School District 71 is seeking community feedback through an online survey for the upcoming three school year calendars.
Each year, school districts in the province are required to prepare and submit calendars for the elementary and secondary school year to the Ministry of Education. Public consultation is key component of the process of gaining approval of the school year calendar.
School calendars are drafted in accordance with the School Act and submitted for approval. The District Calendar Committee, comprised of the Comox District Teacher Association, CUPE, District Parent Advisory Council, Comox Valley Principals and Vice-Principals Association, and staff, worked together on the calendar options for the next three years so that it will be easier for families and for staff and administration to plan ahead for these upcoming school years.
The three calendar years - 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 – are in a package and offer a choice between a one-week or a two-week spring break.
The survey is open until Jan. 16. Feedback from the survey and a recommendation will be presented to the trustees at the January 2018 public board meeting.
Should the two-week option be selected, secondary schools meet the required instructional time without adjustment to the school day. The elementary school day will need to be extended by two minutes in the school years commencing in fall 2018 and 2019, and by five minutes in the year commencing fall 2020.
“Parents, students, staff, and the greater community are strongly encouraged to participate in the survey,” said SD 71 assistant superintendent Tom Demeo. “The committee’s goal is to recommend a school calendar to the trustees that best reflects our community’s voice.”
To access the online survey, go to http://bit.ly/2AHHLWC