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B.C. parents encouraged to get informed about back-to-school plans

Aug 26, 2020 | 4:44 PM

VICTORIA — Back-to-school plans have been posted online for all 60 districts in British Columbia with an aim to offer all instruction in classrooms.

However, deputy education minister Scott MacDonald says in-class and remote learning will be offered depending on certain factors including the size of buildings and bus schedules.

MacDonald says that means some students may be at school for about 65 per cent of the time to minimize contact with others during the pandemic.

All public school districts have posted their plans online and Scott is encouraging parents to get informed.

Jordan Tinney, superintendent of schools in Surrey, home to B.C.’s largest school district, says staggered start times are intended to keep large groups of students apart.

High school students who typically take eight courses a day will now be studying fewer subjects over about a 10-week period.

Students will be offered two days of orientation starting Sept. 10, including on how to stay within their learning groups of up to 60 students in elementary and middle schools, and 120 students in high schools.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 26, 2020.

The Canadian Press