As outlined by the
BC Centre for Disease Control, many schools across the province have remained open in safe ways for those students whose parents are working on the frontline or those who would benefit from additional supports.
For one kindergarten student whose parent is a frontline worker, the pandemic has meant transferring to a new school focussed on students unable to learn from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The student was uncertain about attending a new school with no familiar teachers or friends. His teacher, Ms. Erin McShane, of Walnut Road Elementary
(SD 36: Surrey), stepped up to help him through by writing him a personal letter that was delivered by the principal of his home school.
“I wanted to make this time easier for him and remind him that even though I’m not physically there, I’m still his teacher and I still care about him,” Ms. McShane explains. “I wrote the letter so he would have a sense of familiarity even though he was in this whole new environment. And to remind him that he is brave and capable of taking this on.”
The student was overcome with emotion when he received the letter. With this one kind gesture, Ms. McShane was able to provide the student with the support, care and confidence he needed to navigate this change.
