Students across Chatham-Kent, and all over Ontario, are heading back-to-school on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
Lambton-Kent District School Board Director of Education John Howitt welcomes students and families back to school for the 2021/2022 school year in the following video:
Deb Crawford, Director of Education for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, says they are ready to welcome their staff and families back to school, and a return to joyful, faith-filled learning.
“At St. Clair Catholic, our first priority is the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Crawford stated.
“Our plan is informed and advised by the Ministry of Education, Public Health Ontario and our local Medical Officers of Health. The Return to School Plan is a living document. That means that some parts of the plan may evolve and change, as we continue to follow direction from the Ontario Ministry of Education, Public Health Ontario and the local Medical Officers of Health. Please follow the Board’s website and social media regularly for updates.”
Crawford added: “Our Catholic schools are places of learning and faith formation, where students grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially through their connections with our school communities. These relationships are essential to the ongoing development and well-being of our students.”
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued a statement on Tuesday as students head back to class.
“I am proud of all Ontario students heading back to class, be it in-person or online,” Lecce stated.
“In keeping with the expert advice of Ontario’s pediatric hospitals and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, we have invested heavily in ventilation improvements to support safer schools. We have deployed standalone HEPA units into every kindergarten class, into every learning space without mechanical ventilation, and some school boards have gone even further by placing HEPA units in every classroom.”
Lecce said their “cautious plan” is designed to minimize disruption and maximize safety — with a focus on ventilation improvements — so that children can continue learning through the year.
“While Ontario’s plan is cautious to protect students and staff, it also prioritizes learning recovery in reading and math,” the Minister stated.
“New supports for students from our youngest learners to those who will graduate this school year will help unlock their potential and bridge the gaps that arose last year. To Ontario’s intelligent and kind student community, please continue to remain vigilant as we navigate this pandemic and know that your families, educators and government are proud of you.”
Provincial officials say in the 2021-22 school year, Ontario’s plan allows for:
– Return to in-person learning for the full school day, though synchronous remote learning will remain an option;
– Learning in classrooms supported by physical distancing, and enhanced cleaning; and,
– Student participation in extracurricular activities, clubs, music and the arts, both within the school and through inter-school sport. Public health units may recommend or direct additional measures or modifications based on local context.
Ontario’s safer return to school is supported by significant investments, and the province is making available more than $1.6 billion in targeted COVID-19 resources.
Supported by the province’s COVID-19 strategy, as well as other provincial funding, $80 million in funding is being provided for mental health supports to protect students, teachers, and school staff this coming school year, Provincial officials added.
In preparation for the return of in-person learning, the province has also invested substantially in improvements to air ventilation at schools. These improvements mean that:
– 99.8% of the systems have been assessed;
– 99% of schools are using higher grade filters and/or have increased frequency of filter changes;
– 99% of schools are running ventilation systems longer;
– 99% of schools have increased fresh air intake; and
– Over 70,000 standalone HEPA filter units and other devices are now in place in schools across the province, including JK/SK classrooms, all classrooms and learning environments without mechanical ventilation.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service have issued some reminders for local motorists.
“Going back to school this year will continue to look different for students and teachers as we navigate COVID-19 rules and restrictions,” police officials said in a media release.
“What hasn’t changed though are the rules around school bus safety. We would like to remind all motorists that there will be an increase in traffic and pedestrians, as students return to school. Please reduce your speed in the area of crosswalks and school zones. Remember slower is safer.”
Police officials added: “With school buses back on the road, all drivers must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights and stop arm flashing, regardless of the speed limit or number of lanes. Motorists failing to comply may be issued a $490 fine and six demerit points. Back to school safety is a community effort. Together, we can make this school year a safe one.”
