On December 27, parents and caregivers at Douglas Elementary were informed there was significant damage to the main school due to a flood caused by frozen pipes which burst. We were also told this would delay the start of school, as the Douglas Elementary administration and district staff work to determine an alternate location for our school community while repairs take place.
Today, we received an update letting us know classes will be back in session for Thursday, January 5. We were also informed that the school administration will share more information about the relocation plan this Friday, December 30 in the afternoon.
Extending winter break by a couple of days may present challenges for families in arranging childcare. If you are unable to make alternate arrangements for your child/children for next Tuesday and Wednesday, please complete the Childcare Need Survey by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, December 30) and the school will be in touch regarding options for care.
I want to acknowledge how stressful this situation is for everyone in our community. I also want to thank Vice-Principal Meghan Gomes and Principal Kevin Land for working over the holidays to find an alternate location for our school community while repairs take place.
Parents can reach out to Meghan (mgomes@vsb.bc.ca) or Kevin (kland@vsb.bc.ca) with additional questions and concerns. Parents can also reach out to the PAC at thedouglaspac@gmail.com.
The PAC is committed to working with our school team to support our children, teachers and staff through this challenging situation. I have been in regular communications with school administration, and I know how hard they are working to get our children back into their classrooms, as soon as possible.
The next PAC meeting is taking place via zoom on Monday, January, 16 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The administration will be in attendance to answer questions from parents, and our intention is to focus this meeting on the relocation and next steps for repairs to Douglas Elementary.
Please register for the January 16 PAC meeting HERE.
We are also cancelling hot lunch at the main school for Friday, January 13. Credit will be provided to munch-a-lunch accounts. We will make an assessment about future hot lunch programs, once the relocation plans are known.
Thank you to everyone for your patience as our school team works through this unexpected and difficult situation.
Kera McArthur
Chair, Douglas PAC
Sir James Douglas Elementary PAC 