VSB Sends Early Message to Families Regarding Winter Break Extension
The VSB announced today the early details of the provinces’ move to delay students’ return from Winter Break until January 10, as well as and what they mean for the District.
Interim Superintendent Jan Unwin penned a letter to families sent earlier today confirming that online schooling would not take place during the extension, echoing what Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside had said at a press conference yesterday.
“Please note that online instruction will not be provided to students next week,” the letter read.
The VSB also outlined the steps that will be taken to ensure schools’ safety as daily COVID-19 cases soar, saying an emphasis will be placed on reinforcing existing layers of protection, including mask compliance, crowd management, and increasing outdoor learning when possible.
Additional measures include a renewed emphasis placed on daily health checks, as well as encouraging all eligible persons to get their COVID-19 vaccination.
The letter also said VSB schools will be open starting January 3 to “provide support for vulnerable students, students with special needs and children of essential workers,” and reiterated that families will receive more information regarding the specifics of that process “once we have worked out the details”.
A number of questions regarding secondary students’ grades and schedules amid the District’s new semester system remain answered, but in a statement emailed to The Nest, VSB Communications staff confirmed more information would be shared “as it becomes available in the coming days.”
As school districts across BC scramble to prepare for students’ return, health officials reported 4,383 new cases of COVID-19, blowing past the previews record of 2,944 set a day earlier. 997 cases were recorded in the Vancouver Coastal Health region, but the case reports are believed to be a substantial undercount given the province’s strained testing and contact-tracing systems.
The Nest will continue coverage of the extension in SD 39 over the next few days.