Changes are for Quarter 3, beginning February 4, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver, B.C.  - The Vancouver School District’s 2020-2021 secondary school year schedule enables secondary students to attend school each day while complying with the government’s COVID-19 health and safety requirements. It prioritizes student choice while maintaining pathways to graduation, and allows for consistency across all 18 secondary schools. 

Health and safety remain our top priority for students and staff. Based on feedback and data, we are refining secondary school schedules moving forward. 

The following changes are being made to secondary school schedules, for Quarter 3 beginning February 4, 2021:

 All grade 8 students will attend their remote class in person, twice per week, during flex time

• All schools will go to a one-week rotation of remote and in-person classes
• All students  will have three interactive learning opportunities per week for remote classes, with increased social interaction

“We have been listening to students, families and staff, and we have been analyzing information about student attendance and achievement,” says Rob Schindel, associate superintendent. “These changes ensure that health and safety remain our top priority for students and staff. The changes also reflect our commitment to student well-being, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.”

“We continue to remain committed to providing the highest quality learning experience for all students during the pandemic; helping them to reach their intellectual, social, and physical potential in a safe and inclusive environment.”

From November 25 to December 6, 2020, VSB requested input from secondary students and their families, about their experience in the adapted school year schedule. We heard from 5,176 students and 6,163 families. VSB also received input from school staff about their experiences. Finally, VSB conducted a comprehensive analysis of secondary student attendance and achievement across the District, based on data from the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year. 

Before February 4, schools will publish an adjusted school-wide schedule. Families will receive communication from their teachers of any courses impacted by the changes.

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 Links

• For more information on the changes, please visit GoVSB.ca/secondary-schedule
• Infographics and video

For interview requests and more information, please contact: communications@vsb.bc.ca