The Comox Valley School District wants its students back in the classroom.
In a letter to parents, the district says in order for students to finish the school year “a return date to school has been announced as Monday, June 1st.”
The letter also said the return to in-class instruction for students in kindergarten to grade 5 will be staggered and on a part-time basis as identified in Phase Three of the plan. Grades 6 to 12 will return partially and
only on an as-needed basis. Remote and online learning continues to be available for students.
When the time comes to have kids head back to classes, it will be optional.
Superintendent Tom Demeo says the district understands that the news will create varying opinions.
“We anticipate this news will be received with mixed emotions. Many parents and caregivers
are happy to see some degree of normalcy with the return of classroom instruction on the
horizon. At the same time, it will be met with anxiety about whether school spaces are safe,”
explained Demeo.
“We want parents, staff, students, and the community to feel confident and assured that the first priority is the health and safety of students and staff. Reopening our schools will be guided by the directions of the Provincial Health Officer and the Minister of Education.”
Before returning to school on June 1st however, SD71 says it will be looking at creating a schedule with strict guidelines as to how many children will be allowed in each class.
Other guidelines within that schedule could include options where some classes would come in on Monday’s and Tuesday’s, and the other half would come in on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s with online learning set for Friday.
Whatever the case may be, SD71 says before any students and staff return to schools, it will ensure all learning environments are safe and thoroughly disinfected with continued ongoing rigorous cleaning measures.
