With the official end of spring break upon us, Vancouver School District superintendent Suzanne Hoffman shares what students, parents and staff can expect during what would normally be the first week back at school.

District staff have been working on plans over the last several days, their focus has remained on three priorities: the health and safety of staff, students, and communities; communicating thoughtfully and transparently in a timely manner; and providing connections to make sure students have a sense of belonging.

In-class learning is suspended. Students will not be in schools on Monday, March 30. Hoffman explains the focus will soon turn to continuing learning for students so they can transition to the next stage of their education. In the third video update of a regular series, Hoffman says on Monday, principals and vice-principals will be reaching out to their staff members.

"There will be no teachers or support staff in our schools on Monday," she says. "What principals will do is look to Tuesday or Wednesday, and arrange times for teachers and staff to come into the school – small groups, practising social/physical distancing – to pick up any resources they may need to begin to think about and to plan for your child and their educational journey."

Hoffman hopes on Wednesday and Thursday (April 1 and 2), staff will begin to touch base with students and families about what resources parents will need, and whether anything should be picked up from their child's school.

"We will then arrange for times – in small groups – for individuals to come into schools to pick up what it is that they need in order to have learning resources at home and at their fingertips," she adds.

Hoffman says teachers will then start to plan, which will take time. School staff will also begin reaching out to students who usually access basic nutrition through meal plans at schools. Those students, who are amongst the most vulnerable, will be able to pick-up a meal at their school.

She explains the District is going one week at a time, as circumstances evolve. She will continue to communicate next week, bringing everyone a sense of what the following week will look like.

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