A glimpse inside B.C.’s new-look classes

Schools are reopening for fulltime, in-class learning next week with enhanced safety measures, learning groups and staggered schedules.

A tour of Hastings elementary school in Vancouver offered a glimpse of what returning students can expect (see photos).

Students will be placed into learning groups that will consist of no more than 60 people in elementary and middle schools, and no more than 120 people in secondary schools. Students won’t necessarily share classes with their learning group cohorts but they will be able to interact with the same consistent group in common areas like the gym, library and playground.

These cohorts will be chosen by teachers, with a focus on ensuring friends stay together and students’ social and emotional needs are met. In the elementary schools, groups of no more than 60 will be eating lunch in class.

The province is investing $45.6 million to ensure the health and safety of students and staff; $23 million will be spent on more staff and staff time for cleaning schools; $9.2 million is earmarked for improving hand hygiene; and $5.1 million will go toward cleaning supplies; up to $3 million will go toward funding remote learning technology; and $3.1 million will go to B.C.’s independent schools.

A further $2.2 million will pay for reusable masks for staff if they choose to wear one and for all students who need to travel on public transportation outside of their learning group.

PHOTOS: JASON PAYNE Hastings Elementary School in Vancouver, like all schools in the province, is being readied for a different-looking return to classes in the time of COVID-19. Pictured is a classroom that has been configured for social distancing.

Staff and students have ready access to operating sinks, soap and paper towels. At some schools, faucets in student washrooms have been upgraded to metered faucets.

There will be new signage in schools to remind everyone of good hygiene practices and proper physical distancing. Teachers and other staff will give verbal reminders.