COVID-19 Coronavirus Information

During this unprecedented time when in-class learning has been suspended, teachers and administrators have collaborated to create a unified approach for the continuity of learning at Sunrise. This approach outlines our guiding principles along with teacher and student/parent expectations. The hope is that these agreements and expectations will provide families and teachers with clarity while allowing enough flexibility for the diversity found within our community. We would like to acknowledge the dedication and flexibility of our teachers, staff, administrators, students, and families during this time. Your care and devotion towards Sunrise Waldorf School and Waldorf education in general is an inspiration.

SWS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1) To engage regularly with students and families in order to offer continued connection to the Sunrise learning community.

2) To offer learning opportunities that meet the development needs of students and are in line with the core principles of Waldorf education.

3) To foster the resiliency, curiosity, and creativity of students by focusing on the development of core competencies.

4) To create learning opportunities that focus on developing strategies and skills that support students’ well-being. This includes but is not limited to mental and physical well-being, social-emotional learning, and artistic opportunities.

5) To prioritize skill development over delivering content and to provide opportunities to develop and practice skills in literacy and numeracy.

6) To create learning opportunities that are accessible to all students and families regardless of access and approaches to technology among different households.

7) To create learning opportunities that are flexible and able to meet the diverse needs of students and families.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

Teachers will determine a final grade for students based on work completed before classes were suspended along with the assessment of participation in learning opportunities that occur after in-class suspension. Teachers will prepare final report cards for their students.

OUR APPROACH TO REMOTE LEARNING

In this new situation, parents and teachers are partners in providing education for Sunrise students. Communication between home and school is essential during this time and clarity around expectations will support everyone as students are learning at home.

Families can expect that teachers will:

• Provide weekly learning packages via email that include learning opportunities for each week. Parents who need printed packages can pick them up at the school on Monday mornings.

• Plan for differentiation, equity, and access for all

• Ensure delivery of learning opportunities continue to reach all learners

• Main lesson teachers will provide 5-10 hours of learning opportunities per week for students. Subject teachers will provide additional learning opportunities.

ECE teachers will provide weekly calendars and activities for families and students.

• Be accessible to parents and students throughout the week and provide families with guidelines about how best to contact them • make direct personal connections with students and/or families on a regular basis

Sunrise Waldorf School expects that families/and or students will:

• Students will complete essential learning activities to the best of their ability during the suspension of classes

• Parents will access learning packages or ask the school to support them in getting access to the learning packages

• Students and/or parents will inform the school if extra learning support is needed

• Parents and/or students will contact their teacher regularly to support the teacher in assessing the learning of the student.

Use of Zoom

Zoom, a video conferencing application, will be used as one of the tools for educators and administrators to connect with parents, guardians, and students, depending on their age. Class meetings, parent meetings, and parent enrichment opportunities are some of the ways Zoom will be used to connect teachers and families and to maintain a sense of community during the suspension of classes. Student use of zoom to enhance learning and connection will differ depending on the age of the students and is outlined in more detail below.

Early Years Zoom will be used with parents and guardians. Students will not use zoom

Grades 1-3 Zoom will be used primarily with parents and guardians. Educators will not establish “live” virtual contact with groups of students, however, at their discretion, there may be times when they will invite a student, accompanied by their parent or guardian, to connect with them on Zoom.

Grades 4-8 Zoom may be used to connect with both students and parents. Educators may use Zoom to establish “live” virtual contact with individuals or groups of learners to facilitate their learning activities and to sustain a sense of community and connection. The faculty, staff, and administration would like to thank the families for being partners in the students' education during this time. We are looking forward to the time when we can once again be together, and until that time, we are dedicated to serve the needs of our families and students.

_{The following resources may be helpful in uncertain times related to the Covid19 and increased stress for parents and children:}

_{Kids Help Phone}

_{Support kids during Covid19 pandemic}

_{https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/were-here-for-you-during-covid-19-novel-coronavirus/}

_{Call a counsellor at any time: 1-800-668-6868}

_{HealthLinkBC 8-1-1}

_{For mental health support Phone #310-6789 (no area code needed)}

_{Website with useful articles, hand-outs, and sites for}

_{Student/family anxiety related to Covid19}

_{https://www.anxietycanada.com/learn-about-anxiety/anxiety-in-children/}

_{EASE at Home (for Parents and Caregivers)}                                                     

_{In response to the COVID-19 pandemic: the EASE classroom activities were adapted for use at home by parents and caregivers to support children's mental health.}

 _{https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/child-teen-mental-health/ease}

_{Well-Being BC}

_{The experience of feeling happy, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually in situations of home learning}

 _{https://www.wellbeingbc.ca}

_{Island Health Mental Health Resources for Children}

_{https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/children-youth/mental-health-children-youth}

_{The Canadian Red Cross}

_{https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/covid-19-%E2%80%93-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-resources-self-care-working-from-home-and-tips-for-parents?source_medium=google%2Fcpc&campaign=unknown}

Listed below are links to websites that offer federal, provincial and other types of financial aid for all types of income loss. The information offered is current to what is available today. However, as the situation is constantly changing, so are the criteria for eligibility and relief amounts. As more information becomes available, we will endeavor to include updates in the Newsletters and here on our website.

PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE

BC Emergency Benefit for Workers

A one-time $1000.00 payment to BC residents whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports/emergency-benefit-workers

Climate Action Tax Credit

A one-time tax credit payment to offset the impact of the carbon taxes paid by families.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/income-taxes/personal/credits/climate-action

Temporary Rent Supplement

Available for low to moderate income renters who are facing financial hardship, up to $500.00 per month paid to landlords.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/covid-19

BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund for residential customers

Up to three months of credit on your BC Hydro bill.

https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/ways-to-pay/covid-19-relief-fund/residential.html

BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund for business owners

Interest free bill deferrals and payment plans.

https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/ways-to-pay/covid-19-relief-fund.html

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

General Information:

• Increased Canada Child Benefit – up to $300 extra per child (no need to re-apply if you receive the CCB
• Special GST Credit Payment – for low and modest-income families, close to $600. No need to apply.
• Extended Income Tax Filing and Payment Dates

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#individuals

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

$2000 taxable benefit every 4 weeks for 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19

• Available to self-employed income workers
• https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

Extended Income Tax Filing and Payment Dates

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html

Assistance for Canadian Artists and Freelancers

• Emergency funding, relief funding and grant information

https://www.cbc.ca/arts/here-s-where-canadian-artists-and-freelancers-can-find-help-during-covid-19-shutdowns-1.5503360

Assistance for Businesses

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy
• Extended tax filing and payment deadlines
• Canada Emergency Business Account

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses