Unusual Times

April 3, 2020

Connection

As I type there is a flurry of snow outside my window…clearly these are unusual times. This is not the way I planned to welcome everyone back from Spring Break. The recent global events have pushed everyone back on their heels. Everyone is seeking answers and solutions to problems we never imagined having. I wish I had answers to give. What I do have is a promise, a promise that the staff of Wix-Brown will continue working to support the learning of our kids. Already teachers have switched gears and started adjusting their plans so they can reach their students remotely. Staff have also started to reach out to students for the purpose of reconnecting. Maintaining that relationship and connection will be key and necessary for a smooth transition back into the building, whenever we are able to. Some students have several important connections to adults in the building and our hope is that all of those connections will be maintained. As a staff we have worked out a system of calling so as not to overwhelm you with oodles of phone calls all at one time, so I do ask that you allow time for these conversations to take place. Our staff have worked tirelessly to develop trusting relationships with your children and to have to start from scratch again when we return would be a huge detriment to your child(ren)’s learning. Also, it is likely the call will be coming from a blocked number. Although our instinct is to ignore these calls, I ask that for the time being, you do answer because it may be one of our staff reaching out. I also ask that you check your email regularly as this will also be a way of communicating between your home and the school.

As a staff we are also feeling a loss of connection with the kids. Staff have had opportunities to chat and visit online and at a distance and during one of these visits we decided it would be a good idea to do a car rally through the catchment. This is a photo of the route we plan to take. If you don’t live along the route the hope is that you are able to find somewhere along the route to safely assemble. The more that participate, the better! So if you know of a family that hasn’t heard about what we are doing make sure to encourage them to join us. We will be doing this on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7th. Staff will be leaving the parking lot of Wix at 1PM and proceeding from there.

Front Line Workers

I honestly can’t say enough about the people working the front lines. Their courage in this crisis and dedication to their communities is awe inspiring and noble. We have members of our community that are working the front line and to them I want to say “THANK YOU!!” The long shifts and risks you are taking are not unnoticed or under appreciated. We are all banging our pots and pans in your honour!

 

 

 

Learning At Home

I am so grateful to have such a dedicated team! Almost immediately they started to gather resources and share ideas about how best to deliver curriculum. Although teachers will continue to be the primary lead in the delivery of the curriculum I know you will now be taking more of an active role in your child(ren)’s learning experiences. For the most part a lot of the learning that takes place can happen in the context of your environment. A math lesson while baking cookies, writing an email to family you are not able to visit with, or reading to your goats.;)

In an effort to support teachers in their transition to online teaching, non-enrolling teachers have been gathering resources they know will be helpful. Our Learning Commons teacher, Ms. Peach, sent me the link to an online library card through FVRL for all their digital content. She said filling out the form is very easy and quick to do. Here is the link to the APPLICATION.

Parents you can also pitch ideas and suggestions to each other. For example, a parent sent me a link to an online virtual marine biology camp. The link (Marine Biology Camp) requires you to enter through Facebook or Instagram so it’s not district approved and would require you to check it out first before you let the kids on. I think it would also be a great idea to share photos of what you are doing at home. If you send the photos to me with a description of the activity I will share them on my blog.

Also, I sent an email earlier in the week that provided some excellent resources. First, Telus is starting a new program to provide free Internet to Families who need it, as well as refurbished devices to families who need them for continuity of learning:https://www.telus.com/en/about/company-overview/community-investment/how-we-give/cause-campaigns/internet-for-good Additionally, in order to provide some formal structures for your at home learning environment I sent a link (KEEP LEARNING) that will help to support you. It is created by the government of BC and will help with the provision of activities, resources and tips. This can be used in addition to the resources provided by the classroom teachers.

For now, here are some ideas as you start to prepare for this new adventure with your child(ren) – as listed on the Keep Learning web site:

Routine

Disruptions in routines can be stressful. A regular schedule helps maintain a sense of normalcy and stability. As a family, it’s good to set up a weekday schedule including:

  • regular bedtime, wake-up and meal times
  • getting dressed and ready for school (even though they’re at home)
  • time for learning
  • time for breaks
  • daily physical activity
  • daily communication with friends and family

Space to Work

Setting up home learning space to work can help children focus. If possible, the space should include:

  • a quiet atmosphere
  • good lighting
  • a desk or table at a comfortable height for your child
  • a storage basket or bin to keep supplies (paper, pens, pencils, markers, books, etc.)
  • access to a computer/tablet or other smart device if possible

Helping your Child

How much involvement you have will depend on your child’s age and needs. Following are suggestions designed for specific age and grade levels. General suggestions for children of all ages include:

  • Let your child see you’re interested in what they’re doing and be positive and cheerful in your approach.
  • Encourage positive communication with the child (to give and accept instructions).
  • Encourage the development of good work habits and help your child take pride in work well done.
  • Be patient with your child and yourself. This is a new experience for everyone and will take some time to adjust to. The most important thing is for your child to feel safe, loved and supported.

The most important point in all of this is, you are not alone. Between the support you get from the school and the support you get from each other, we can navigate our way through this in a successful, positive way.

 

District Update

Here is the most recent district update. COVID19 Information Bulletin 2020Apr3

Message from Superintendent Gord Stewart VIDEO MESSAGE

Dates To Remember:

I will populate this with dates given to me by the district as they come available.

For now the only date I have is the implementation of the Continuity Of Learning structure formally launched Monday, April 13th.

Wix-Brown Elementary

23851 - 24 Avenue, Langley
BC, V2Z 3A3
Phone: 604-534-5633
Fax: 604-534-9531