April 15, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you are aware, the Ministry of Education has moved all publicly funded schools to remote learning following the Spring Break. Thank you for your patience over the past few days. The challenges faced by families and by staff alike have been numerous and frequent. I want to thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through the changing landscape.
As we head into remote learning after the Spring Break, please review the following communication closely, which outlines important information regarding plans for students to engage in remote learning next week.
On Monday, April 19, students can expect their teacher to provide further direction. Remote learning for elementary and secondary students will begin on Tuesday, April 20.
Access to Schools for Supplies
Students who may have left an item at school prior to Spring Break, which is essential to their learning, should contact their school to arrange for safe pickup.
Technology Distribution
We realize that some students will need to borrow a device from the school in order to learn from home. If your child has no other access to a device for at-home learning, please mention this to your child’s teacher or principal. We will do our best to distribute available devices as soon as possible. We recognize many of our families will be sharing one home device, we are planning with this in mind.
High-Needs Special Education Students in System classes
High-needs, special education students in system classes/specialized program classes will be provided with the opportunity to attend school in-person beginning on Wednesday, April 21. Teachers of specialized class programs will contact families who previously selected in-school learning to determine if they would like to return to in-school learning or to continue remote learning until all in-school learning resumes.
We will re-assess the classes and situations at regular intervals to ensure the programs are running smoothly and safely as per local health unit guidance. Parents/guardians, and students where appropriate, are encouraged to select the option that would best meet the needs of their youth and family.
The Special Education department, in coordination with the transportation consortium, will make every effort to provide regular transportation for in-school learners in fully self-contained specialized program K-12 classes commencing on April 21.
PD Day on April 23
Friday, April 23 is a Professional Development Day for all staff. Therefore, no remote learning will take place for students on Friday as staff will be engaged in professional development.
Online Learning Resources
Please continue to refer to our Near North Passport to Learning website, which offers a variety of resources and tools that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. Resources will continue to be updated and expanded upon on an ongoing basis, including mental health supports for students and families.
The Ministry of Education recently announced the launch of two new portals, TVO Learn and TFOIDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison, which provide supports for students learning remotely by accessing additional educational resources developed by Ontario certified teachers.
In addition, secondary students can continue to access TVO’s Independent Learning Centre (ILC) Open House and Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language, which provide access to 144 Grade 9 to 12 courses. These ILC resources are designed to provide flexible learning opportunities to help students keep up with their learning or deepen their understanding of a specific subject.
Thank you and stay safe.
Craig Myles
Director of Education
