School District 68 students will have an extended spring break as a precaution to the COVID-19 outbreak. (NLPS)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SCHOOLS OUT

Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools to remain closed following spring break

Mar 17, 2020 | 12:10 PM

NANAIMO — Students of schools in the Nanaimo and Ladysmith area aren’t going to be attending classes any time soon.

The province announced Tuesday all schools in the public education K-12 system will remain closed after spring break to limit student exposure to COVID-19.

Education Minister Rob Fleming told a news conference this is a concerning time for students and parents but they’re working to create a “continuity of learning” for every student.

Final marks will still be given and every student on track to move on to the next grade in the fall will do so.

“Every student eligible to graduate Grade 12 this year will graduate.”

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Fleming said an online learning strategy for affected students would be developed, but didn’t offer further details.

School districts are expected to already have plans in place to provide “some level of service for children of people performing essential services on the frontline to combat COVID-19, like teachers, medical health professionals, first responders and pharmacists,” Fleming said.

It’s unclear what education for essential workers would look like, but Fleming said his ministry is in constant contact with those involved to find solutions.

Lantzville based private institution Aspengrove School is following the B.C. Government mandate to close indefinitely, according Aspengrove’s head of school Jo-Anne Kingstone.

She told NanaimoNewsNOW remote learning for the school’s nearly 300 students will be offered following spring break.

Daycares are expected to remain open but Premier John Horgan says families should be prepared for all events in the ever-changing situation.

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public School District previously announced two international trips were cancelled due to concerns about the ongoing pandemic.

As of 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, there are slightly more than 100 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in B.C.

Eight are on Vancouver Island.

Premier John Horgan also pledged economic assistance, by changing the Employers Standards Act, to make sure no one loses their job because of the crisis.

A press conference with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and health minister Adrian Dix is scheduled for 3 p.m.

You can find a full list of area cancellations and postponements here.

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