Message from the Superintendent

SD83 Communications
Amended Public Health Guidance for Schools

Dear families and staff of SD83,

On December 29th, 2021 the Provincial Health Officer amended the provincial health orders and guidelines in response to the Omicron variant which is causing an increased number of COVID-19 cases in our province COVID-19 safe schools – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca). A significant addition to the public health order has the majority of students returning to school on January 10, 2022.

The following students are invited to attend school as of January 4, 2022:

  • Children with exceptional needs (social, emotional, academic, medical), you may choose to bring your child to their school and if your child accesses district transportation, buses will run as usual. Meal programs will also be available for students who require access to them.
  • If you are a parent or legal guardian who works in the healthcare system, you may choose to transport your child to their school or have your child access district transportation as school buses will run as usual.

Please reach out to your child’s school principal if you have questions regarding a January 4th start date for your child. If it is determined that your child(ren) will be returning to school next week, the school principal will invite you to complete a form for district records.

The province has determined that by phasing in the return to school, it will allow time for the district and school staff to increase safety measures that will support students and staff upon return as of January 10, 2022.

The following safety measures will be adhered to:

  • Completing daily health checks;
  • Staff and/or students will be required to stay home when sick;
  • Wearing masks according to the public health order;
  • Avoiding crowding;
  • Maintaining personally respectful spaces between people.

Enhanced measures have been published and the key changes are as follows:

  • Reinforcing the measures as outlined above;
  • Arranging classrooms to ensure maximum space between students and staff;
  • Limiting visitors to the school to those that are supporting activities that are of benefit to student learning and well-being (e.g., teacher candidates, meal program volunteers, etc);
  • Reducing crowding at transition times such as staggered start/stop times, breaks, lunches;
  • Holding student assemblies and staff meetings virtually rather than in person;
  • In keeping with the guidelines, athletic practices are permitted;
  • No spectators or audiences permitted at this time;
  • Pausing school tournaments.

For more details regarding the Ministry plan, please visit COVID-19 safe schools – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) .

On behalf of the Board of Education and the staff of SD 83, I wish to thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust to the newly implemented provincial measures. We look forward to seeing your child(ren) return to school and experience personal growth within our district.

Sincerely,

Donna Kriger Superintendent

PDF OF LETTER HERE