Superintendent Gina Niccoli-Moen shared important information about the delayed return from Winter Break to school for students in a message to all families sent on December 31, 2021. You can see it below.
Dear Families,
Earlier this week I shared the will not be available the week of January 4 in our schools.
We have seen the impact on society over the holidays of the more transmissible COVID-19 Omicron variant with an increase in cases and subsequent impacts on businesses, such as thousands of flights being cancelled due to staffing shortages. We have been asked to evaluate staffing impacts with potential increases in absences in the District due to COVID-19 infections. Schools reflect what is happening in the community and there is a possibility that, at some point, we will experience what is called a functional closure – that is, when there is insufficient staff to provide instruction and appropriate supervision.
Evaluating the impacts on staffing, preparing for the event of a functional closure, and implementing strategies for additional safety measures will take time next week and I thank you in advance for your patience. I acknowledge there will be many more questions in the days to come. You can expect further communication later next week, in advance of the full return to school on Monday, January 10.
Throughout the many challenges we have endured as a society, school has continued to play a critical role for children and families. And while COVID-19 has been anything but predictable, we know that the lessons we have learned and measures we have put in place have held us in good stead. We remain committed to continuing to work through these latest difficulties together.
I recognize that, once again, this may mean inconvenience and sacrifice for your family. Thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support.
I wish you and your loved ones all the very best as we head into the New Year.
With warmest regards,
Gina Niccoli-Moen, Superintendent
Burnaby School District