local city and community organizations. Trails and fields will remain open; however, please follow the Provincial Health Officer’s orders on social distancing.
My child forgot something at school or needs school supplies. Can I go to the school and pick them up?
Please do not return to school to pick up resources or personal effects until contacted by school staff. A schedule will be prepared by each school, following the Provincial Health Officer’s social distancing guidelines, to allow for the safe pick up of resources and personal belongings.
Will children’s breakfast/lunch programs be continuing?
When schools are in session many schools in our district offer breakfast programs. These programs will not be continued in their current form for the remainder of the suspension of in-class learning.
Is the School District office open?
The District Education Support Centre (DESC) is closed to the public but staff are working. You are welcome to call in if you have questions or concerns. The number is 250.832.2157.
What are the services and resources available to parents, students and staff to learn about COVID-19 and combat the spread of it?
• B.C. has launched a new non-medical information line for British Columbians who have questions about COVID-19. Call 1-888-COVID19. Phone lines are open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and information is available in more than 110 languages.
• B.C.’s website has many resources available at http://www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
• The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) website also has many resources for British Columbians at http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/
What can everyone do to stop the spread of COVID-19?
Each of us has a role to play in reducing the spread of this virus and protecting the people we love. The most important thing people can do to limit the spread of the virus are:
What are the options for COVID-19 testing?
Useful Links
School District No. 83 has joined other school districts and local governments across the province in closing its playgrounds to combat the spread of COVID-19.
As of Tuesday, March 24 SD83’s playgrounds, tennis courts and sports courts at all SD83 sites will be closed. Pathways and fields remain open and the district urges all to follow the Provincial Health Officer’s requirements on physical distancing.
SD83 will continue to work to support Municipal, Provincial and Federal guidelines around everyone’s safety.
Late Thursday afternoon (March 12) we received some important information from the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry around schools and COVID-19.
LETTER FROM DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION SCOTT MACDONALD
As this situation changes daily, if not hourly, we ask that you please ensure you check the school district’s website at http://www.sd83.bc.ca before students return from Spring Break on March 30th.
Here is the joint statement – https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0077-000484
SCHOOL CLOSURES – Important reminder on school closures: Decisions about school closures should made by public health officials in cooperation with school districts and the Ministry of Education. All schools should be following the school closure guidelines and protocols currently in place.
Pandemic Response Framework and Planning Guidelines https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/healthyschools/pandemic_response_framework.pdf
While there have been a small number of school closures in B.C. this week, medical health officers have not advised that those steps are necessary.
Useful Links
Letter from Superintendent/CEO Peter Jory
As we look forward to Spring Break and spending time with our families I am writing to give you share some updated information on the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19).
As knowledge of COVID-19 evolves, we continue to use information from Interior Health & Health Canada to inform our recommendations to keep students and staff safe. With some families travelling internationally during Spring Break, we know that there may be an increased risk of the virus spreading.
We are also aware that some jurisdictions are closing schools and it is important that everyone stay apprised of any new developments. Therefore, we ask that parents please check our website for any updates before school resumes on March 30.
As advised by our health officials, anyone concerned about respiratory symptoms should stay home and call their health-care provider or 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow up. In the meantime, we are reminding everyone to follow proper respiratory hygiene etiquette during the cold and flu season. This includes:
For more information on the virus please click on this link for the BC Centre of Disease Control
If you are planning an international trip with your family, please monitor the Government of Canada Travel Site for the latest travel advisories. COVID-19 is currently found in over 110 countries. The following travel advisories for COVID-19 have been issued (as of March 12, 2020):
• Level 3 Travel Advisory (Avoid Non‐essential Travel) for China, Italy, Iran
• Level 2 Travel Advisory (Practice Special Precautions) for Japan, South Korea
• Level 1 Travel Advisory (Practice Normal Precautions) for Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain and France.
The BC Provincial Health Office is now advising self-isolation for 14 days for people who have been to China, Italy and Iran in the last 14 days. The federal government has recommended that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
As such, please note that if your family travels to any location with a Level 2 or Level 3 travel advisory during Spring Break, you are being asked to self-quarantine your child for 14 days prior to returning them to school.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We want to ensure parents, students and staff have time to adjust their plans accordingly. This is an evolving global situation, and as such we need to be prepared that between now and the end of Spring Break there likely will be more changes to the situation, which is why I am asking that you please visit our website before school begins on March 30 for any updates.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Peter Jory,
Superintendent/CEO of School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)
For more information about COVID-19 and complete newsletter: https://conta.cc/2TG1XVo
