Earlier today, the Premier of Ontario announced that schools would remain closed until May 4, as part of efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We know that many of you have questions about what this means for your child’s learning, transitions, post-secondary applications and more.
Learning and Caring
While many things feel uncertain during these unprecedented times, we want to assure you that our commitment to your child’s learning and well-being has not changed. This week, families will hear from their children’s teachers as we begin to implement our Learning and Caring plan. Beginning next week, teachers will start providing some online learning activities and opportunities. This may look a little different for each teacher and your child’s teacher will share more information with you.
Moving from face-to-face classroom learning to an online environment in two weeks is a significant challenge. We’ve been working to ensure technology and online learning platforms are available and accessible to all our learners, and to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all of our learners. For more information, please see the video message to families that was posted to social media earlier today.
We have been working hard to change the way students learn and the way teachers teach. We are dedicated to providing our students and staff as much support as we can design and deliver.
We will also continue to update information on our website at www.yrdsb.ca/covid19 to help answer some of the many questions that you may have. The Minister of Education continues to provide reassurance that this situation will not affect our students’ ability to graduate or apply to post-secondary education.
Supporting Our Community
We are all in this together and we’re doing our part to help keep our communities safe and healthy. We’ve redirected personal protective equipment that is desperately needed to our health care providers; and are redirecting the funds we use to serve breakfast programs directly to families in need.
All of the play facilities and parks at our school locations have been closed in accordance with the Provincial order and signs have been posted. While we recognize that this may be disappointing, we all need to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is critically important that you comply and not use the play and park facilities, and continue to follow the guidelines set out by public health.
Stay Updated
We will continue to provide updated information on our website at www.yrdsb.ca/covid19 or you can follow us on Twitter @YRDSB. For public health information, visit www.yorkregion.ca/coronavirus or www.ontario.ca/Covid19.
A Caring Community
We know that these are challenging times that will affect each of our families in different ways. We are a part of a community that cares, and we want you to know that supports are available. We have a dedicated webpage at www.yrdsb.ca/covid19, where you will find information such as tips on speaking with children about COVID-19, links to learning resources and a list of community mental health, financial and government resources.
While what we are experiencing may feel uncertain and difficult at times, we are also seeing a tremendous outpouring of care, support and virtual connection that is uplifting and reminds us all that we are in this together.
We hope you and your families are finding ways to stay connected while staying safe and healthy. On behalf of the Trustees and all staff members of York Region District School Board we wish you well and are looking forward to seeing students in our buildings as soon as it is safe to do so.
Sincerely,
Louise Sirisko, Director of Education and
Juanita Nathan, Board Chair