Back to school

Summer is fast turning into fall, which means that it’s time for the kids to head back to school.

September 4 is the first day back for students, and will be a short day as the return after summer, with September 5 being the first regular full day.

This gives the school a chance to confirm what students are in school this year, and what classes they will be in.

If you want to help with that, you can contact either Tumbler Ridge Elementary or Tumbler Ridge Secondary to let them know that your kid will be attending school this year. Or, if you’re moving or planning on home schooling your kid, they’d love to know that, too.

Parents of kids in grades 7–12 can contact TRSS at 250-242-4227.

For kids in kindergarten to grade 6, parents can call 250-242-5281.

There are a few new teachers in Tumbler this year, including a new vice-principal—Matthew Fox—but one of the biggest changes is the new legislation on Personal Digital Device Usage in school.

“Today, kids live with different challenges than they did a generation ago, and they face them all in the palm of their hand,” said Premier David Eby. “While cellphones, the internet and social media help us connect with each other, they also present risks that can harm kids. The impact and influence of these tools is so great, and the corporations so powerful, it can be overwhelming for parents. That’s why we are taking action to protect kids from the threats posed by online predators and the impacts of social media companies.”

As part of that, the province has mandated that all school boards have a policy in place regulating personal digital devices in school.

School District 59 has passed a policy saying that “each school code of conduct will include a section on ‘Restrictions on Student Use of Personal Digital Devices’.”

Personal digital devices include cell phones, smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and portable video game systems, among others.

Notably, these devices will not be permitted at any time during the school day for elementary aged kids.

For kids at TRSS, personal digital devices will not be permitted during instructional time. They are, however, allowed during breaks.

The security and storage of personal digital devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user. The District assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair or replacement of such devices.

This does not mean that there will be no technology in the classroom. Instead, “all students will have access to school/district owned technology at an age-appropriate level that supports learning and the development of digital literacy” on an as needed basis.

However, some students with specific needs may be exempt from this policy. “Additionally, schools will exempt specific students from restrictions on the use of personal digital devices when they are needed as an essential support for their medical support plan and needs (i.e. diabetes, medication, etc.).”

TRSS Principal Stacie Deeley says another important date is the first Parent Advisory Council Meeting on September 5, at 7 pm at TRSS. “We need parents to join and help with upcoming fundraising events for the school, as they usually give a lot of support to both schools with bus funds to take students to Gwillim,” says Deeley.

For more details on registration, policies and events visit www.sd59.bc.ca.