School District 59's top priority is always the safety of our staff and students. We continue to work closely with local and provincial health authorities to get the latest information and ensure we cooperate with any recommended measures for COVID-19.
These pages contains answers to frequently asked questions, information, resources and links that may be useful to you during this challenging time.
Communicable Disease Plan Documents - UPDATED
- SD59 COVID-19 Communicable Disease Plan - UPDATED September 2, 2022
- Provincial K-12 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 School Setting - August 25, 2022
- Public Health Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Schools - August 25, 2022
Board Letter to Northern Health - November 26, 2021
The Board of Education of School District No.59 (PRS) issued a letter to Northern Health seeking clarification on their notification and processes around COVID-19 reporting. Posted below is the letter to Northern Health from the Board of Education and the reply letter received from Northern Heath.
- Board of Education Letter to Northern Health - November 26, 2021
- Reply Letter from Northern Health - December 6, 2021
Resources:
- BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) - The BC Centre for Disease Control, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides provincial and national leadership in disease surveillance, detection, treatment, prevention and consultation.
- Northern Health Region Restrictions (October 14, 2021)
- Provincial K - 12 Education Recovery Plan (August 24, 2021)
- Provincial COVID-19 Information and Announcements For up to date Provincial COVID-19 information related to K-12 setting.
- Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 Settings (August 24, 2021) This document was developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the BC Centre for Disease Control, Indigenous rightsholders and education partners - including teachers, parents and school leaders - to outline the principles and requirements for maintaining safe learning environments. The comprehensive guidelines build on the Public Health Communicable Disease Guidance for K-12 Schools developed by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) to ensure schools have effective measures in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
- K-12 Education Recovery Plan (August 24, 2021) Guidelines for Boards of Education and Independent School Authorities for the 2021-22 School Year.
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Keep Learning BC - Provincial Website with Learning Resources This site offers a collection of resources to help support learning while families are home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of in-class instruction.
Links:
Mental Health Resources for Parents and Students:
- Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis (Child Mind Institute): tips for nurturing and protecting children at home
- Helping Children Cope with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak (World Health Organization): factsheet with tips for parents and other caring adults.
- Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Kelty Mental Health): suggestions for parents for talking to their children about COVID-19, tips for self-care and managing children’s behaviour, and links to resources.
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 and its Impact (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health): advice and information for parents and other caring adults on helping children cope with stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Managing Anxiety and Stress in Families with Children and Youth During the COVID-19 Outbreak The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults, children, and youth. The Child & Youth Mental Health & Substance Use (CYMHSU) Community of Practice has created the following document to provide information and advice on managing anxiety and stress in families with children and youth during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- https://cmhakelowna.com/coronavirus-managing-stress-anxiety/#children Not sure how to explain coronavirus (COVID-19) to your children? The Canadian Mental Health Association has great tips for discussing the pandemic with your kids, including managing stress and anxiety.
- http://www.erase.gov.bc.ca For mental health and online safety support, all families have access to ERASE - Expect Respect and a Safe Education.
- https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-coronavirus-facts-versus-fiction This YouTube video from CBC for Kids is a nice way to dispel some of the myths circulating out there in regard to the virus.
General Information:
- www.gov.bc.ca/COVID19 This is a new provincial government website that is constantly being updated with the latest information.
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca This site has up to date information on how the risk of COVID-19 is being addressed in the province of British Columbia.
- http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel) Information about COVID-19, including advice and guidance to schools, is regularly updated on the BC Centre for Disease Control site.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drMw2evwMFA This video was produced by the Centers for Disease Control and The Associated Press. It provides a good description of the virus, how it infects people and what preventative measures should be taken.
- www.gov.bc.ca/SafeSchools/ This provincial government site has a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions that will be continually updated as things progress.
