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By Dylana Kneeshaw

BACK AT SCHOOL

Early attendance counts show most students in Kamloops-Thompson School District returned for in-person learning

Jan 11, 2022 | 4:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — In-person learning for all students in Kamloops public schools began on Monday (Jan. 10) amidst the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to School District 73 (SD73) Superintendent Rhonda Nixon, early attendance counts were right around normal.

“Our historical average for absenteeism is 14 per cent in our jurisdiction on a daily rate when we compare September to December,” Nixon says. “As we came back, we’ve been at 12 per cent yesterday (Jan. 10) and today we’re at 13 per cent. So we’re below our historical average absenteeism.”

Like all districts in British Columbia, SD73 is supposed to have rapid tests brought in to use as an enhanced safety tool. Schools don’t have the kits yet, but Nixon says the district has been told by the province to expect more information about the delivery this week.

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“Often on Fridays we do get called together by the ministry to give us any updates, or if there is a need to draw us together sooner than that… So I don’t have details about [rapid testing] but we expect them this week.”

Parents and guardians who spoke with CFJC this afternoon while waiting to pick up their children expressed some worry around the current pandemic situation, and noticed their kids were excited to be back at school

One grandmother said her grandchild was glad to be with friends again.

“She’s happy to be back. We all had COVID over the Christmas holidays and I’m happy that everybody is [vaccinated]. But yeah, it’s a little nerve wracking.”

“I understand people’s concerns for not going back,” another mother told CFJC, “And people just have to be safe and get their kids vaccinated if they can and wear the masks and social distance. But I feel that it’s important for kids to get back to in person learning.”

One father said their family is aware of the potential for catching COVID in group settings but feels in-person learning is beneficial.

“They’re very happy to be back in school. Three weeks off was a very long time. They’re excited, they were so happy to come home from school yesterday and had seen their friends and teachers.”

CFJC also reached out to the District’s Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), which says it will be meeting with SD73 officials and board trustees this week to discuss continuity of learning plans, and any concerns about returning to the classroom. More information from DPAC will be provided following this meeting.

It’s only two days into the return, and Superintendent Nixon reiterates that the COVID-19 situation could change quickly. Other operation plans may have to be enacted if a high number of staff or students test positive and need to stay home.

“And we really didn’t know what to expect. So we’re fortunate. It’s two days in, and we’re doing really well. We haven’t had to enact any other scenarios.”