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Dear parents, students, staff and community members,<\/p>\nDear parents, students, staff and community members,<\/p>\n
As we all know, the COVID-19 outbreak has had significant impacts on almost all of the operations and work we do as a school district \u2013from the cancellation of events to the suspension of in-class instruction. We have had to change the way we fundamentally do business.<\/p>\n
At each turn we have made decisions that prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff and wider community \u2013 and we\u2019ve done so by taking guidance and direction from the health authorities who have the lead on this evolving situation.<\/p>\n
As a world-wide issue, we have also had to be flexible and adaptable to the rapidly changing nature of the virus and the many implications this unprecedented situation has presented.<\/p>\n
Due to COVID-19 related issues, today we\u2019re sharing the news that the replacement building under construction at New Westminster Secondary School will not be ready for the previously projected opening, September 2020. <\/strong><\/p>\n We are very disappointed to announce this change.<\/p>\n The COVID-19 outbreak has presented us with two challenges that have already, and continue to, significantly slow down the previous progress, including:<\/p>\n We are working closely with our builder, Graham Construction, to monitor the situation daily \u2013 while they continue to do what work can be done through this limbo period. New health and safety protocols have been introduced to continue to make sure anyone working on the site is doing so safely.<\/p>\n Our Project Board is still diligently working to oversee the build of this exciting investment in our kids and community. And we\u2019re working with our various Ministerial partners to keep them up to date and included as active partners in all pertinent conversations.<\/p>\n At this point, nobody knows the duration of time we\u2019ll continue to face COVID-19 related restrictions and challenges. As such, it is too soon to accurately reassess what our adjusted completion timelines will be.<\/p>\n As soon as we\u2019re in a better position to do so, we\u2019ll update all our appropriate stakeholder groups.<\/p>\n We thank you for your patience as we navigate what this delay will mean for all of us.<\/p>\n Sincerely, <\/p>\n\n
\nKarim Hachlaf
\nSuperintendent of Schools \/ CEO<\/p>\n