November 22, 2021
Dear SD46 Families,
The last week has been incredibly difficult for our province and for many who are working and living in areas directly impacted by flooding and landslides. The Province has now implemented two temporary emergency orders to restrict non-essential travel in some areas and to prioritize fuel for essential vehicles. Copies of the Fuel Prioritization Order and the Travel Restrictions (Flooding and Landslides) Order are both now available online. BC has declared a state of emergency which includes the two ministerial orders cited above and is in effect until December 1.
As we continue to work through this issue, the following principles will continue to guide our work:
1. Keeping students and staff safe, as well as those in the broader community;
2. Maintaining access to in-person instruction and educational continuity; and
3. Reducing fuel usage within the sector to the greatest extent possible to contribute to the provincial fuel and travel restriction measures.
The actions taken by the government are temporary and school districts have been asked to eliminate non-essential travel and take measures to promote and support:
- Carpooling, considering all Covid Health and Safety Guidelines;
- Public transit usage; and
- Alternate methods of transportation, active travel.
It is our collective responsibility to do our best, both as individuals and as a school district, to restrict our fuel consumption. We ask that families consider other modes of transportation to school that do not require driving.
- Buses are deemed essential and all regular school operations will remain in place.
- Field trips, sports, and any extra-curricular activities that require additional travel will be cancelled or postponed to a later date.
- In-person meetings that require travel only occur if deemed essential.
This is a challenging time for our province, and it is important for schools to stay open for in-person learning, given how crucial it is for students’ intellectual, emotional and mental well-being.
Warmly and with gratitude,
Kate Kerr
Superintendent of Schools