RETURN TO SCHOOL PLANNING - SEPTEMBER 2021
June 1, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We understand that this has been a challenging year for all of our students and families as we have navigated through remote learning periods and uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of our families for their on-going support over the course of this most unique school year. As we journey together to the end of June, we see on the horizon, great hope for a more normal school year with the pace of the provincial vaccination program and in particular, the youth vaccination program ages 12-17 beginning this June, with completion in August prior to the beginning of school in September 2021.
As you know, the Ontario Ministry of Education has confirmed that school boards will provide an option for families for remote or virtual learning for the 2021-2022 school year. It is important to note that all NPSC schools are planning for a full in-person return to school in September.
As a board, we believe in-person learning best supports the needs of all of our students K-12 as it allows students to fully flourish, supports their learning, well-being and full participation in all aspects of our Catholic schools. The unanimous advice of medical professionals provincially and our local Health Unit support that in-person learning serves student needs and their well-being most effectively. We do recognize that there are circumstances that may require families to choose remote learning.
Declaration of Learning Mode for the 2021-2022 School Year
Families have the option of in-person learning or remote/virtual learning for their child(ren) for the 2021-2022 school year for both elementary and secondary students.
Parents and guardians are required to declare which learning mode you have chosen for your child(ren) by completing the survey, via the link below, by June 9, 2021. Please note that this decision is for the entire 2021-2022 school year.
In order to support our families in making an informed decision, the following notes are with regard to planning for in-person learning:
Elementary In-Person Learning
As we plan for September, a return to in-person learning for elementary students K-8 will continue to include the successful practice of cohorting of students to minimize the number of contacts as well as all health and safety measures currently in place. Teachers will rotate to support students in their classrooms.
Secondary In-Person Learning
We plan to begin the school year with the current health and safety measures in place. We are currently planning a quadmester schedule for students which would include two in-person classes per day, one in the morning, a break for lunch, and a second class in the afternoon. Over the course of the school year, there are a total of 4 quadmesters lasting approximately 44 to 45 days, which provides a total of 8 course offerings for the school year.
Remote learning will continue to be available to students at the secondary level. Please note that specific programs that focus on practical components are best served through in-person learning and will not be available virtually. Students will be contacted by their Guidance counsellor to make alternate course selections if they have one of these courses in their timetable.
We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey to declare your child’s learning mode for the 2021-2022 school year. This declaration will allow the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board to plan for the start of the school year in a safe and healthy manner.
Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board