While most students are now attending school in-person (face-to-face), we recognize that some families may wish for their child to continue online learning. The Government of Ontario requires that school boards continue to offer students virtual learning for the 2022-2023 school year.
For 2022-2023 school year, our plans do not include hybrid learning next year.
Elementary Virtual School students will receive a daily schedule that follows a typical school day including recess (breaks) and time for lunch. Learning will follow the Ontario curriculum and follow teaching patterns similar to a regular classroom such as small and large group learning opportunities, with students engaging with their teacher and classmates.
- Kindergarten students will have a minimum of 180 minutes a day out of a 300-minute day of real-time, live (synchronous) learning with a teacher and Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE). Any remaining time will be asynchronous (not live) learning.
- Grades 1-8 students will have a minimum of 225 minutes out of a 300-minute day of real-time, live (synchronous) learning with a teacher. Any remaining time will be asynchronous (not live) learning.
French Immersion programming will be offered and will include combined classes. For more information about the French Immersion program, please visit the French as a Second Language page on the Board website.
Students requiring English as a Second Language (ESL) programming will have access to English language supports.
Supporting students with special education needs is a priority in both learning models. Special education staff will continue to support students in both models. In September, families of students with IEPs will be contacted by the virtual school for consultation on their child’s IEP. Families of students in Special Education Community Classes will be contacted by their virtual school with the Google Classroom and online meeting details.
Graduating students will be able to attend the Elementary Virtual School graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The two options we are planning will be in-person (face-to-face) in your homeschool or learning remotely in the YRDSB Elementary Virtual School.
No, the commitment to the YRDSB-EVS is for the full year.
School Structure
Yes, YRDSB Elementary Virtual School will be its own school with its own staff.
Virtual Learning classes will follow the daily schedule of a typical school day with a set start and end time, recess and lunch. Currently, the schedule will be as follows
- Period 1: 8:45-9:35
- Period 2: 9:35-10:25
- Recess: 10:25-10:55
- Period 3: 10:55-11:45
- Period 4: 11:45-12:35
- Lunch: 12:35-1:35
- Period 5: 1:35-2:25
- Period 6: 2:25-3:15
Yes.
The Ministry requires that Boards extend virtual learning for the 2022-2023 school year. At this time, we have no further information on the school years beyond 2022-2023.
Students who attend school in-person benefit from:
- developing social/interpersonal skills
- improving in-person communication skills
- building teamwork skills
- wide range of experiential learning opportunities that support different learning styles
- sharing and playing in person
- participating in social activities, extracurricular clubs, teams and athletics
- leadership opportunities provided through co-curricular activities
- student leadership and mentorship
Schools will continue to follow York Region Public Health COVID-19 Guidelines to ensure safety measures for in-person learning.
School Registration
Parents have received an email with information about YRDSB-EVS from the Board with a link to a Google form (Student Transfer Request form) that you can fill out indicating that you would like to register your child for YRDSB-EVS.
If you did not receive this email, please contact your school.
No. If your child is staying in face-to-face learning, you do not need to complete the form.
Complete the form only if you wish to transfer your child to Elementary or Secondary Virtual School for the 2022-2023 school year.
Before April 7, you can complete the form a second time. Your most recent response is the one that will be noted.
You will register for school or Kindergarten as you normally would at your home school. When you complete your registration, you will be given an opportunity to request virtual school.
Program
Students with special education needs will be supported according to their IEP, by a Special Education Resource Teacher in virtual learning.
All curriculum areas will be taught, assessed and reported on. Students will know who their teacher(s) are in the fall.
Depending on enrolment numbers, there may be combined classes in EVS.
French Immersion programming will be offered and will include combined classes. For more information about the French Immersion program, please visit the French as a Second Language page on the Board website.
Yes, students requiring English as a Second Language (ESL) programming will have access to English language support.
A limited number of virtual clubs may be offered at EVS depending on student request and staff availability.
Students will not be able to participate in extracurricular activities running at their previous school.
Extra-curricular activities will be offered virtually and will not include athletics, for students attending virtual school.
Technology
Students requiring a loan of technology to support remote learning will be provided a Chromebook. More information will be shared by the YRDSB-EVS.
Tips and information on how to use the online learning platforms are also available on our Family Resources page on the Board website, as well as links to IT support for families. If students are having difficulties with technology, they can also contact their teacher.
Graduation
Graduating students will be able to attend the Elementary Virtual School Graduation. All celebrations, including Grade 8 Graduation will be virtual.