By Matt Fetinko

Back to School

First day back to school sparks excitement from all, concern from some

Sep 10, 2020 | 3:42 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A stressful couple of months ahead of the new school year has officially come to a head with classes back in session for BC schools this morning.

There are some changes students will notice right away, according to School District 57 Superintendent Anita Richardson, including increased signage and sanitization stations, different traffic flows to encourage social distancing, and mask-wearing. However, that does not mean it will feel much different than any other school year. Richardson said, “it does certainly look different, there are some changes as far as health and safety protocols that we’re implementing. But I would liken it to going to the grocery store sometimes it’s a little bit different but it mostly just feels the same.”

But while there is plenty of excitement, a little bit of confusion as well. Specifically from the teachers.

WHL

Cougars trade forward to Red Deer

2h ago

Spruce Kings fall in Langley to Rivermen

Dec 14, 2025

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Judge to rule on Canada Post employee's sexual assault and harassment case

Dec 13, 2025

“The District is following the Provincial Health Officer’s guidelines but each school gets to make their own health and safety protocols so it’s a little concerning right now as teachers are talking amongst themselves to find out what is happening in their school may not be happening in another school,” warned Joanne Hapke, President of the Prince George District Teachers Association.

Among the concerns, things like the use and cleaning of manipulatives or toys – especially in the younger grades – and how to ensure the safety of students and educators in their own cohorts with things like recess, lunch, and after school activities continuing. Hapke said teachers understand it is a learning process for everyone involved but with the very real possibility of COVID-19 cases popping up in classrooms, job security has become top of mind. “If teachers are sick, we get to be home and receive sick days accumulated either through the District or BCTF short-term [sick leave]. But if we are made to self-isolate, and Northern Health will determine if we have to self-isolate, we don’t get paid for that. So there is a financial implication to this and teachers are saying that’s just not right.”

With those concerns, among others, the landscape of our schools will continue to change. That is something the school board will continue to keep up with and relay to parents to keep them in the loop.

“We are in very close communication with the Ministry [of Education] on a regular basis. We are meeting with our deputy minister on a weekly basis and we also get information more regularly than that coming to us as well. So if there are changes, which we know in COVID there likely will be, I think we will be able to be on top of that,” ensured Richardson.

Regardless of any concerns or changes presented, the one common theme is excitement from students and staff about being able to return to school.