Announcements

A special public meeting of the board to approve the 2021/22 amended calendar will be live-streamed at https://www.sd42.ca/online-board-meetings/ on August 25, 2021 at 6 pm.

All parent and student MyClass accounts will be shut down at midnight, July 31, 2021, to allow for year-end clean up and next year scheduling. Parents and students will be unable to access their MyClass accounts until these accounts are reactivated for the 2021/22 school year.

MyClass accounts will be reactivated on the following dates:

• Students in grades 8-12: Friday, September 3, 2021, at 3:00 pm
• Parent accounts: Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 3:00 pm

Please note that your login ID and password will remain the same. For technical assistance or support, please contact myclass@sd42.ca

Dear families,

Today is the last day of class for most of our school communities in this exceptional year. While the last ten months have not been without their challenges, they have also offered us countless opportunities to celebrate the amazing achievements of our staff and students. I am always impressed but not surprised by the passion, dedication, activism, and care shown by students and staff in our school communities. I encourage you to read through our online 2020/21 District Highlights magazine, which captures some of the achievements from this school year. Attached to my message (below) you will also find a year-end message and expression of thanks from Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside.

I want to reiterate my deep gratitude to all staff, students, and families for following health and safety protocols and protecting our schools during the pandemic. There is much hope – both locally and provincially – that the next school year will bring a return to more familiar routines.

The provincial government shared an update last week on what protocols are likely to look like in the fall. Some of the key anticipated changes include the following:

• students will no longer be grouped into cohorts allowing for normal timetabling;
• restrictions on gatherings, extracurricular activities, and sports may no longer be required;
• guidance on wearing masks in school settings will be confirmed later this summer and in alignment with broader provincial direction for the fall and winter.

Current measures that will remain include daily health checks and diligent hand hygiene. The Ministry of Health has prepared a helpful document that outlines some of the anticipated changes for next school year. You can access this document here: Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools: Outlook for the 2021-22 School Year. We will, of course, share with you the finalized guidelines as soon as they are developed and released closer to school start.

All our work in the school district – from the preparation of school growth plans to the development of our budget document – is rooted in our vision, mission, and values. This school year, we have taken important steps in actioning our commitment to the celebration of many cultures and the appreciation and embracement of diversity. We know, however, that there is much more work to be done. The devastating discoveries of unmarked children’s graves at sites of former residential schools in Kamloops and Saskatchewan serve as heartbreaking reminders of the need for ongoing education, reflection, and social change. Education is key to creating social change. We must continue to cultivate a culture of care in our schools and take every available step to ensure our classrooms and communities are equitable, supportive, and inclusive spaces for all. I look forward to continuing this work with your support.

Thank you again for your resilience and support during this unusual school year.

Wishing you a warm and restful summer,

Harry Dhillon
Superintendent of Schools

2020/21 District Highlights

Message from the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education

Please see below the press release from the Ministry of Education.

VICTORIA – Students, families, teachers and staff should plan for a near-normal return to school in September.

The Province is providing $43.6 million to support ongoing health and safety measures, First Nations and Métis students, mental health services, rapid response teams, and to address learning impacts to students. (more…)

Dear families and staff,

Last week, Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation announced the devastating discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children buried in unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, BC. The discovery speaks of unimaginable horror and deep loss. It is a painful reminder of the profound, lasting harms on Indigenous communities, and of the heartbreaking and ongoing intergenerational trauma suffered by Indigenous families. (more…)

Dear families,

As you know, earlier this week, the Provincial Health Officer announced the 4-step plan to gradually lift current restrictions, including restrictions on personal and organized gatherings. Today, we received official clarification from the Ministry of Education that these changes do not impact the existing COVID-19 Operational and Health & Safety Guidelines for K-12 settings, which will remain in place and must continue to be followed for the remainder of the school year. (more…)

Dear families,

Please see below additional information from Fraser Health on the immunization program for 12-17 year olds. (more…)

Dear families,

The province has proclaimed May 23-29, 2021, as Anti-Racism Awareness Week – a chance for British Columbians to celebrate and learn about B.C.’s diverse culture, reflect on biases, and stand together against racism.

In June 2020, former superintendent Sylvia Russell sent a letter to families affirming the district’s commitment to creating fully inclusive learning environments for staff and students. Today, I am writing to provide an update on this important work and to restate our efforts to foster anti-racism and racial inclusivity in the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District. (more…)

Are you a parent/guardian with a student going into Grade 8 at a School District 42 secondary school next year?

Then join us on Wednesday, May 26, for one of our online Parent Nights to learn more about what your child can expect in September. During the Zoom presentation, you will get an overview of the typical student experience and learn more about what services and supports are available for your child. (more…)

Health Canada has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for youth aged 12 to 17. British Columbia is expanding the COVID-19 Immunization Plan to include this age group.

Youth are excited to protect themselves and their families. (more…)