Remote Learning Starts on April 20
Posted on 04/12/2021
On April 12, 2021, the Premier of Ontario announced that all Ontario elementary and secondary schools will be moving to remote learning following the Spring Break. Read the News Release here.
While our Chief Medical Officer of Health has confirmed that transition rates remain low in schools, this action is being taken to support the Government’s broader efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
As per the Ontario Government’s Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools, school boards are required to support a transition to remote learning within 24 hours of a school closure. Given the announcement on April 12 and the week of April 12-16 being the Spring Break, teacher-led remote learning for all students in the region will begin on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. There will be no remote learning offered on Monday, April 19. Starting remote learning on April 20 will allow additional time for our staff and schools to prepare for the shift to remote learning, arranging device and learning material distribution and the start of Quadmester 4 in secondary.
When can in-person Learning Resume?
At this time, the Ministry of Education has not advised how long schools will be moved to remote learning or when schools can return to in-person learning. The Ministry has indicated they will continue to listen to the advice of public health and will provide an update once a safe return to in-person learning is recommended.
What will Remote Learning Look Like?
Remote learning will be provided for all students, in alignment with Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No.164: Requirements for Remote Learning. This PPM provides the requirements for remote learning so that parents and students know what to expect and there is a consistent approach to ensure students are fully engaged in their learning. Instruction will involve the following:
- For students in Kindergarten, a minimum of 180 minutes of direct online instruction daily.
- For students in Grades 1 – 8, a minimum of 225 minutes of direct online instruction daily.
- For students in Grades 9 – 12, 120 minutes per course in a quadmestered school.
Classes occur daily and attendance will be taken. Students are expected to attend their remote classes every school day to ensure continuation of learning and credit accumulation.
Access to Learning Materials
As our schools pivot to remote learning, your child’s school will have additional instructions and communications around access to learning materials, which will occur on April 19 in preparation for the start of remote learning on April 20. Families are asked to continue to monitor emails for important information and instructions from schools.
Internet Connectivity and Student Technology Support
If internet connectivity is an issue for your family, please contact your child’s school.
If your child or family is having technical issues, during remote learning, please complete a support ticket using our Student Technology Support Services Form. An Information Technology Specialist will respond as quickly as they can. It is important to include all information on the form, including a telephone number and an email address.
Mental Health Supports
The mental health and well-being of our students continues to be a critical priority. As plans and expectations shift amid this global challenge, we want to assure you that our Mental Health Team remains available during the temporary move to remote learning. Students who are currently connected to a Mental Health Worker can continue to access support virtually and should expect their worker to reach out early next week. To access mental health supports, please email Sue Devlin, Mental Health Lead, at [email protected]
As this can be a very stressful time for many families and living through a pandemic has created additional challenges for many in our community. School Mental Health Ontario has posted a number of excellent resources to help students, families, and staff navigate through this difficult period: www.smho-smso.ca.
Child Care Centres in Schools
Child care centres will remain open for the duration of these time-limited public health actions. All Before and After School Programs will be closed when elementary schools are closed to in-person learning.
Student Transportation
While elementary and secondary panels are learning remotely, regular school bus services will not be provided. We anticipate that bussing will resume when students return to in-person learning. Please visit the Northwestern Ontario Student Service Consortium website www.nwobus.ca for bussing information.
Thank You
Reducing the transmission of COVID-19 is essential to keeping our communities safe and allowing schools to return to in-person learning, where students can learn alongside their friends and teachers, benefiting from close relationships and social and emotional interaction. Thank you for your patience and collective efforts in adhering to all public health measures during this uncertain and challenging time as we navigate this pandemic together.
Click the link to access the PDF Parent/Guardian Communication