Frequently Asked Questions During COVID-19

Last updated: May 24, 2020

All Gulf Island School District in-class instruction to students has been suspended until further notice.

In an effort to provide you with current information, we have created the FAQs below as they relate to our school district.  As we receive updates and clarifications from the Ministries of Health and Education, the information below will be updated accordingly.

Please Note: This information is subject to change and will be updated as information becomes available. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email Reception. We will do our very best to answer your question in a timely manner.

Operations / Staff

• What is the difference between school closure and suspension of in-class instruction?

  School closure is the closing of buildings much like you would experience on a “snow day”. 

  Suspension of in-class instruction means that learning continues through remote communications between the teacher and the student.

  In accordance with the School Act, the district will ensure there is continuity of educational service for learners. The Public Health Officer has determined that discontinuing regular class instruction will help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This means that, for most students, instruction will take place outside of our school buildings. We will work with families to ensure students continue to receive an educational program during this ever-changing situation. 

• When will regular classes resume?

  We cannot anticipate how long the current situation will last.

• Are playgrounds open?

  School playgrounds have also been closed in support of community efforts to discourage social gathering and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Are administrative and operational sites open?

  At this time, our School Board Office and facilities are not available as they normally would be for walk-in visitors and we are not booking/renting our facilities for community use. Buildings will be open to staff on a limited basis. If you have any questions, staff can be reached at their SD64 email on the District Contacts page. General inquiries can be directed to Reception.

• Will school staff be expected to be at work?

  Those in regular continuing and temporary positions should be available for their regular assignments following Spring Break. Actual location of work and guidelines around working conditions will come out in the days and weeks ahead. 

• Will the school year be extended into the summer months?

  We have not received this direction from the Ministry of Education. The decision to extend the school year would be made by the Minister.

• Are schools and sites being cleaned regularly?

  All Gulf Islands School District sites are receiving enhanced cleaning during this COVID-19 outbreak, including increased cleaning of high touch surfaces, doorknobs, desktops, lockers, washrooms, etc.

• What can I do to prevent the spread of infection?

  As recommended by Provincial Health Officials, please stay home and away from others. If you are sick, self-isolate. Wash hands often; cover coughs and sneezes with your elbows and avoid touching your face. Avoid travel outside and within Canada; self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to British Columbia or were exposed to COVID-19 and contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions about your health.

Students / Instruction

• Will students be provided with remote learning opportunities during the suspension of in-class instruction?

  The Ministry of Education has indicated that school districts should develop educational continuity plans and we are working on those resources now. As they are finalized, we will communicate with students and staff accordingly. Once we return from Spring Break, please contact your school principal if you have concerns regarding access to remote learning opportunities.

• Can students get belongings and learning materials from schools?

  School principals will communicate a schedule early in the week following Spring Break for these purposes.

• Will Grade 12 students still graduate this year?

  All students who are currently on track and eligible to graduate in June will do so. Note: The Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment will be held in June 2020 for Grade 12 students who have not yet written the assessment & meet all other graduation requirements by June 2020.

  The Ministry of Education will ensure that Grade 12 students who have not yet completed the Literacy Assessments and who are otherwise on track to graduate are able to meet this graduation requirement.

• Will students have to redo their current grade?

  As usual, students will receive a final mark in June. Final marks will be based on work completed to-date and assessment of remote learning that will occur over the coming months. Students with a positive academic standing will advance to the next grade.

• How do international students get information about their program?

  International students should contact the SD64 international program coordinator at swakefield@gulfislandssecondary.ca.

• Will this impact student marks?

  Teachers will continue to assess student learning and will communicate with families to determine the best way to record learning progress. At this time, we would expect midterm reports to go home as scheduled. Please discuss concerns with your teacher and/or school administration.

• Will this impact college and university applications?

  The Ministry of Education has stated that it will work with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and with post-secondary institutions on post-secondary admissions and the smooth transition of graduating students. We do not believe there will be an impact, however, it’s best that you check with your college or university.

• How will students with special learning needs be supported?

  The District is working on a plan to best support and meet the unique needs of our learners while in-class instruction is suspended. Teachers and school administration will be connecting with families of students with IEPs to determine what that support may look like.

  Learning Services questions can be directed to Doug Livingston.

• If additional supports are being offered for students of essential service workers, how is that determined?

  We are working closely with the BC Government to determine how best to support those working in essential services. If you are considered to be an essential services worker as determined by the Province of BC and have children in grades K to 5, please reach out to your school principal directly if you require in-school support for your children to ensure you are able to respond to critical civic services during the pandemic. We are working to have a plan in operation as soon as possible to support our communities’ essential workers.

• I don’t know my school district email or student account password. How do I get it?

  Please contact our Info Tech support services at helpdesk@gulfislandssecondary.ca or (250) 222-7453.

See also: COVID-19 main page.