I want to take a moment to thank you all for your tremendous effort helping your children adjust to the new normal, in a year that has been far from normal. I also want to take this opportunity to update you with regard to the newest developments in School District #27, and across the province.
As you are aware, we have had our first COVID-19 related exposure at a school site in our district. We are a little over 3 weeks away from our Christmas break, and I wanted to share some context with you.
Although we have had our first exposure, at the time of this being written:
• 27 districts have had 0 exposures
• 10 districts have had a single exposure
• 81% of the exposures are in 14 school districts
• 83% of the schools in BC have had 0 cases
• The risk in schools remains significantly lower than the community at large
• School protocols are having the right impact
Our staff is working hard to have the desired impact and keeping students, each other, and the community at large, safer. We know the recent exposure heightens some of your concerns, but it should also be a clear reminder for us to double down on our safety measures, and ensure our schools remain the safest place in the community. Our schools also offer additional social,
emotional and mental health benefits for children.
As the provincial numbers climbed, it was a matter of time before we had positive cases in our district. By working together, following the guidance of the PHO to limit nonessential travel and other health guidelines, we can continue to limit the spread in our district and across communities. We are stronger together.
We will continue to update you as new information presents itself. We will also arrange for another Town Hall to address any new questions based on recent developments.
Thank you for your efforts. Thank you for working together to keep the community and schools safe for students, and each other.
Sincerely,
Chris van der Mark
Superintendent of Schools
