Superintendent’s Weekly Update. May 14, 2020
Dear Sunshine Coast families,
We will soon be inviting many of our students back to school during the week of June 1st on a part-time and voluntary basis. The amount of in-school time offered will vary through the grades. The Ministry of Education refers to this as, “Stage 3” of the 5 Stage framework for education in B.C. I anticipate having more detailed information to share with you in the next, “Weekly Update” as we receive further direction and support from the Ministry of Education later this week.
Given that it will be voluntary for parents to send their children to school in Stage 3, and while home based learning also continues, we will be asking parents to complete a survey to let us know of their intentions for whether they will send their children to school during the month of June. This information will be important to us as we plan for this stage. Along with the survey, we will provide a more detailed sense of what this return to school will look like in terms of safety plans, timing, learning program, and transportation.
Here are some updates for this week:
Health and Safety:
- The district is preparing, with the Ministry of Education’s support, protocols for safely welcoming our students back to school for “Stage 3” learning.
Vulnerable Students:
- Our community schools applied for and received a United Way grant to support ‘Local Love Food Hubs’ here on the Sunshine Coast! Contact your community school coordinator to find out more.
- Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Resource for COVID-19 is a valuable new resource for families.
Continuation of Learning:
- If your child is scheduled to enter Kindergarten in September please be sure to register for Kindergarten at sd46.bc.ca. We look forward to your child joining one of our fabulous schools!
- This past Monday, teachers across the district focused on an amazing variety of professional development opportunities, with a special focus on Indigenous Education.
- Secondary schools are working with their graduation committees on how to safely celebrate this exciting milestone in our students’ lives. The schools will communicate with the grade 12’s as plans are put in place.
Communication:
- If you have questions or comments about your child’s learning, please contact your child’s teacher. If the matter is more school related, please connect with your child’s principal. If the matter is more related to the direction of the district, please email me. If you don’t know who to talk to, contact any of us. We are here to help.
Tips to help your family’s well-being
EASE at Home (for Parents and Caregivers)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EASE classroom activities were adapted for use at home by parents and caregivers to support children’s mental health and continuous learning.
These fun and practical strategies help guide parents and caregivers in managing their children’s anxiety and worries in the comfort of their home during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
All of us at School District 46 wish you the very best as we all navigate the daily and ongoing challenges of this pandemic together.
Take care,
Patrick
Patrick Bocking
Superintendent of Schools