On this Monday after Spring Break, the students and staff of our Saanich schools would normally be gathering to share their stories and embark on their studies for the last term of this school year. Instead, given these unprecedented times and suspension of in-class instruction because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I offer this statement on behalf of the Board of Education.
The Board acknowledges the resulting major disruption to students, staff, parents and families and the related concerns, worries and uncertainties of those in our community. All of us recognize the importance of public education to each student and to the health of our society. The Board, working closely with District Senior Staff and the Ministry of Education, offers reassurance that all necessary measures are being taken to strive for personal safety, educational instruction and student success.
For example, the Ministry has offered assurances that this school year will not be lost, students will move on to their next level, and Grade 12 students on track to graduate will do so. The Ministry is also assisting us and all school districts with guidelines for adjusting our educational delivery model to ensure these successful outcomes.
To this end, the Board and District are making the necessary efforts to provide full and timely communication about these matters to our parents, staff and community. I encourage you to regularly check the District website at www.sd63.bc.ca for current information.
We also encourage you to follow the recommendations and directions of health authorities to avoid the further spread of the virus, to maintain safe distances, to be tested if necessary, and to seek and offer assistance where we can.
Please be assured that our District is working very hard under these difficult circumstances to provide support, assistance and implementation of options to ensure our students’ educational success. In the midst of the current anxiety and uncertainty, on behalf of our Board and with your support I wish to thank all our staff for their efforts in this difficult period and to express confidence that we will do our utmost to serve our community throughout these challenging times.
Tim Dunford
Chair
Saanich Board of Education