Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Jill Sperling

School Attendance

School district reports about one in six students returned to the classroom

Jun 8, 2020 | 4:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops-Thompson School District says 15-to-18 per cent of students in the district — or about one in six — returned to their classrooms last week.

Families were given the option to send their kids back to school on a part-time basis or continue with distance learning for the final four weeks of school.

Last week, Education Minister Rob Fleming said the proportion of students across B.C. returning to school was about one-third.

School District 73 Assistant Superintendent-Elementary Trish Smillie says most classrooms had between six and 10 students.

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Smillie says she expects class sizes will grow as families begin to feel more comfortable.

“We invite students to come back,” she said. “It’s voluntary in-class instruction for two days a week for elementary students and for those Grades 6-to-12, it’s up to one day a week. So, as parents and families become comfortable with the new normal we welcome them to return to schools before the end of the year.”

Looking ahead to the next school year, Smillie says the return of international students is still up in the air.

However, she says the Ministry has advised the district there will be a full restart in September.

Smillie adds these last few weeks of school are preparing staff and teachers for the fall.

“This really helps us prepare for a smooth startup come the fall when we don’t have teachers in class preparing readily before September starts. We’re happy for this opportunity and it’s been very nice to be with our students again.”