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Back to school: B.C. announces 2-day delay for students' return to class
CTVNewsVancouver.ca August 12, 2020

VANCOUVER -- B.C.'s education ministry announced it plan Wednesday for a gradual return to
class for students in fall.

Education Minister Rob Fleming first hinted (prep.: ) the delay in a news conference Tuesday
and the ministry confirm the next day that the first week of class in September will include a
"gradual restart to allow extra time to orient students and staffs on the new health and safety
measures (prep.: ) place."

While all staff will meet (prep.: ) school health and safety committees on Sept. 8, students
won't head back to class (prep.: ) orientation until Sept. 10.

"We arrived at the two days after discussions with all the leaders of all the major partner group in
B.C.," Fleming said (prep.: ) media Wednesday.

"This is the best scenario I think to continue to build confidence and familiar with the protocols."

Fleming said the time (prep.: ) from class has "taken a heavy toll in families."

"There is learning loss that we're very concerned about. In-class instruction (prep.: ) teachers
and students is critical important at every grade level … there's lots of changes go on in students'
lives and the in-class instruction emphasis is one that we feel is importance for the well-being of
students," Fleming said.

"We can't sacrifice 18 months of education. We have to learn how to do things safe during this
pandemic."

Even so, Fleming said there are some options if parents decide to keep their kids (prep.: )
home.

"Districts are very mindful (prep.: ) the some of the decisions that families are making and
they're doing their better right now to provide them with complete, accurate information about what
the local schools is going to look like," he said.

The ministry said that school districts are given "readiness checklists" earlier this week to help
them updated their health and safety plans.

Additionally, operation guidelines will be made available by next week, and will include tips on
ensuring students who need extra support are prioritize, supporting mental health of students and
minimizing physicallyontact.

"We're really pleased to see very detailed planning going on at the school district level right now,"
Fleming said.

Fleming added that some of parents' questions can't be answered yet, but schools are require to
post their district-approved plans for the start (prep.: ) the school year by Aug. 26.