Dear families,
I hope that this communication finds your family healthy and safe as we continue to be challenged with the pandemic. We have received notice from the Ontario Ministry of Education that following the winter break, all Ontario schools will be closed to students on January 3 and 4, 2022.
During this period, students will not participate in face-to-face or online learning. Both face-to-face and remote learning will commence on January 5, 2022.
Child care programs will continue to operate.
What can I expect when schools reopen?
Schools are expected to reopen to students on Wednesday, January 5.
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The Ministry of Education is requiring that students provide confirmation of COVID-19 screening. Similar to the start of the year, students and families will be required to complete the confirmation of screening before coming to school each morning.
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When schools reopen to in-person learning, some families may wish to switch between remote/online learning and in-person learning. Requests may continue to be made to move between in-person learning and remote learning. Please contact the school to request a switch to remote learning. Please note that transportation provision for those eligible may take longer to coordinate. Additional information can be found in frequently asked questions on the Board website.
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As staff members are required to isolate with increased cases of COVID-19, schools may encounter challenges obtaining replacement coverage. Please be aware that there may be occasions when classrooms or schools are required to close to in-person learning and move to virtual learning for a period of time. Schools will notify families as soon as possible when this is the case.
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This afternoon, the Government of Ontario announced changes to public health measures, including:
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Updating the COVID-19 school and child care screener ahead of the return to school on January 5 and asking students, parents and staff for rigorous screening and monitoring of symptoms.
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Providing optional non-fit-tested N95 masks for staff in schools and licensed child care settings as an optional alternative to medical/surgical masks, and additional supply of high-quality three-ply cloth masks that are strongly encouraged and free for students and children in January.
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Continuing take-home PCR testing eligibility for highly symptomatic elementary and secondary students, education staff and participating private and First Nation operated schools who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school.
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Starting in January, temporarily permitting only low-contact indoor sports and safe extra-curricular activities.
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Updating COVID-19 reporting requirements for school boards and child care in January.
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Informing people what to do if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 at www.ontario.ca/exposed.
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Resources for Families
You may be concerned about your child’s emotional well-being. You can find mental health supports and other resources available on the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca/school-reopening.
Thank you for your ongoing support and patience. We will continue to share updates and information with you as it becomes available. You can also follow the Board’s Twitter feed: @YRDSB, or for information about YRDSB’s reopening plan, visit: www.yrdsb.ca/school-reopening. The safety, well-being and education of our students will remain at the centre of all our decisions and planning.
Sincerely,
Louise Sirisko,
Director of Education