Mixed messages over whether teachers can enter new Saanich school before first day

The opening of Cedar Hill Middle School has been delayed.

The delayed opening of a school in Saanich, B.C., means teachers are uncertain whether they can set up their classrooms before students return.

Students across the province went back to class on Tuesday, but the replacement for the old Cedar Hill Middle School wasn’t ready due to construction delays. As a result, the Greater Victoria School District said it plans to welcome kids back on Thursday instead.

“In terms of academic achievement… teachers can make this up no problem,” said Carolyn Howe, president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association.

“What’s really most important is that teachers get a chance to set things up, so when the kids come back (the school is) ready.”

The district declined an interview, but in an email, a spokesperson said Cedar Hill staff have been preparing for the new year from the school board office.

The district said staff will have time to set up their spaces before classes begin. As of late Wednesday afternoon, the teachers’ association said that hadn’t happened, and staff had been told they’d get access to the building at 10:30 on Thursday morning.

CTV News Vancouver Island is awaiting a response from the district on whether this means the school’s opening will be delayed further. The district also has yet to confirm when teachers can get inside the building and if an occupancy permit has been secured.

“Teachers are feeling pretty stressed. They’re always willing to do what it takes … but this is making it really challenging for everyone,” Howe said.

Parents were notified of the late start roughly two weeks ago.

“Some unforeseen delays in the build had to be resolved on Sept. 2 before the building was deemed safe and accessible for entry,” a district spokesperson said.