Over a dozen B.C. schools reopen with new safety improvements

Students are preparing to return to upgraded classrooms at 16 schools reopening in B.C. this September. They will include enhanced ventilation and cleaning systems among other measures designed to keep students, staff, and visitors healthy.

One of the schools reopening is Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary in Langley. It will include a neighbourhood learning centre and was completed under budget at $27.6 million.

The announcement follows a nearly $353 million investment in modernizing educational facilities by the provincial government.

“Every child deserves the best learning experience possible, and every teacher deserves the right environment to nurture young minds,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education.

“From day one, our government has made investments in students and schools a top priority and now families are seeing the concrete result of our work and our commitment to students in B.C. with new and improved schools that will better support their success,” she said.

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Other schools opening in September include Grandview Heights in Surrey, Imagine High Integrated Arts and Technology Secondary in Chilliwack, Hornby Island Community School, Walnut Park Elementary in Smithers, H.S. Grenda Middle School in Lake Country, Children’s Development Centre in Saanich, and Lake Trail Middle school in Courtenay.

Hundreds of students will be able to move from portables to classrooms soon at BC Elementary in Vernon, Sullivan Elementary in Surrey, and West Sechelt Elementary.

The schools opening in September with seismic upgrades and partial replacements are Manoah Steves Elementary and Mitchell Elementary School in Richmond, Lord Byng Secondary and General Wolfe Elementary in Vancouver, and George Greenaway Elementary in Surrey

Mask wearing remains mandatory for all K-12 staff, students grades 4-12, and visitors while indoors and on buses in B.C. Whether or not K-3 students wear masks is ultimately up to their caregivers. Staff will need to find creative ways of responsibly spacing students in their classrooms now that maintaining a two-metre distance is no longer required, the province says.

“As parents and caregivers, we want our children to be in a safe learning environment with trusted educators helping students reach their full potential,” said Amy Malli, President of Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary.

“We are excited to see the learning opportunities at the new school and the social emotional supports and programs available for families through the neighbourhood learning centre.”

To help give students the best learning experience possible, we’re opening 16 new or improved schools as we begin a new school year. More than 8,600 students will be returning to safer and modernized classrooms throughout BC. Learn more: https://t.co/2gnTyVLqae pic.twitter.com/WO4OiLBE9Y

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) September 2, 2021

Gord Stewart, the superintendent of Langley schools, said in an Aug. 21 email to parents and students that he acknowledges the return to school will cause anxiety for some.

“Along with health and safety, I want to assure families that our District will be prioritizing mental health support for our students and staff throughout the school year,” he said.

Schools will also encourage students to get vaccinated and implement a daily health check in. Extra-curricular activities and sports, events like assemblies, and food services will return gradually in September, health regulations allowing.

The chair of the Langley Board of Education, Rod Ross, says he and his colleagues are thrilled to reopen to students living in the fast-growing neighbourhood.

“We are thankful for the work the ministry is doing to assist us in meeting the needs of students and families in our ever-changing district,” he said.