School District 47 chairperson Aaron Reid recently outlined how different the education system has become following the onset of COVID-19.
At the Powell River Board of Education meeting on May 13, Reid, during the chairperson remarks segment of the meeting, said provincial minister of education Rob Fleming, on March 17, announced the cancellation of in-class instruction immediately and indefinitely at all BC schools.
“Our students, staff, their families and community members spent spring break, which had just begun at the end of the school day on March 13, learning and abiding by the nuances of social distancing,” said Reid. “At the time, this was a new term to all of us and now, two months later, it’s a normal part of everyday vocabulary and a new way of life.”
Reid said in this chaotic time of constantly evolving information, guidelines, messaging and fear, the community and school district have stepped up, as they always have, to meet new challenges as they are presented.
“I’d like to commend our staff, led by our superintendent Dr. Jay Yule, for rising up and doing what has been needed to keep our district going when the world was closing,” said Reid. “Many of our district staff have continued to get up each morning and report to work so that we can continue to keep our buildings open and operational and the business of the district going.”
Reid said she’d also like to thank the district’s staff who have been working from home during the last two months.
“You’ve had to scramble to adapt to something without advance planning, while juggling your own families and home responsibilities,” said Reid. “You have been creative, innovative and caring. On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely thank each of you for your commitment to your work, our district, and our community.”
Reid said the provincial government has announced that schools will be moving to stage three of the education plans by or before June 1. She said she’d like to point out two very important things with respect to this announcement.
Reid said from the first announcement that in-class instruction was cancelled, district leadership and staff have considered what a return to in-class instruction might look like.
“Student and staff safety and well-being are always foremost in planning and decision-making at all levels,” said Reid. “Each of the province’s 60 school districts have been tasked with putting its own plan in place, taking into account guidelines put out by the provincial health officer and WorkSafeBC.”
Reid said returning to school buildings is optional for students and at the discretion of parents and caregivers.
“It is in no way mandatory to send your child back to a school building,” said Reid. “However, I ask that people be respectful and considerate of the choices of others if they do choose to send their child back to school.
“As our school communities, school districts and communities are unique, so are the circumstances of the families that make up the communities. We will all make choices and decisions based on our own circumstances and situations. Some of them will be very hard decisions to make and we need to support and encourage each other at this time, not berate or judge.”
Reid said those who have spent time in public education are keenly aware that public schools are not just buildings for learning.
“Our public schools are each their own unique community and are defined by the people who work, learn and visit those buildings,” said Reid. “Some of our students have thrived in a home-based learning environment, while others are suffering and have not been able to adapt.
“Please remember to be patient and thoughtful during these next stages as we move forward trying to adapt and serve during an unpredictable time. Protect yourselves and your families but be respectful of others as well. We will get through this and we will come out stronger together on the other side.”
