WELLINGTON COUNTY – Both local school boards are preparing reopening plans to submit to the province this week, and hope to communicate to parents and students what September will look like in early August.
School boards have been directed by the Ministry of Education to build three models for how schools could operate.
The conventional model would be a return to school as usual with enhanced health and safety protocols.
The full-time, at-home distance learning model has students at home, connecting with teachers and work material virtually.
The adapted model would use a combination of in-person and virtual learning. Students would attend school on alternate days or some sort of part-time configuration, would cohort with a small group of students, and there would smaller class sizes. Students would work virtually on their off days.
“We know families are looking for answers about what is coming this fall,” stated Brian Capovilla, a superintendent and member of the health and safety working group, in a press release from the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB).
“While we don’t have all the answers yet, we will be ready to update families in early August about next steps after we have ministry guidance on our plan.”
Capovilla added, “At that point we will be reaching out to our families sharing what we can and through a survey asking them about their back to school intentions and transportation needs.
“Regardless what the first day of school looks like on Sept. 8, our team will be ready. We are eager to connect with our students and rebuild our school communities.”
After consulting with public health officials, the ministry will direct school boards as to which model to follow in September.
The ministry is expected to make that announcement on Aug. 4 and then boards will release their plan to staff and families.
Parents will then be asked to register their intentions for their children on attendance and busing.
“As the school year progresses, the COVID-19 situation will be monitored and it may be necessary to change between the models,” reads a statement by the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB).
Heather Loney, UGDSB spokesperson, said the board will be launching a fall reopening website for parents/students this week, and will be adding updates there throughout the summer.
Tamara Nugent, WCDSB director of education, stated in an email, “Until we have ministry guidance on school reopening, we are not prepared to put our plans out in the event that they need to change.”
Wellington Catholic will be posting updates at on its website.
