Students and parents can expect a near-normal return to school in British Columbia this fall as regular activities like assemblies and field trips are phased in and any transmission of COVID-19 is monitored.
Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside says students will not be on cohorts when K to 12 returns in September. Province is announcing $25.6 million in COVID school funding. Whiteside says the province will continue working with a committee that includes educators, parents and public health experts to finalize plans over the summer.
Whiteside says ventilation systems have been upgraded throughout the year but some improvements still need to be made.
Join Jennifer Whiteside, Education Minister; Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC's provincial health officer; Stephanie Higginson, BC School Trustees Assoc. president; and Andrea Sinclair, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils president, for back to school update. https://t.co/stmgWNUrV0
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) June 17, 2021
Whiteside - “We can plan for a much more typical school year in the fall.” $18 million is going to learning impacts.
No guidance on mask wearing in schools for September. Daily health checks will continue.
Health and safety guidelines will be assessed over the summer and finalized by the fall.
Sports, extra curriculars, drama and other school activities are expected to be back in September.
Dr. Henry says public health teams will continue to work with schools to make sure they are ready for a typical return in September. She says with Covid19 vaccinations, by the time school returns and going forward the virus should l be able to be managed like it is done for other communicable diseases. But will be watching cases and alter if needed.
