Virtual Learning Following Spring Break 2021

Virtual Learning at NPSC Following Spring Break
Posted on 04/15/2021

Dear Parents/Guardians:


As you may already be aware, on April 12, 2021, the Premier of Ontario announced that Ontario elementary and secondary schools will be closed for in-person learning and that instruction will take place virtually following the spring break.  The government will continue to use the advice of public health experts, and will update parents once a safe return to in-person learning is recommended.


NPSC Learn at Home Plan

During this period of virtual learning, students will be in regular contact with their teacher through Edsby, Google Classroom and Google Meet. 


To prepare for the continuity of learning for all students, elementary and secondary teachers will be in contact with their students/families on Monday April 19 to ensure that students are able to access digital platforms and resources and are ready for learning the following day.  Virtual classes will begin for students on Tuesday April 20, 2021.  


Details regarding expectations for student learning and daily class schedules during this time of virtual learning will be provided by the classroom teacher.  Virtual instruction will continue to be guided by Policy and Program Memorandum 164 Requirements for Remote Learning provided by the Ministry of Education. 


We encourage our students and families to access the additional digital resources as outlined below to support their transition to virtual learning on April 19 and to compliment the virtual learning instruction provided by your child’s teacher.


Access to Technology 

If your child(ren) or student(s) in your household require technology to continue learning during this remote learning period, please contact your school office any time prior to April 19 if possible, via EDSBY, email or by phone number. Should you phone the school directly, kindly leave a detailed message indicating your request. Your scheduled pick-up date and time will be confirmed with you shortly, following contact with the school.


Elementary Students Moving To and From the NPSC Virtual School

If you previously requested your child to transition to in-person learning following the spring break, the transition will continue to proceed with your child joining their home school class as planned, but virtually in the interim.  The classroom teacher will be reaching out on April 19 to ensure students are able to access digital platforms and resources and are ready for learning the following day. 


If you planned to move your child to the Virtual School on April 19, the transition will continue to their Virtual School teacher as previously confirmed with instruction beginning on April 19.


Please note, if your child has been registered and was participating in our NPSC Elementary Virtual School prior to April 9, they will continue to receive instruction from their virtual teacher as per their daily learning schedule on April 19.
  

Special Education

Students with special education needs will continue to be supported by their classroom educators in the remote learning environment.  Students who receive classroom resource support or educational assistant support in person will continue to receive similar support while in remote learning.  


As per the Ministry’s guidelines, we are able to make provisions for in-person support for students with complex special education needs and who cannot be accommodated through remote learning.  Principals and teachers of special education system classes will be in contact with families on Monday April 19 to coordinate transportation and confirm a start date for in-person instruction. 


Additional Learning Resources

Our board continues to update our NPSC Learn at Home website to support student learning during this time. This website provides resources for families, categorized by subject and grade level to help support students in their learning.  


We also encourage families and students in Grades 1 to 8 to engage in their own learning through supplemental, curriculum-linked activities available at TVO Learn and TFO IDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison. These rich, engaging opportunities allow students to keep up with their learning and interests. Secondary students can access TVO's Independent Learning Centre (ILC) Open House and Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language. 


Mathify (English) and Eureka! (French) are also available to provide one-on-one online tutoring services for elementary and secondary students. Mathify covers online math tutoring in English for Grades 6 to 10 and Eureka! supports all subjects for French-language students in Grades 1 to 12.


Child Care

During this period when elementary schools are operating virtually, licensed child care centres and authorized recreation and skill-building providers are not permitted to serve school-aged children. All before and after school programs will be closed while schools are operating virtually. These programs may resume operation when elementary schools return to in-person learning.  Child care centres remain open to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers only at this time.


Stay in Touch

Please continue to monitor Edsby, as well as the board social media and website, for the most up to date information from our school board and continue to follow the advice of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.  


We recognize that the success of all learning, both in the classroom and virtual, is due to the time, energy and enthusiasm of an entire family and support system.   We thank all of our staff, students and families for supporting our schools and for continuing to do their part to keep our community safe.  Our prayerful best wishes for continued learning success.  


Thank you.

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board