Schools in BC will be returning to a near-normal in September, according to an announcement by the provincial ministry of education.
Izi Loveluck, president of the Powell River and District Teachers’ Association, said based on the province’s kindergarten to grade 12 education recovery plan, which will be updated in August, there are some positives for students, teachers and staff in Powell River.
Loveluck said the provision of additional funding to support handwashing and cleaning is very helpful.
“Additionally, the targeting of funds to support students whose learning has been impacted is very important,” said Loveluck. “However, it should be noted that this is not additional funding, but will have to be allocated from the district’s provincial operating grant.
“There are some areas that the ministry and government still need to address. While recognizing that teachers need to practice a trauma-informed approach that includes Indigenous cultural safety, there are no funds allocated for in-service to train teachers for this.”
Loveluck said teachers will be reviewing the updates to come in August, and the willingness of the ministry to wait to finalize some areas based on the progress of vaccinations and infections is appreciated. BC Teachers’ Federation members will continue to work with government and the ministry to advocate for teachers and students, she added.
A benefit from all the measures taken in schools is that there has been a significant reduction in communicable diseases, such as influenza, according to Loveluck. Teachers in Powell River also anecdotally report that elementary students have had fewer colds, said Loveluck, and teachers here have appreciated the daytime cleaning and hope that can continue.
“Powell River teachers have shown huge commitment to making sure their students are as safe as possible and have learned as much as possible this year,” said Loveluck. “The caring that teachers show their students on a daily basis is remarkable as they attempt to make this year the best they can for their classes.
“It is my hope that we can have as near a normal 2021 to 2022 school year as possible.”
According to an announcement from the provincial education ministry, as part of the return to school in September 2021, students can expect to learn in classrooms full time.
The announcement stated that based on guidance from the office of the provincial health officer, students will no longer be grouped into cohorts this September. It stated that research has shown that schools were not significant sources of COVID-19 transmission, and with high vaccination rates throughout BC, these measures will no longer be necessary.
“Should the current encouraging progress continue, it is anticipated the restrictions on gatherings, extracurricular activities and sports will no longer be required when the new school year begins,” the announcement stated.
Guidance on wearing masks in school settings will be confirmed later this summer. Students will continue to be required to complete daily health checks, stay home when feeling sick and practice diligent hand hygiene.
