Public school board officials provided an update on the extended remote learning period across the board.
“As you are aware, the Ontario Minister of Education extended the remote learning period for elementary and secondary students in the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB),” John Howitt, director of education, said in a letter posted on their board website.
“We received confirmation (on Thursday) from the Ministry of Education that the remote learning period has been extended up-to and including February 10, 2021. Further details about the reopening, including the additional health and safety measures for students will be provided prior to this date.”
Howitt added: “Thank you for your ongoing support throughout this period. Should you have specific questions or concerns about your child, please contact your school directly as messages are checked regularly.”
Howitt encouraged people to visit the LKDSB website for up-to-date information, including information and resources to support student mental health and well-being.
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued a statement on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, to provide an update on which schools can resume for in-person learning.
“On the advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the government is allowing seven public health units and over 100,000 students to return to class on Monday, January 25,’ Lecce stated.
“Getting students back into class is our top priority. According to Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and leading medical and scientific experts, including the Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario’s schools are safe places for learning.”
Lecce added: “To ensure schools remain safe, the government is introducing additional measures including provincewide targeted asymptomatic testing, enhanced screening, mandatory masking for students in Grades 1-3 and outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained.”
Deb Crawford, director of education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, said 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 said in a letter on Tuesday.
“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.”
More details about the extended remote learning can be found here and here.
