Good morning everyone,
I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying the weather that we have been blessed with this summer. I am sending this email this morning to advise all staff of an important modification to the start of in class learning for our students. Yesterday we were notified that our transportation services will not be able to be resumed until September 14th. As a result we have had to adjust our plans to support students and families as we return to learning on September 8th. Please review the letter below that outlines the changes. This letter will be sent out to all parents and guardians this morning.
It is important to note that notwithstanding the delay to in-class attendance of students, all school staff will be working from school following regular hours of instruction during the week of September 8-11.
Thank you for your continued commitment and work. Your efforts to support the safe and joyful return of students to our schools are very much appreciated. We will continue to work through this together.
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON SUPPORTED RE-ENTRY AND RETURN TO LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your patience as we work through the many interrelated issues involved in the return to learning this fall. While we are endeavouring to provide students and their families with clear and reliable information, these are complex matters that evolve rapidly.
Late yesterday we were advised by Durham Student Transportation Services that due to unavoidable delays in the timing of the delivery of bus routes, our bus operators’ group will not be able to provide bus services for our students until Monday, September 14, 2020.
As a result of this new development, it has been necessary to modify our return to learning plan. The week of September 8 to 11, 2020 will be conducted virtually with a modified schedule of contact and classes. The focus at that time will be on preparing students to return to in-class learning. Busing and face-to-face learning in class will begin during the week of September 14. Bus pick-up and drop-off information will be shared with parents of eligible bus students through Durham Student Transportation Services the week of September 8.
An overview of what students and families can expect during the first two weeks of school is provided below. More specific information, including a schedule for your child’s attendance in school, will be forthcoming from your school principal during the week of August 31.
Elementary In-class Learning
September 8 to 11, 2020 – Remote preparation of students for their return to in class learning
- Information on how your child’s educators will connect with your child for introductions and orientation will come from your school the week of August 31.
- Educators/schools will work to confirm current and correct email addresses for all parents and guardians.
- Establishment of Edsby online classrooms and technology refreshers for students/families.
- Using virtual means, schools/educators will share information, videos and resources with families to introduce children to the protective measures that will be put in place when they return to class (e.g. hand hygiene, what to expect at recess or lunch, the proper use and storage of masks, what to bring to school).
- Families can expect their children will have both synchronous (real time) and asynchronous communications during this week.
September 14 to 18, 2020 – Small group in-school orientation
In the second week of school, students will begin in-class learning. Half of each class will attend on alternate days as designated by the school. In these smaller groups, students will have the chance to become more familiar with classroom and school processes. All students will be in attendance full-timeon Friday, September 18.
- Monday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 16 – (1/2 of each class)
- Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17 – (1/2 of each class)
- Friday, September 18 (Full class)
- Schools will share orientation dates with parents the week of August 31.
Secondary In-class Learning
September 8 to 11, 2020 – Remote preparation of students to return to in– class learning
- September 8 – 9 – Students to receive timetables; staff to finalize and resolve any timetable conflicts.
- September 10 – 11 – Teachers will connect with students virtually for introductions and orientation.
- Students and parents should ensure technology is in place in order to connect with teachers virtually.
- During this week, online assemblies will be scheduled for students and families with their respective grade levels. (eg. all Grade 9 students)
September 14 to 18, 2020 – Adapted model for in-class learning begins
- In-class learning will begin Monday, September 14, 2020.in accordance with the adapted model and quadmester system.
- Under this model, students will be assigned to either cohort A or B for the in-class portion of their learning. Cohort A will attend Mondays, Wednesdays and every other Friday. Cohort B will attend Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday.
- Cohort A will attend school in person for 150 minutes on Monday, September 14, Wednesday, September 16 and Friday, September 18.
- Cohort B will attend school in person for 150 minutes on Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17.
Virtual Learning Centers
Elementary Online Learning
September 8 to 11, 2020 – Focus on connecting with families and preparing for online learning
- Tuesday, September 8 -Orientation Day (1/4 of each class)
- Wednesday, September 9 – Orientation Day (1/4 of each class)
- Thursday, September 10 – Orientation Day (1/4 of each class)
- Friday, September 11 – Orientation Day (1/4 of each class)
- Principal will share more details with families the week of August 31.
- Orientation will include review of safety protocols, timetables, introductory lessons and managing technology.
- Distribution of technology if needed.
September 14 to 18, 2020
- Monday, September 14 and Wednesday September 16 – (1/2 of each class)
- Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday September 17- (1/2 of each class)
- Friday, September 18 – All Students
- Regular timetables will be followed throughout the week.
Secondary Online Learning
September 8 to 11, 2020 – Focus on connecting with families and preparing for online learning
- September 8 – 9 – Students to receive timetables; staff to finalize and resolve any timetable conflicts.
- September 10 – Students will be informed on how to access their Period 1 and 2 classes virtual over Edsby.
- September 10 – 11 – Educators will focus on community building, supporting health and wellness, reviewing expectations, and supporting online learning on our educational platforms.
- During this week, online assemblies will be scheduled for students and families with their respective grade levels. (eg. All Grade 9 students).
September 14 to 18, 2020
- Regular online instruction to resume following individual student timetables.
I understand that parents and guardians will have questions based on this new information. I assure you that our principals and staff are working diligently to adapt to the most current circumstances to support our families. In the week ahead, schools will provide you with information regarding your child’s class placement, orientation dates, and school-specific protocols.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation for your continued patience and understanding as we work through these uncommon days in preparation for the return to learning.
Yours in Faith,
Tracy Barill
Director of Education / Secretary-Treasurer
Durham Catholic District School Board
