Prince Rupert District Teachers' Union weighs in on Delayed return to School

The Union which represents Prince Rupert's Public School teachers has released an information update on how they view the return to school plans announced on Wednesday by the Province of British Columbia.  

With the main focus to this point on what they don't know about the local plans for the first weeks of January 2022.

The PRDTU has heard today’s news that schools will reopen on January 10th, with some students returning earlier. The PRDTU has not been informed of any more details and we will let members know when we know more.

In their notes from yesterday, the Prince Rupert District Teachers' Union (PRDTU) also reviews their ongoing call for safe schools for students and staff.

 Among three of their key points:

The provision of N95-type masks for staff, students, and visitors in schools 

Improvements to ventilation in schools, including the addition of portable HEPA filters where needed 

Access to boosters so that teachers and others in schools are fully (3-shot) vaccinated

As well the PRDTU relays some of their past concerns on the response to the pandemic since the COVID-19 coronavirus first arrived more than two years ago. 

Included on that list a call not to increase on the workload of teachers, hybrid teaching options, and for SD52 to adhere to the collective agreement on teacher autonomy and teacher workload.

The full statement from the PRDTU can be reviewed here.

As for SD52, the Board office this morning issued a short message through Social Media, noting that they would have more information for staff and families as hey hear more from the Ministry of Education.

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As we outlined yesterday, Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside and the provinces Publich Health Officer Doctor Bonnie Henry relayed some of the return to school program as part of an afternoon information session.

The main item of note a staggered, or delayed return to school.

Schools will be open for students whose parents work in the health care system and for students with exceptional needs who return on the third of January with the remaining youngsters to return on the 10th.

Other measures include maximizing space between people, enforcement of mask wearing and a pause of extracurricular sports tournaments to name a few, the full list available below.

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More on the Ministry of Education plans can be explored here.

Further notes on education across the Northwest can be explored from our archive page.