Virtual Learning Begins Thursday, January 6
Monday, January 3, 2022
Dear Lakehead Public Schools Families,
Today, the Government of Ontario announced the temporary move to virtual learning for all Ontario elementary and secondary schools. Lakehead Public Schools will begin offering virtual learning for its elementary and secondary schools on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Please see the following important information regarding your child’s education.
Elementary:
- Elementary school students will participate in virtual learning from January 6-January 14, 2022. In-person instruction will not be offered during this period;
- In-person instruction will resume on January 17th unless otherwise directed;
- Daily attendance will be taken;
- The elementary virtual program will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Schedules will be provided by teachers to all families.
- Seesaw and MS Teams will be the primary platforms for teaching and learning;
- Teachers will share instructions to access the programs required for virtual learning;
- Parents can expect to be contacted by their child’s teacher by Wednesday, January 5th;
- Students already enrolled in virtual learning will see no change to their learning method nor schedule, and will receive virtual instruction beginning on Thursday, January 6th.
Secondary:
- Secondary school students will participate in virtual learning from January 6-January 14, 2022. In-person instruction will not be offered during this period;
- In-person instruction will resume on January 17th unless otherwise directed;
- Daily attendance will be taken;
- Students can expect to be contacted by their teachers by Wednesday, January 5th;
- Students already enrolled in full-time virtual learning will see no change to their learning method nor schedule, and will receive virtual instruction beginning on Thursday, January 6th.
Remote Northern Communities:
- Schools will continue to support schools in remote communities where internet access is not available.
Special Education:
- Students with special education needs will continue to be supported by their classroom teacher remotely during the virtual learning period;
- Lakehead Public Schools remains committed to ensuring that students with special education needs will be engaged in remote learning with appropriate supports. It may be appropriate to offer in-person learning for students who are unable to participate in a virtual learning environment. Work is underway to determine how this could be safely operationalized;
- Parents and guardians of students enrolled in specialized program classes can expect communication from the classroom teacher by Thursday, January 6th.
Mental Health:
- Mental health supports will continue to be available to students and their families. Any students who are experiencing or could experience mental health challenges will have continued access to social workers, attendance counsellors, tutors, grad coaches, child and youth workers, student support professionals, as well as their community connections;
- Students and families will also continue to have access to mental health resources via our website, School Mental Health Ontario and Kids Help Phone which offers 24/7 counselling and referral services across the province. To use this free resource, children can call 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868.
Child Care:
- Child care services located in Lakehead Public Schools will remain open for pre-school and infant groups for the duration of the elementary and secondary school virtual learning period;
- During the virtual learning period, all before and after school programs are closed during this period. These programs may resume operation when schools return to in-person learning on January 17, 2022.
Devices:
- Students who do not have access to a device to use during the virtual learning period will have the opportunity to use a device from their school. Devices will be available on either Tuesday, January 4th or Wednesday, January 5th for pick-up at schools. Schools will communicate their respective device pick-up arrangements with families. Upon in-person learning, all devices must be returned to the schools in good working condition to avoid damage fees.
Lakehead Public Schools is aware that these adjustments may be challenging and stressful for many families. Lakehead Public Schools strives to keep open channels of communication with its families and will keep families informed of any new developments affecting its school communities. Please remember, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has confirmed that schools remain a safe environment for students and Lakehead Public Schools will continue to keep all school environments clean and safe to welcome back students on Monday, January 17th. If the directive from the Ontario government changes the current return to in-person learning date, you will be notified.
Sincerely,
Ian MacRae, Director of Education
