03/19/2020
Four Directions' students and families,
Thank you for your patience as we gathered the most up to date information. Understandably in this uncertain time, things have been changing quickly.
Please see the following update from Superintendent Alison Sidow:
Dear parents and guardians,
We understand there are many questions about what comes next for your family, our students, and our staff in the wake of the news that in-classroom instruction has been suspended. We have a few answers for you today, and we will have more information in the coming days.
Over the last two days, we have been developing a continuity of learning plan to ensure students remain connected to their teachers and continue to learn. We are especially focused on preparing grade 12 students for graduation, protecting our vulnerable learners, and ensuring the children of our essential workers are supported.
Our Continuity of Education Plan requires the input and participation of staff in all our schools. Together, during the week of March 23, we will put a plan in place to reconnect students with their learning by March 30, and reconnect vulnerable students with food programs by April 6.
As we prepare to support student’s learning from a distance, schools will not be open to students or the public. Please do not return to school to pick up resources or personal effects unless contacted by your child’s teacher or principal. A schedule will be prepared by each school to allow for the safe pick up of resources and personal belongings that follows the social distancing guidelines set out by the Provincial Health Officer.
We are grateful for the efforts of our healthcare professionals and first responders and we are working on plans to open some schools for children of parents who are performing these essential services. We ask for your patience as our planning team works through the details of this plan with the Ministry of Education.
If you are considered an essential worker by the Province of BC, and are a parent of students in grades K to 5, your principal will provide you with additional information to ensure you are able to respond to critical civic services during the pandemic. Our goal is to have in-school support for essential workers during regular school hours operational by Monday, April 6.
We appreciate your understanding. We know you have a lot of questions about this rapidly changing situation. We are committed to keeping you informed on a daily basis.
Please take care of yourselves, and take some time to enjoy an extended spring break.
Sincerely,
Alison Sidow
Superintendent
