April 16, 2020
As a result of the current Covid-19 outbreak and no school-based instruction taking place, the previous test dates for placement in enriched courses are currently cancelled. We will be looking for alternate ways of delivering our Math 8 Honours, French Placement, and Art 8 Enriched assessments in the upcoming weeks. Rest assured that our Enrichment Program is still up and running and there will be ample time for this to be communicated to our incoming students.
April 2, 2020
Dear Students and Families,
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we roll out our continuity of learning plan. Our teachers and support staff are hard at work and have started reaching out to students and families to check in. As mentioned in my previous message, students should be working on their Digital Citizenship Quest (found here https://learning.burnabyschools.ca/) and will start receiving activities and assignments from all of their teachers next week.
Please note: Calls from teachers will likely be showing as coming from an “Unknown Caller”. Please adjust your settings on your phone if it is set up to block ‘Unknown Callers” so your teachers can reach you.
Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
How will the current situation impact final grades and my standing in a course?
All students on track to pass a course at Spring Break will pass the course.
Students who were not on track to pass a course at the start of Spring Break will have the opportunity to pass based on their work with teachers over the remainder of the year.
All students will receive a final mark for courses in June. This mark will include work completed in Term 1 and 2 and may include work completed in Term 3. Any marks for Term 3 will reflect an adjustment for the current landscape and focus on broad curricular competencies for courses. Individual teachers will outline their plan when they reach out to students next week.
All students are expected to continue their learning and engage with classes to the best of their ability. Students and families should reach out to teachers regarding challenges they are facing.
How will the current situation impact Grade 12s? Does this impact graduation requirements?
All students who were eligible and on track to graduate at Spring Break will graduate.
Students who were not on-track to graduate will continue to have the opportunity to work with teachers to complete their graduation requirements.
All Grade 12s will need to complete their Numeracy Assessment and Career Life Connections course. Most students have already written the Numeracy Assessment. More information will follow as to what the process will look like for those needing to complete the Numeracy Assessment as well as the adjusted format for CLC.
Numeracy and Literacy Assessments for Grade 10 and 11 students have been postponed.
Note: Students should contact counsellors via email if they have any specific questions or concerns.
Are Advanced Placement courses and exams continuing as planned?
AP courses and exams are continuing with modifications. The College Board will be providing an update to us next week. We will provide information and explore options for students when available. In the meantime, students should continue to work on AP courses as per the guidelines that will be provided by each teacher. Students and families can refer to the College Board website https://www.collegeboard.org/ for updated information.
Are students able to access Counsellors and Learning Support Teachers for mental health and academic support?
Yes, Counsellors and LSTs are available to support students. Please contact the appropriate Counsellor or Case Manager if you have any concerns or require support.
What about the Grad Dinner Dance, School Leaving Ceremony and other events scheduled for this Spring?
The current landscape will definitely have an impact on some events scheduled over the remainder of the school year. It is too early to say which events will be impacted and what alternatives can be provided. Teachers will communicate with specific classes that are impacted for things like field trips, shows, performances, etc. We will provide updates as soon as they are available for other school-wide events. We will communicate a plan for fees once we know which events and activities are impacted.
Can students access the school?
Students do not have access to the school. In the case of essential supplies (Epipens, medications, etc.) please contact myself of the appropriate VP to get access. Teachers are aware that students do not all have access to common materials and supplies and will be adjusting instruction accordingly.
We will coordinate a wider ‘locker cleanout’ if necessary sometime down the road.
Registration and course selection for new and returning students?
We will be reaching out to incoming families who received a letter of acceptance over Spring Break to outline adjusted plans for registration in coming weeks.
Incoming Grade 7s do not need to worry about missing out on anything. We will make sure all students get registered and have access to our usual course selection process for the fall. We will adjust plans for year-end transition activities for Grade 7s if/when appropriate.
Current Grade 8-11 students will be receiving information regarding course verification for next year in the next week or two.
We recognize that many students and families are anxious about all the uncertainty during this stressful time. We are hopeful that re-connecting with teachers and school will help students settle back into a routine and recognize that we will all get through this together. Please know that we are here to help and support in any way we can. Please reach out and let us know if there is anything you need!
Take care of yourselves and your families!
The Administration @Burnaby North Secondary
March 31, 2020
Dear Students and Families,
As you are waiting to hear from teachers later this week, please encourage all students to explore the following website and explore the Digital Citizenship Quest. This series of activities will help prepare students for some of the work in the days ahead and provide a bit of novelty and structure to their day. Take care of yourself and your families!
https://learning.burnabyschools.ca/
March 30, 2020
Dear Students and Families,
I hope this email finds you well during these unique and challenging times. School staff have returned from Spring Break today and are working hard to create a plan that will help provide some normalcy and routine for your kids. We know you have many questions and may be feeling unsettled about what school will look like and how it will impact students moving forward. Please know that we are here to help navigate each situation and will work together with families to ensure that all of our students have what they need to achieve their goals.
A teacher will be reaching out to all students and families on Thursday or Friday to check-in, outline some expectations for the days ahead, and get a better understanding of how we can support students. Our goal is not to re-create school but rather to ensure a continuity of learning for all students. Students can expect to begin receiving information and activities from teachers beginning next week. We realize that it isn’t practical for all parents to support their kids at home with the assigned activities nor is this our expectation. As always, students and parents should communicate with individual teachers, counsellors and support staff when questions arise. Teachers will outline their plans for communication when they connect with classes next week.
I will continue to send updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, please refer to the Burnaby School District website for more information. Please note, we will be checking messages left on the school voicemail but it is best to email me or the appropriate Vice Principal if you have specific questions or concerns.
I appreciate your patience and support. Take care!
Mr. Rawnsley and The Administration @Burnaby North Secondary