As per the direction of the Provincial Health Officer, in-class learning has been suspended until further notice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of British Columbians. While we're navigating these unprecedented times, educators and support staff across the province are doing incredible things to remain connected to students and ensure continuity of learning. And we're here to help. Look for more regular editions of Learn in your mailbox showcasing examples of innovations in the B.C. education system and the amazing work happening in school communities.

Teachers at SD8: Kootenay Lake and SD20: Kootenay-Columbia have joined the public effort to produce protective face shields for healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 response. While in-class instruction is suspended, the school's 3D printers have gone unused, so the teachers have reallocated them to produce the plastic component of the face shields. Once printed, the shields are delivered to a local fabrication lab where they're refined and then shipped to the community's hospitals and healthcare workers.

Through this project, the Kootenay Boundary region has demonstrated the significance of community collaboration during the pandemic event. “These are extraordinary times, and it's heartwarming to see how our community has pulled together,” said SD8 Superintendent Christine Perkins. 

For more information about the project, please visit the SD8 website.

This is just one example of the amazing things happening across our education system to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. What are you and your colleagues doing to support students? Email us your story at educ.learn@gov.bc.ca.