Premier John Horgan says B.C. students will have the option to return to classes in June on a part-time basis, with the goal of returning to full-time classes in September.
“British Columbians have worked hard to flatten our curve. As we move into the next phase of our pandemic plan after the May long weekend, the science shows us that we’re ready to bring students back to school safely on a gradual and part-time basis,” Horgan said Friday.
“This will be welcome news for many families who have struggled to adjust to remote and online learning, and for parents who are going back to work. At every step, we will move slowly and make health and safety our top priority. B.C. has done well under the guidance of our provincial health officials, and now is the time to take this next step together.”
The province’s 20,000 teachers and 275,000 K to 12 students have been using video conferencing since classes were suspended two months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s being left to school districts to determine scheduling for classes and transportation arrangements. Students in kindergarten to Grade 5 will be able to go to school half time (such as alternating days), while grades 6 to 12 will go to school about one day a week.
Although the B.C. government expects most students will continue to rely on remote learning, safety measures are being put in place to allow the return of those who choose to return to school on June 1.
“We’ve looked at what measures other jurisdictions are putting in place and we’re taking direction from our provincial health officials, so students, educators and staff know we’re taking every precaution to protect their health and safety,” said education minister Rob Fleming.
The safety measures include:
• desks spaced apart and avoiding groups or gatherings of students in hallways or other common areas;
• regular cleaning of high-contact surfaces like door knobs, toilet seats, keyboards and desks at least twice a day, and cleaning the school building at least once a day;
• students, educators and staff will be required to clean their hands before entering school property, and there will be more hand-sanitizing and cleaning stations available, with well-stocked supplies;
• staggered drop-offs, lunch and recess breaks, with increased outside time;
• staff and students (or their parents/guardians) must assess themselves daily for symptoms of COVID-19. If any student or staff member has even mild symptoms, arrangements will be made for that person to be returned home;
• one student per seat on school buses, unless children are from the same house, with plexiglass separating the bus driver from students; and
• students or employees should not share food or personal items like phones, pens or pencils. Clear protocols also need to be in place for the safe and healthy handling of all food items.
Each school district and independent school must have its return-to-class and safety plans approved by the ministry before moving to the next stage.
If parents have not heard from their schools by May 22, they are asked to contact their principal.
MORE TO COME …
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