SOUND OFF: Caring for our students’ mental health this school year
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IT’S THE START OF ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR for students across the province. Many students are eager to see their friends, meet their classmates and get to know their new teachers. And I know there is also some anxiety about what this school year will look like.
For many kids, nerves are a normal part of the first day of school. But this year, like last year, we understand that there is heightened anxiety about how our schools will adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep kids safe.
That’s why our COVID-19 safety protocols in schools are guided by public health experts at the BC Centre for Disease Control with input from all of our education partners. All teachers and staff, and students in Grades 4-to-12, will be required to wear masks while indoors and on buses, with masks encouraged for K-to-3. We’ve invested $77.5 million to upgrade school HVAC systems, in addition to the $10 million in federal funding from last year. Cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces will follow the latest BCCDC guidance. All of these precautions will allow students to continue learning in the classroom this year, so they have every opportunity to achieve their goals.
In addition to physical health and safety, our government is prioritizing the mental health of students and staff. As a parent of two high school students, this is a big deal for me. Kids have been remarkably resilient and adaptive throughout the entire pandemic – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. We know that the pandemic has taken a toll on students’ mental health and, as a parent and an MLA, I want schools to be places where they can easily get the support they need to thrive.
