In his 28-year career in public education, Richmond school superintendent said the past few months have been some of the most challenging of his career.
And what will happen in the fall is still largely unknown, said Scott Robinson, addressing the board of education at its final meeting of the school year.
Robinson said he’s learned through the media that the Ministry of Education is looking at a “hybrid” model of education, with possibly some remote learning, for September but there are no details yet at the school district level.
“I have to say at this point your guess is as good as mine,” Robinson told the board of education.
Currently, the school district is looking at what options might be in place and what contingency plans need to be made.
“We’re developing each of those different scenarios as best as we can with the information we have right now,” Robinson said. “Once the government lets us know, hopefully prior to Labour Day long weekend, we will act as quickly as we can to once again prepare our system to do our best for our kids and our families.”
Robinson spoke about how challenging it has been for all staff and students as well as parents to figure out a new way of learning during a global pandemic.
“As a district leader for 28 years in public education, these past few months have certainly been some of the most challenging of my career,” Robinson said, praising principals and vice-principals for their leadership in schools. He added there’s been a lot of pressure to support all students and staff and there have been “ups and downs” along the way.
“It’s been unpredictable, it’s been uncertain, and it’s certainly been hard at times to meet everyone’s needs,” Robinson said.
Schools were abruptly shut down for in-class instruction after spring break to stop the spread of COVID-19, but on June 1, some limited in-class instruction was restarted.
More students were attending in the second week than the first.
“I think that’s a good sign that hopefully parents are feeling more comfortable sending their children to school for face-to-face instruction,” Robinson said.
The number of elementary school students attending part-time classes has increased from last week, Robinson explained, but secondary attendance has been lower than expected.
About 1,900 attended on the first few days back last week.
