The Ministry of Education announced BC students from Kindergarten through grade 12 will be making their highly anticipated return to the classroom, starting on September 8.
However, the Prince George District Teacher’s Association is calling the measure ‘too much, too soon.’
“Having all students return on September 8 is not the most ideal situation the government could provide,” said President Joanne Hapke.
“There are other ways that we could have had students return to school that would have allowed people to start coming together. We haven’t been together since March 13,” she explained.
The Ministry outlined guidelines for the return, including implementing ‘cohorts’ of a maximum of 60 students in middle and elementary schools, and up to 120 students for secondary schools.
This is to ease contact tracing and limit transmission, though Hapke has concerns about the size of the bubbles.
“Even though there was a soft opening in June, there were very few children who actually attended. So let’s start by bringing in children and making sure we can maintain the health and safety standards that the province has in place for us,” Hapke said.
The process feels rushed, she explained, suggesting beginning with a shortened school day instead.
“The risk is low, but we also haven’t been together.”