CK Public Health officials say virtual learning is set to continue in Chatham-Kent.
“Ontario just announced that some school boards will be returning to in person learning on January 25,” CK Public Health officials said on social media on Thursday, January 20, 2021.
“At (this) time, Chatham-Kent will continue virtual learning. More details to follow as we learn more.”
In a letter published on the Lambton-Kent District School Board website on Thursday, John Howitt, director of education, said the Ontario Minister of Education has extended the remote learning period for elementary and secondary students in the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB).
“The provincial announcement did not state the expected date for the return to in-person learning for schools within the LKDSB,” Howitt said.
“We will share this information once it is available.”
Howitt said no face-to-face, in-person learning in school settings will occur during this remote learning period, except to support in-person instruction and support to students with special education needs, in self-contained LKDSB classes, who cannot be accommodated through remote learning.
“LKDSB Virtual Learn at Home schools will continue to operate on their regular schedule,” Howitt added.
“The decision to extend the remote learning period is a proactive measure by the Government of Ontario to further support the health and well-being of Ontarians. The health and safety of our students and staff are top priorities for the LKDSB.”
Howitt said LKDSB will share reminders and updates regarding health and safety protocols for students prior to the return to face-to-face learning in school settings for elementary and secondary students.
“Student mental health continues to be a top priority,” Howitt said.
“Students and/or parents/guardians should contact the school if supports are required.”
Deb Crawford, director of education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, confirmed in a letter posted on their website on Thursday, that remote online learning at home for students will be extended beyond January 25, 2021.
“Although the Ontario government announced today that 100,000 students in seven health unit jurisdictions will be returning to class on Monday, Chatham-Kent Public Health and Lambton Public Health are not among them,” Crawford said.
“This means online learning in the St. Clair Catholic District School Board will continue until further notice. We will provide further information from the Ministry of Education as it becomes available.”
Crawford added: “In the meantime, I want to thank you for your on-going support as we continue to work together deliver teacher-led online remote learning. I know this is a challenging time for our students, our families and our staff. Please continue to follow the advice of our public health partners, to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.”
In-person learning had been set to resume across both boards on Monday, January 25, 2021.
We’ll provide more details when they become available.
* This story has been updated.
