Những điều học sinh cần lưu ý từ Richmond School District

UPDATE FROM RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

The province of British Columbia and Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued announcements regarding the upcoming school year and travel restrictions and exemptions. This newsletter will highlight the key points of information as they pertain to international students in our international education program.    

The last few months have been challenging for everyone and we understand this is a stressful time for students, parents, custodians, and agents alike.  Our goal is to provide students with a quality education program and a safe, inclusive, vibrant, and supportive learning environment.   

SUMMARY OF NEWSLETTER

• In-Class Learning
• Current IRCC Travel Restrictions and Exemptions
• Pre-Departure and Arrival Protocols – Forthcoming
• Study Permit Applications
• We are looking forward to the new school year

UPDATE ON SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER

The Government of British Columbia has announced that the province will move to Stage 2 of the K-12 Education Restart Plan. This stage reflects “comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety measures” and aligns with BC’s Restart Plan. This stage includes:

• in-class, full-time instruction for all students;
• enhanced healthy a safety protocols that meet national, provincial, regional, and district guidelines.

There is still some planning to do to prepare for the upcoming school year. Our district anticipates being able to finalize planning by mid-August. The safety of children, teachers and staff is top priority. Our school district and ministry of education are continuing to meet throughout the summer to prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. As always, we will keep you updated on all developments as soon as they become available.  

Although it is an unusual year worldwide, current plans for school can be positive for our students:

• Students will have face-to-face interaction with teachers 
• Students will be able to meet and make friends
• At present, students will be able to go out in Vancouver and Richmond – shopping, visiting tourist destinations, restaurants, etc. and enjoy our community while acting safely and following local social distancing guidelines

LETTER FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT

I’m writing to provide an update on the recent provincial government announcement regarding the re-opening of schools in September. The Ministry of Education has released its province-wide plan to bring the great majority of students back into the classroom starting in September. We are looking forward to welcoming our students and staff back into our schools for the 2020-2021 school year in a safe and measured way.

District staff will continue to work through the summer as we analyze the Ministry Restart plan and prepare to welcome our students. There are a number of decisions to be made and we want to ensure that we take a thoughtful and careful approach. As always, our district remains committed to keeping the health and safety of our students, staff and families as our top priority. We will continue to take direction on these matters from provincial health experts and the Ministry of Education.

The provincial announcement included funding for school districts to enhance safety measures in our schools. These funds will be used for a variety of purposes including providing additional custodial staff and purchasing additional cleaning supplies and hand-washing stations where necessary. The Richmond Board of Education had already approved a significant increase to our custodial budget to enhance cleaning of all schools so we are confident that we will be ready to welcome our staff and students back into a safe and hygienic learning environment in September.

 Understandably, you likely have many questions about what schools in Richmond are going to look like this fall. While we do not have all the answers at this time as the announcement has just been made, I want to reassure you that the Richmond School District will communicate with you as new information becomes available and as specific decisions are made prior to the start of the school year. You can anticipate hearing from us again in the middle of August, with a final plan for each school being prepared for August 26th.

UPDATE ON TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS

On Friday, July 31st, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada announced that current travel restrictions would remain in place until August 31st. What does this mean?

Returning (enrolled) international students can to reenter Canada provided they have

• a letter of introduction from our office stating that travel is “non-discretionary” and the student is required to be physically present in British Columbia.
• a valid study permit;
• a two-week self-isolation plan upon arrival.

New (registered) RIE international students may enter Canada if they have

• received notification of a study permit acceptance on or before March 18, 2020; or
• a valid study permit on or before March 18, 2020;
• a letter of introduction from our office stating that travel is “non-discretionary” and the student is required to be physically present in British Columbia.
• a two-week self-isolation plan upon arrival.

Please note that all of the provincial governments across Canada and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are working diligently with Health Canada to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of international students and all individuals in Canada. It is quite possible that new travel exemptions and/or amended travel restrictions that pertain to international students will be forthcoming shortly.

STUDY PERMIT APPLICATIONS

We have been notified that IRCC is still processing online applications for study permits as per usual.  Although some delays can be expected, IRCC is committed to working through applications for the new academic year as quickly as possible.

The Richmond School District is here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Richmond International Education office.

Richmond International Education