Schools boards preparing for remote learning to begin on Monday

The Lambton-Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board are both preparing to return to remote learning on Monday, January 4, 2021.

“As you are likely aware, the Ontario Minister of Education has ordered that all Ontario elementary and secondary schools move to remote teacher-led learning January 4-8, 2021,” said John Howitt, director of education for the LKDSB, in a letter published on the board website.

“No face-to-face, in-person learning in school settings will occur during this week. LKDSB Virtual Learn at Home schools will continue to operate on their regular schedule. On January 11, 2021, elementary students will return to in-person learning and secondary students will continue remote learning until Friday, January 22, 2021. On Monday, January 25, 2021, secondary students will return to in-person learning.”

Howitt added: “This decision is a proactive measure by the Government of Ontario to support the health and well-being of Ontarians. The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority for the LKDSB. The LKDSB continues to gather information and will follow directions from the Ministry of Education, local and provincial public health officials. The LKDSB will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available. You are encouraged to visit the LKDSB website for full details.”

The SCCDSB will follow the same path forward, starting January 4, 2021.

“In response to increased concern about transmission of COVID-19 during the holidays and in the interest of keeping all of our communities as safe as possible, St. Clair Catholic elementary and secondary schools will move to remote learning for all students, as directed by the Ministry of Education,” said Deb Crawford, director of education for the SCCDSB, in a letter posted on their board website.

“Beginning January 4 to January 8, 2021 all students will participate in remote learning. In-person instruction will not be permitted during this period. Elementary students may return to in-person classroom learning as of January 11, 2021. Secondary students will begin remote learning on January 4, and may return to in-person classroom learning on January 25, 2021. Students attending our Remote Learning School (elementary and secondary) will continue to follow their regular schedules commencing January 4, 2021.”

Crawford added: “The St. Clair Catholic District School Board continues to work closely with our local Public Health units and the Ministry of Education. We will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available. Please monitor Newsdesk for the latest updates.”

During the announcement for the province-wide shutdown last month, Minister Stephen Lecce said while Ontario’s schools “are not a source of rising community transmission” the move by the Ministry can play an important part of the solution to save lives from COVID-19.

“During this period, students will pivot to teacher-led online learning, with child care provided for our frontline workers,” Lecce said in a press release.

“We are taking proactive and preventative action to protect schools following the holiday break to ensure kids can continue in-class learning — something we believe is so important — for the remainder of the year.”

More details from the LKDSB can be found, here.

More details from the SCCDSB can be found, here.

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