*Updated August 27, 2020

Please note: This update is intended for all students registered at Whistler Waldorf School from K-Grade 12 for the upcoming 2020/2021 school year. Early Years Spring Creek & Little Cedars playschool specific information will be communicated directly to families enrolled in those programs.

Dear WWS Community Members,  

We are excited to welcome staff an students back to class on Wednesday, September 9. In planning for the return to school, please be assured that the health and safety of all students, staff and parents is the top priority for WWS. When classes resume, our school will adhere to the requirements of the COVID-19 Public Health Office’s Guidance for K-12 School Settings.

As previously communicated, the Ministry of Education’s aim was to have reviewed all B.C. schools’ Stage 2 Restart plans by August 26, thus allowing us to share specific information regarding September’s return. The review date for all Independent Schools has now been pushed back to next week. While reviewing the following details, please be advised that the plan will remain in ‘draft’ form until the Ministry review is complete.

Please read the following information carefully so you are apprised of the latest updates. We may have further communications early next week. Our mindset remains focused on providing the best possible educational experience and continuing this journey with our students and their families. At present, our faculty are onsite for professional development training in Circle Ways and preparing to welcome your children back to school. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Updates on Learning Pods & Educational Options: 

(A)  WWS Learning Pods at school – 

We are confident in our ability to minimize contact between students due to our small class sizes and through the use of learning pod groupings. Information on WWS’ proposed learning pods can be reviewed here.

Please review – Important!:

Classes are grouped together and considered a “pod” for purposes including planning traffic flow, scheduling, and staffing. Individual grades will NOT be grouped together for their classes nor will they be mixed for recess.

(B) WWS Extended Absence Program – an option for our school community…

We have heard from a small number of families that they might not be comfortable having their children return to school in-person yet. WWS has provided an Extended Absence option for those families that will allow them to continue their enrolment at WWS, maintain their spot in the class, and receive some remote learning support at home until their child returns to school at a later date.

Extended Absence Program information can be reviewed here. Please contact Student Support Chair, Megan Hewitt, with questions or to register.

(C) Home Schooling

WWS does not register homeschoolers at this time, but we are open to hearing from you if you would like us to. Please contact Jen Dodds, Admissions Manager, if you want to register as a homeschooler. While homeschool students are not entitled to attend part‐time classes or participate in any school activities we may be able to provide parent support. Note: no assignments or assessments from teachers are provided to homeschool students as the parent is the primary educator.

Kind regards,

Rubeena Sandhu, Head of School