File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Jill Sperling

Back to School

SD73, KTTA welcome extra time to prepare for school year

Aug 12, 2020 | 4:35 PM

KAMLOOPS — As B.C. families prepare to send their children back to school during a global pandemic, the province is providing teachers with a few extra days to prepare.

The Ministry of Education announced Wednesday (Aug. 12) that the start of in-class instruction would be pushed from Sep. 8 to Sep. 10.

Kamloops-Thompson Teachers’ Association (KTTA) President Laurel MacPherson says this short delay makes a difference.

“This is not a light matter,” she said. “We have to take it very seriously and we have to ensure that teachers and students and staff are all safe. The extra two days of planning is very much welcomed.”

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School District 73 Superintendent of Schools Alison Sidow says administration has been working with the KTTA, CUPE and school principals to develop a plan for a gradual reopening.

“So, school will start on Sept. 8, but we may not have students in session for several days,” Sidow said. “But, that does allow us to bring staff in and to plan to ensure that everyone is really comfortable with the health and safety protocols.”

There is plenty of work to do. Teachers will be dealing with learning group sizes of 60 students in elementary and middle school and up to 120 in high school.

“We are different than other provinces,” MacPherson said, “but those are the guidelines that the provincial health officer has given us, so we just have to make those things work. Absolutely, we’re concerned, we’re looking at how physical distancing can be managed.”

The school district is promising a safe learning environment for students and is encouraging parents to ask questions.

“Principals will be available and if you have any particular needs for your youngster, then we are willing to work with you to make sure you’re confident about returning your child to school,” Sidow said, noting parents can also refer to the school district’s website for answers to frequently asked questions.

More information on the school district’s reopening plan will be released on Aug. 26.