Armstrong Elementary School (photo credit: Google Maps)

By Pete McIntyre

Elementary school

Staffing shortage closure extended at school

Jan 17, 2022 | 2:54 PM

A functional closure caused by a staffing shortage at Armstrong Elementary School will continue for the rest of this week.

The students have been using remote learning since the closure, originally set for two days, began last Friday, Jan. 14.

“School District 83 has continued to monitor the staffing situation at Armstrong Elementary School (AES) throughout the weekend. We were hopeful that a new week would result in new opportunities to have adequate staff within the school to support the instruction and safety of students, but unfortunately that was not the case,” said District Superintendent Donna Kriger in a letter to parents.

A functional closure of a school is a temporary closure due to a lack of staff to provide the required level of teaching, supervision, support and/or custodial to ensure the health and safety of students.

Three staff members at the school have tested positive for COVID-19, including a teacher and a certified education assistant.

2025 Property Assessments

Vernon properties see decline in assessed value

15h ago

Homelessness Prevention Campaign

Local campaign to help at-risk youth

Dec 31, 2024

Year in Review

Local MLA proud of work done in 2024, plans to continue with efforts next year

Dec 31, 2024

Click here for more information on those cases.

Last week, the North Okanagan-Shuswap Teachers Association told the Salmon Arm Observer that four teachers at the school had signed an unsafe work claim through WorkSafeBC in response to the high number of students with exemptions to the provincial requirement to wear a mask in school.

Kriger noted that families will be updated on Friday, Jan. 21 regarding the closure.

“Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenging times together. I have great faith that even through difficult times we can continue to demonstrate the core values of care and respect for each other,” Kriger said.