{"id":20301,"date":"2020-08-18T16:04:35","date_gmt":"2020-08-18T23:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newwestschools.ca\/archive_241212\/?p=20301"},"modified":"2020-08-18T17:23:58","modified_gmt":"2020-08-19T00:23:58","slug":"planning-the-return-timelines-and-whats-to-come","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newwestschools.ca\/archive_241212\/planning-the-return-timelines-and-whats-to-come\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning the return: timelines and what’s to come"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear parents, students and staff,<\/p>\n

Thank you. Thank you for the patience you\u2019re showing as we work to collect all the guidance and answers we need from our various partners \u2026 information that\u2019s helping us build the best possible plan for New Westminster Schools.<\/p>\n

As recently as yesterday the operational guidelines for school districts were sent out \u2013 including direction on mandatory mask use in shared or busy spaces for all staff and students at middle and secondary schools \u2013 and now these and other pieces are now being layered into our local plan. (To read the Ministry\u2019s full operational guidelines: https:\/\/www.openschool.bc.ca\/covidguidelines\/<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

We know you still have many questions. We know the uncertainty, particularly around this next stage, can be challenging. And we appreciate the thoughts, concerns and support you\u2019ve shared with us throughout this process.<\/p>\n

More will come very soon. But today I want to give you a general picture of what you can expect to come, when.<\/p>\n

First, and always, the safety and well-being of students, staff and our community remain our top priority. Nothing has changed there. So while we execute on the direction we\u2019re been given by the Ministry of Education (https:\/\/www2.gov.bc.ca\/gov\/content\/education-training\/k-12\/covid-19-return-to-school<\/a><\/em>), we do so continuing to work under the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer, WorksafeBC, Fraser Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control.<\/p>\n

The plan we\u2019re building in New Westminster is based in recommendations from all these organizations, it is informed by what we\u2019ve learned and the feedback we\u2019ve collected along the way, and it seeks to channel innovation as we explore all our options, while considering the best way to support the diverse needs of our many school communities.<\/p>\n

Right now we are drafting a plan that provides as much flexibility as possible \u2013 using the small size of our District to capitalize on opportunities, while acknowledging where it also presents limits.<\/p>\n

By August 26th<\/sup> you\u2019ll get a detailed message that will include painting a picture of how our schools will look different in September, detailing how we\u2019ve addressed the needs of our diverse learners, and providing health and safety requirements we\u2019re working under.<\/p>\n

While we work hard to build the plan for our District\u2019s schools, we know that each family faces its own set of individual challenges in this crisis \u2013 from acute and existing health concerns to the varying levels of caution being taken. Next week\u2019s communication will also outline the alternatives we\u2019re working hard to provide for families \u2026 including defining relevant information people will need to consider when deciding what will be best for their kids and individual household needs.<\/p>\n

So, as we look at the path ahead, here are the key dates to keep track of:<\/p>\n