VWA Covid Update: Term 1 2021

Dear VDA/VWA families,

The past year was challenging in a number of ways, and we cannot thank you enough for your support as we worked to bring the highest quality of instruction during uncertain times.

The health and safety of your child and of our community as a whole remains our highest priority, and while we are as ready as anyone to get things “back to normal”, the recent rise in Covid cases and spread of the Delta variant requires us to rethink our approach.

Based on the most recent provincial health information, Covid cases are rising rapidly, with daily cases averaging higher now than in early 2021. Although many have been vaccinated and hospitalizations are down, it is clear that Covid remains a threat to many in our community.

So, given that BC schools are unable LEGALLY to require vaccines for all staff, adding to the danger stemming from the fact kids 12 under have not been approved for vaccines, VDA/VWA has to update the fall 2021 schedule accordingly:

1. For all students and coaches who can PROVE they have been fully vaccinated and have surpassed the two-week waiting period after their final dose, classes will be offered both in-person at our Kerrisdale location and online through Zoom. Out of respect for families with children under 12 or other members that are unable to be vaccinated, we REQUIRE that all those attending in-person classes wear MEDICAL GRADE masks and respect others’ personal space and materials. All classrooms and common areas will be sanitized between sessions. To attend in-person classes, please provide the office with a photo of your child’s vaccination record showing the date of their final dose.

2. For all students who have not been fully vaccinated or are under 12 and cannot yet receive their vaccination, classes will remain online and follow the same protocols as before.

3. For all drop off/pick up, use the front entrance of 2441 West 41st Avenue. No non-staff and students will be allowed in the office unless necessary and proven to be fully vaccinated. Masks are mandatory when entering the office to keep each other safe.

4. Please be aware that if the Covid situation worsens, we may be forced to cut back or even cancel some or all in-person classes. We will of course make announcements as fast and as clearly as possible so as not to disrupt our students’ other commitments.

We understand and respect that everyone is moving at their own pace through this period and we will do our best to accommodate people as situations change. We are closely following provincial COVID information and guidelines, and regularly discuss the best way to resume in-person instruction while keeping each of our families as safe as possible. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

All the best,
The VDA/VWA Team