COVID-19 FAQ UPDATE FOR STUDENTS

 

COVID-19 FAQ UPDATE FOR STUDENTS

1) How will my classes be conducted?  

The classes will be a combination of in class instruction and online. The teacher will be responsible for connecting with students during the first day of class. The format of each course will be up to the discretion of each teacher. As each teacher will have varying degrees of comfort and expertise with technology, we ask students to be patient and understanding.  There will be variance in the way classes are conducted.  The focus for teachers is to provide useful and meaningful learning for the students in his/her course. Teachers will try to cover all content and skill requirements of each course during the term, but due to the unusual circumstances, this may not be possible in all situations.  Students should be aware of this possibility at the beginning of the course.  Teachers should have ongoing communication with the students throughout the term to inform the students if it will not be possible to complete the course within this term.

Some of the possible technologies a teacher may use are: Canvas, Teams, Zoom, Moodle, Email, SharePoint, Google Classroom.  There are many different apps and technologies available and teachers will provide instructions on how to access the required technology.

2) How will the online portion be taught? 

Some teachers may choose to conduct “live” classes during the days and times that their courses were originally set to take place. Other teachers may provide term work or weekly assignments and require students to check in with them on a weekly or individual basis. Teachers will clearly communicate his/her demands/expectations for each class.

3) What if I cannot complete all the online assignments?

Similar to a regular classroom setting, if a student is not able to complete the assignments and fulfill the requirements of the course, the student will not receive the credit/be promoted to the next level. It is not in the best interest of the student if he/she is promoted to a level for which he/she is not ready.

4) What if I want to do “extra” work?

As some students may be without work or extra activities during this unusual time, some students may want to do “extra” work.  It is not the responsibility of the teacher to provide “extra” work outside of the course material. Teachers may offer suggestions on how students can access or engage in extra resources, but it is not the responsibility of the teacher to provide those resources.

5) What if I have difficulties/problems using technology? 

It is not the responsibility of the course instructor to train all the students to use the technology, however please reach out to your teachers, as they may be able to provide resources to help.  In addition to delivering course material, teachers may not have time to assist individual students with technical issues during class time. If students have difficulties using technology, If the use of technology or the participation in an online course is too difficult or stressful for the student, we suggest that the student consider withdrawing from the course and continuing when we return to the classroom setting.

6) Will I be able to pass the course? 

Achievement of the credit or promotion to the next level is dependent on the student’s ability to meet the requirements for each course. Given that this is an unusual situation and teachers and students are using new methods of delivery and learning, it may be difficult to cover all the requirements of a course during the term.  Teachers and students should focus on continuous learning and personal growth.   Should a teacher feel that a student has not successfully met a course’s learning outcomes they may be asked to repeat a level. Students will not be held back without forewarning from the teacher.

8) How will I be assessed? 

Due to varying methods of delivery, assessment will also vary from teacher to teacher.  Teachers should inform students on their methods of assessment.  (i.e. participation in class, submission of homework assignments, tests, written assessments, projects etc…)

9) How much work should I expect each week?  

Because most of the courses this term were not previously in session, students should expect to receive work which will demonstrate meeting the requirements of the course. Due to new methods of delivery and collection of assignments, teachers will be trying their best to deliver material and work to cover the course requirements.  Both teachers and students should be aware that completion of course requirements may not be possible in these unusual circumstances.

10)  Can I drop the course at any time in the term? 

Yes, the same policies for dropping are in place as in a regular term.  If students drops before 65% of the course has been completed, the student will not receive a mark; the student will receive a “W.”  If the student withdraws after 65% of the course, the student will receive a mark.

11) How will attendance be taken? 

Depending on the method of delivery for each course, attendance will be taken by making contact with the teacher.

12) What should I do if I am feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or overwhelmed during this Covid-19 crisis? 

This is a difficult and unusual time. Students and staff may feel stress for a variety of reasons.  The health and well-being of staff and students alike is the first priority for the Burnaby School District.  If a student feels comfortable, the student should notify the teacher that he/she is having difficulties that may prevent him/her from attending classes or completing assignments.

 

13) What should I do if I am running out of money/food? Links to CERB applications, local food banks, Employment Insurance site. (**By clicking on the French language option on the top right-hand corner of the page, one can access Google translate to translate these government documents into other languages.)

1) https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html 

2) https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan – Canada.ca

We are providing up to an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family. This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May. Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment We are providing …

www.canada.ca

 

Canada Emergency Response Benefit – Canada.ca

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. When submitting your first claim, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self …

www.canada.ca

 

Prestation canadienne d’urgence – Canada.ca

La Prestation est accessible aux travailleurs qui : vivent au Canada et sont âgés d’au moins 15 ans; ont cessé de travailler en raison de la COVID-19 ou sont admissibles aux prestations régulières ou de maladie de l’assurance‑emploi, ou ont épuisé leurs prestations d’assurance-emploi …

www.canada.ca

 

  1. The community school coordinator at Byrne Creek Secondary has done an amazing job of summarizing supports available to families re: housing, accessing EI and CERB, and other income supports:

https://byrnecreekcommunityroom.weebly.com/

Byrne Creek Community Room – Updates

Hello Byrne Creek Fam! My hope, during these confusing times, is that you and your families are keeping well. For students – your teachers will be reaching out if you haven’t heard from them already….

byrnecreekcommunityroom.weebly.com

 

  1. The Quest Food Exchange is a great place to purchase healthy and affordable food at reduced prices. If you would like to access Quest, let me know and I can fill out a client referral form for you. There are locations in Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, and North Vancouver

http://www.questoutreach.org/food-programs-2/

 

Our Program – Quest Food Exchange

Our program has been created to ensure that people living on low income have access to affordable, healthy food. Community Resource Partners may also access our program via the following: Online Market; Gift Certificates (to their clients) For individuals to become a client at Quest and access our not-for-profit grocery markets:

www.questoutreach.org

 

  1. On Thursdays, Ryan’s Rainbowoffers Emergency Food Outreach at the back of the Cliff Avenue Church, in Burnaby. You can call Theresa at 778-668-0373 to register your family and arrange a pickup time – to observe social distancing. Once you are registered, you pick up your package on a weekly basis.

https://www.cliffavechurch.com/ministries/ryans-rainbow-outreach

14) What should I do if I get sick?  

If a student develops a mild illness which prevents him/her from attending a class or completing an assignment, the student must contact the teacher directly.  If a student develops a severe illness over the course of the term, the student may have to withdraw from the course and continue at a later time.

If you think you have Covid-like symptoms, follow the guidelines as given by the British Columbia Ministry of Health.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support?utm_campaign=20200319_GCPE_AM_COVID_4_NOTIFICATION_BCGOV_BCGOV_EN_BC__NOTIFICATION

COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information – Province of British Columbia

COVID-19 information and services for British Columbians. Learn what you must do and check symptoms online. Learn how COVID-19 affects child care, education, employment, businesses, housing, tenancy, transportation, travel, tourism, mental health, preparedness and Medical Services Plan (MSP).

www2.gov.bc.ca

15) What will happen if my teacher gets sick?

If the teacher develops a mild illness over the course of the term, class may be cancelled for that day. If a teacher develops a severe illness, there will be efforts made to find a replacement teacher to continue teaching the course.  If a replacement teacher is not available, it may be necessary to cancel the class.  Students will be informed accordingly by administration.