ON-Site Survey and the Elementary Campus
As we face the decision to return to school, it is natural to have hesitation and fear. Our province is amidst the transition of moving our schools from Stage 4 to Stage 3 where they are giving parents the flexibility to continue off-site learning or to partake in a blend of on-site and off-site education. Starting on Monday, June 1
st
, RCS is preparing to open its doors for on-site education based upon the survey results we receive in the next 48 hours. Depending on the demand we receive from the survey, students will have a teacher from their grade but not necessarily their specific classroom teacher as we need to manage teacher’s workload and continue offsite learning as well.
As you make this decision, I want to assure our families that the safety and health of everyone has been given the highest priority as we plan and implement this new stage in education. Every family will need to weigh their unique situation to make a decision that is best for them. We will continue to offer our Literacy and Numeracy Choice Boards as well as the PFM Choice Boards. The primary structure of our learning will not change after June 1
st
. In this transition, we plan to have half of the To Dos completed at school while the other half will be left for students to complete at home. Those choosing to stay off-site will, understandably, complete all of the To Dos at home. No matter your decision, all students will be doing the same work and education just in different locations.
As we wrestle through this decision, I think we have two competing fears; one, the fear of the transmission of the virus and, second, the fear of missing out on social and educational experiences at RCS. As you weigh your options, I would like to offer some insight on possible reasons a family may decide to return on June 1
st
.
The BC Provincial Health Organization (PHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have done extensive research and science is suggesting, based on their data collection, that across the globe children are less likely to get COVID-19 and less likely to transmit the virus to others. The PHO research and documentation can be found
here
.
For some, having off-site education has not been ideal for a variety of reasons. We desire to help our families and students academically, socially and emotionally which can be done more effectively with on-site education.
At first glance, re-engaging on June 1st seems unnecessary as we only have three weeks left in school. However, psychologically, there may be some advantages for students and families to return before September. Rightfully, we have conditioned our children to avoid others, not be in crowds, and physically distance. It will take time for students to re-adjust to being part of a community again. In June, staff will be working through this readjustment with students. Those starting in September will also readjust, but may have a deeper emotional and physiological response as they have experienced not just two months of self-isolation but five months of potentially self-isolation. Neurologically, it will take time to reconnect, rewire and create a feeling of safety based on the amount of time a child has not experienced a community setting. A student’s return in June can help students have confidence in knowing what school will look like and feel like in September. Every child is different, and parents will know what is best for their child.
At the Elementary Campus these are some of the possible protocols that we will be using to promote health and safety upon their students and staff return.
- No parents are permitted to enter the school
- Class size will be a maximum of 13
- Temperatures at the beginning of the day will be taken for students and staff upon entering the building
- Hand washing/sanitizing between transitions (higher frequency)
- High touch surface wipe down at specific points during the day
- Minimizing physical contact will be encouraged and reinforced
- Teaching is encouraged to be outdoors when possible and suitable
- EC will not have field trips or facilitating special events like Sports Day.
Lastly, we will be promoting some new positive phrases to help students be reintroduced to our school community.
- Gentle and Joyful
- Connected yet Careful
- Safe and Social
- Personal Space is a Safe Space
Please know that we support your family and will continue to offer a great educational experience no matter your choice leading up to June 1
st
. You are able to change your mind after June 1
st
and come to the on-site portion of our education at RCS if you give the school 48 hours’ notice before coming. This is to ensure we have the proper staffing to maintain our 13-student maximum class size. Every family has different circumstances and there is no right or wrong decision as we move forward. Please it is important that you take the time to pray, discuss and answer our simple survey in regards your June 1
st
intentions. May God give you peace, wisdom and grace as the Spirit directs your family through this transitional time.
