Hello Everyone,
I hope you are enjoying a peaceful summer. I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to all facilities and administrative staff who have been working over the summer to prepare our schools for the return to learning in September.
Today the Ministry of Education announced that all Ontario school boards will open their doors to students and staff in September 2020. While I recognize this news brings a wide range of emotions for our staff and families, please be assured that our senior leadership team and school administrators are committed to supporting the health, safety and well-being of all members of our Catholic learning community as we return to school in the fall.
Working in consultation with public health officials and following recommendations from Sick Kids Hospital’s Guidance for School Reopening, we will continue to communicate with you to support you during this transitional period. We recommend that all staff read the Sick Kids document which is based upon the best medical advice available at this time and advocates strongly for a return to “as normal as possible” school experience with enhanced health and safety protocols. In addition, a designated webpage has been set up at www.dcdsb.ca/returntolearning where updated information will be posted as it becomes available.
At this time, we know that the following directions from the province will be in place:
- Elementary schools will be open to students and staff for regular instruction for five days a week as per the school calendar.
- The secondary school model will be based on a quadmester system (two courses per timetable) with 15 students per class attending on alternate days.
- In partnership with families, schools will be working alongside the Board’s Student Services department and Regulated Health Professionals to plan for a safe return to school and the provision of safe and appropriate support for students with special education needs in both Elementary and Secondary. More information will be forthcoming.
For elementary and secondary schools:
- Self-assessments are to be performed daily at home for COVID-related symptoms prior to coming to school.
- Students or staff members who are ill are expected to stay home.
- Signs will be placed throughout all schools as hand hygiene and physical distancing reminders.
- Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies will be placed throughout the school.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented in schools.
- Access to school facilities will be limited to students and staff only.
- Non-medical masks will be mandatory for students from grades 4-12 and all staff. (These will be provided to staff).
- Public health nurses will be hired regionally to provide training for school staff and additional support as needed.
In recognizing that there are many questions, an online virtual Staff Forum (voluntary participation), facilitated in partnership with our Human Resources Department and Senior Administrative Team will be planned for the week of August 17th. Details and a link will be sent to all staff via e-mail the week of August 10.
As a reminder to all staff as you and your families prepare for the transition to school and work routines, our Family Services Employee Assistance Programs (FSEAP) is a free, confidential service available to you by phone toll-free at 1-888-409-4499 for additional support.
A letter from Minister Lecce https://www.dcdsb.ca/en/parents/resources/Return-to-Learning/Minister-of-Ed-Letters/Letter-to-Ontarios-parents-from-the-Minister-of-Education—July-30-2020.pdf will be sent home to parents along with a message from me that outlines the above later this evening.
Please continue to stay safe over the summer, the work that you do is critically important to students, families and our community at large. I look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks.
Yours in Faith,
Tracy Barill
Director of Education
