​April 3^rd, 2020

Dear Parents:

I am writing another 'semi-weekly' update for you as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.  This week teachers returned to work. Many visited their schools to collect resources before returning to work from home until this extraordinary time passes.  Most of you should have received contact from teachers over the past week. Please note there is no formal rule about how much contact a teacher provides, nor is there a specific guideline at this time as to the nature or quantity of work provided, but as a ballpark a child should get between 1-3 hours of work per day, depending on their age.

Learning opportunities will commence next week, but do not send your child to school; the learning opportunities will be provided to your child to do at home. I want to emphasize that the learning opportunities are not an exact copy of the 'regular' curriculum. Further, the education system cannot expect you or your child to manage all your regular responsibilities as well as this work – they are opportunities.  All of us – parents, educators, and students- will simply do the best we can in truly unusual circumstances.  No one can ask or expect more.

The school district has curriculum support for you available online: https://sd75curriculum.com/. The Ministry is providing a website to assist as well: https://www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/. For information on Covid-19, please see https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support.

If you have concerns about your child's progress, or you are having challenges with supporting them, or have limited access to the internet, or any other issue, please contact your school principal to see how we can support you and your child. If you have a child that requires additional supports, your school should also be contacting you to discuss how they will assist during this time. 

The school district has been working in conjunction with the District of Mission and community organisations to support childcare for Healthcare Workers and other frontline individuals. The School District will be providing some childcare for HCWs later next week, but other providers are available too. If you are seeking childcare, please check out this page: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/child-care-response-covid-19/child-care-response-covid-19-parent

Some schools have already provided parents with their children's belongings from the school. Please be patient, as collection of these items from larger schools can take a long time to process safely for our staff.

Providing support for children can be overwhelming.  Being in a confined space for extended periods can be too. Or, like me, your child might live elsewhere – my 15 year-old is in another city and tutoring her from afar is a challenge, especially with no hugs. This is a strange time. Wellness support for you and your family can be found here: https://sd75curriculum.com/wellness/. Be sure to reach out and connect (virtually) with your family and friends to stay positive. Look at the many wonderful learning experiences – and relationship opportunities- all of us can provide at this time. The whole world has come together over this issue.  As always, you can reach by email should you have further questions, concerns, or ideas. Please take care and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

Angus Wilson, Superintendent