Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week. Can you feel the weather changing? Fall is in the air, with the days being shorter and the mornings are most definitely cooler. This time of year brings memories of warmer sweaters, longer pants and the first day back to school. The smell of new pencils and paper and the anticipation of starting another year of school. Would I get all the courses I signed up for and who would be in my classes? I’d reconnect with my friends that were away during the summer and find out who was going out with who. I’m sure 2020 brings many more questions and insecurities for students and parents.
While some are excited and looking forward to trying this “new normal,” others are feeling conflicted with the new process and unsure of what program will work best for them. One parent noted that “the choice for high school is each grade will be its own learning group. It sounds like each learning group will be 110 students. Some would like online schooling with the option of returning to school after a while. But the way it’s set up now, it’s either 100 per cent school or online, there’s no in between.”
Some information from one principal was forwarded to parents noting that, “The class schedule will look a little different as we will need to ensure that we are doing our best to stagger Learning Groups and keep groups separated during the school day. The model we currently have in place will have groups in different Flex blocks and lunch blocks, and each grade will have a different door to access the building. This schedule will also allow time to coordinate custodial staff to engage in a concentrated and specific cleaning schedule of learning spaces.”
School District No. 46 (sd46.bc.ca) has news and updates on their website to help those with questions and concerns regarding the September Restart Plan and encourages parents to visit the site and call or email if more information is required. As the pandemic continues and everyone is trying to find their own way through this uncertain time, parents and students have added anxiety of how to proceed and how to stay safe. Going to school, learning and socializing has always been an integral part of how we move forward in life and now it will take more awareness and support than ever. I wish all the parents and students an easy transition and know for certain that teachers, staff, students and parents will make this the best school year they can. Virtual hugs to all of you and thank-you to everyone who has been working so hard to ensure everyone is safe, comfortable and informed. Please send me a note as to how things are going and if you have anything you would like to share regarding the first week of school and beyond.
Have your “Say at the Bay,” please contact me before 5 p.m. on Mondays. cindy.kisser@telus.net.
Be kind, be gentle, be safe.
