As staff, students and families plan for the part-time resumption of in-class instruction on June 1, Vancouver School District staff and school-based administrators are hard at work to finalize  the details of exactly what that will look like. The overarching principles guiding all plans are maximizing physical distance and minimizing physical contact. 

At the elementary level, District staff have provided guidance to principals and vice-principals on how to move forward in the safest way. Health and safety committees are inspecting schools in the days before students arrive back, and administrators have a checklist to use as a guide to ensure compliance with WorkSafe BC requirements. 

Logistics to maximize physical distancing and minimize physical contact are a large part of planning. These include the use of rooms in schools, where students will enter and exit – and whether a staggered plan is needed for the start of the day, end of the day and at break times. Administrators will share plans clearly to all staff and families to ensure a transition that is smooth and safe. 

As steady preparation continues, the inside of the buildings –including classrooms – will look a little different. Signage is installed to serve as reminders about how to stay safe, as well as where to stand and what direction to walk in hallways and stairwells. Common areas, like gymnasiums and cafeterias, will generally be closed unless they are needed to help maintain physical distance. 

The guidelines issued by the Provincial Public Health Office do not mandate physical distancing in the K-12 school setting. However, school staff will use an educational approach to help students understand the measures they can take to keep themselves and others healthy and safe. Staff will also ensure frequent hand hygiene – at sinks in classrooms or with hand sanitizer to help children master the healthy habit. 

Learn more about the measures in place to welcome students back to school by visiting COVID-19 Updates.