Duelling messages as Day One of the 2021-22 School year gets underway

While students, teachers, staff and parents all get into their routines for a new school year, some familiar patterns are also underway on the political scene, with both the province and the BCTF exchanging some themes on the topic of Back to School.

BCTF President Teri Mooring hosted an information session
through Social Media on Monday related to Back to School themes

The latest review on what is an ongoing topic for both sides was launched on Monday with an expansive presentation towards Back to School by BCTF President Teri Morning, who found a few things wanting from the Ministry of Education's planning for 2021-22. 

"There has to be an understanding that everyone is entering schools this year in different places of comfort levels... so we are calling for a cautious, go slow, preventative approach... until we know exactly what we're dealing with."

Last week, Ms. Mooring released an Open letter to BC parents highlighting some of their concerns over the Back to school planning from the BC Government.

The BCTF President's review on Monday came by way of a video presentation through Social Media on Labour Day.

You can access the BCTF  video viewpoints here.

A response of sorts, to her thoughts on the Back to School plan was released today by the Provincial Government with Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside making note of the return to class and the measures the Province has announced towards the new school year.

“As we begin this school year, we know we are in a much different situation than last year with the availability of vaccines that can protect us from COVID-19. If you are eligible and haven’t done so, please get your vaccine now. 

I want to assure you that our government has worked with teachers, school staff, district leadership, trustees and parents, in collaboration with our public health officers, to develop health and safety guidelines and measures that will keep school communities safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19."

The full statement and list of measures Ms. Whiteside has referenced can be reviewed here.

As we outlined last month, the Provincial Government released its back to school plan and measures on August 24th, the review coming as part of a presentation which featured the participation of Doctor Bonnie Henry. 

School District 52 released their Back to School plan on August 31st, with individual school plans available from the local school websites.

While the Provincial Federation has outlined their concerns over Back to School 2021, so far the local Prince Rupert District Teachers Union has not made comment on the new school year, or the plans as outlined by SD52, the PRDTU website remaining rather dormant over the summer months.

For more notes on Education in the Northwest see our archive pages here.