Vancouver School District superintendent, Suzanne Hoffman, begins a regular series of video updates today. Her aim: keep everyone informed about plans for the District's school communities as spring break draws to a close.

Following the provincial government's announcement on March 17 that in-classroom instruction will be suspended, District staff immediately began preparing to provide support and services to students, their families and staff.

"I would like to assure all our families, our staff and students, we have been working diligently behind the scenes in order to prepare for what will be a fundamentally different delivery of education for our students," says Hoffman. "This takes time."

Hoffman outlines four guiding principles as the foundation to the District's plans moving forward. These are:

1) Health & safety of staff and students
Throughout spring break, all schools in Vancouver underwent a deep clean. Protocols and plans at schools to ensure physical distancing and safe access will be determined before teachers return.

2) Communication
District and school-based staff will share information that is relevant and timely with staff, families and students. Next week, staff will begin checking in with families of their students, assessing needs so they can plan for learning and supports for children.

3) Connections
It is important for students to know they are valued, they are cared for, and that they continue to be part of their school communities. Connections will be reestablished with students and their school communities in the coming week and beyond. Schools will remain hubs for families and their children in these challenging times.

4) Commitment to continuation of students' learning
Plans are being explored about how to provide students with opportunities to continue their learning. Students' learning will look different and take many forms. Formal and informal learning supports will be provided, and there will be a mix of digital and non-digital delivery methods used.

As governments, health care providers, essential workers and the wider community work together to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, the Vancouver School District is doing its part.

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments impacting Vancouver school communities.
Visit the District's website for COVID-19 updates.
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