You can find the latest letter from the Superintendent with updates from the Burnaby School District here.
While learning opportunities will not be a direct replacement for what was happening in classrooms, school district staff are working hard to provide students with a sense of normalcy, routine and continued learning opportunities that keep students engaged in their own education.
Ongoing engagement with students
- The continuing learning experience moving forward includes a variety of digital resources at teacher’s disposal – some of which they were already using with their classes before Spring Break. Examples include email, blogs, Teams and Canvas, as well as video-conferencing tools such as Zoom.
- Each teacher is using a mixture of approaches to connect with learners.
- Accessibility for students and families is a continued focus.
What to Expect by Grade
While the plans that have been developed will look different depending on the age group and student’s individual needs, generally, here is what can be expected.
- Kindergarten – Grade 3Ìý
Teachers will focus on literacy and numeracy foundations. Teachers will assign approximately 5 hours of work a week (about an hour a day). They will work with families to deliver these materials digitally or in paper packages. - Grades 4 – 7Ìý
Education content will focus on the core competencies and mathematics, language/literacy, science and social studies curriculum outcomes.Teachers will assign 8-15 hours of work a week. They will work with families to deliver these materials digitally, where possible. - Grades 8 – 9Ìý
Teachers will focus on core curricular competencies in their subject areas. Teachers will assign up to 1-1.5 hours/course taught in a linear system for a total of approximately 10-15 hours per week. In a semester system, teachers will assign up to 2-3 hours/course for a total of approximately 10-15 hours per week. - Grades 10 – 12Ìý
Education content will focus on specified and core courses required for high school graduation requirements, including language (English, French and French language arts), social studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. Content from other courses will be delivered where possible, and accommodations for students unable to complete courses are in place. Teachers will assign up to 1-1.5 hours/course taught in a linear system for a total of approximately 10-15 hours per week. In a semester system, teachers will assign up to 2-3 hours/course for a total of approximately 10-15 hours per week.
Report Cards
All students will receive a report card based on where they were at prior to spring break plus the learning opportunities they’re engaging in at home.
Moving to the Next Grade and Graduation
When Minister of Education Rob Fleming announced the suspension of all K-12 in-class instruction on March 17, he assured families about movement to the next grade, graduation, and what’s being done to support transition to post-secondary. You can see Minister Fleming’s full letter to students and families .
Professional Development Days
The Professional development days scheduled for our school and the district will continue to be non-instructional days for students.
Parent Involvement
We know that parents are busy and face their own unique pressures during these uncertain times. There is no expectation that parents will do the job of teachers. We have always valued the partnership between educators and parents/caregivers and we encourage you to engage in your child’s learning as much or as little as suits your family.
Digital Responsibility Guidelines
Teachers and schools are sharing our Digital Responsibility Guidelines directly with families. It includes parameters for students about virtual classrooms and video conferences, as well as valuable guidance about what to do and not do in an on-line environment. See it here.
Additional Resources
- The Burnaby School District’sÌý contains self-directed learning activities across a wide variety of subject areas, as well as links to other resources.
- The Ministry of Education’sÌý provides learning and other resources for students and families.
- Resources to support families, curated links and updates can be foundÌýon our website and are regularly updated.
Questions
- You can find answers to many questions in a Frequently Asked Question document prepared by and continuously updated by the Ministry of EducationÌý.
- As you have questions about your own student’s learning, please know that your child’s school Principal and teacher(s) are available to help, as we work together to support all of our students.
Updated May 11, 2020