Parent speaks out about COVID-19 situation at Southridge Elementary

Jenn Goldie, who tested positive for COVID-19 after her two children caught the virus says there needs to be more transparency around COVID-19 cases in classrooms.

“I really hope the school district and public health all come together and realize that parents need to know,” says Goldie. “We need to know when there is a case in our class and us as parents we need to be able to make that choice as parents if we’re going to send our child.”

One letter from Northern Health was given out to parents advising of one case of COVID-19 on Friday as per the BC School COVID Tracker, although nothing further was provided.

Goldie says at least eight of the 20 students in a Grade 1 class at Southridge have tested positive.

Goldie’s message though is to be kind, be calm, and drop the stigma around getting COVID-19.

“There should be no guilt associated whatsoever, no sense of shame around getting COVID-19,” says Goldie. “They’re kids!”

Goldie encourages all parents, students, and caregivers to respect and be patient with school staff and administration who are just trying to do their jobs and may not be able to provide information due to confidentiality rules.

Other groups have shared similar concerns about BC’s COVID-19 School Reporting process including the BC Parent Advisory Council, BC Teacher’s Federation, and the Education Critic MLA Jackie Tegart.

The province is expected to announce changes in relation to the way COVID-19 cases in schools are reported this week, although it is still unknown how that system will work

As of Monday afternoon, Northern Health had not declared a cluster or outbreak at Southridge Elementary.

School District 57 says they will act accordingly as directed by Public Health Officials.

CKPG News has reached out to Northern Health for comment.

by Caden Fanshaw

Parent speaks out about COVID-19 situation at Southridge Elementary

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