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Important Update re: Transition to remote learning April 19, 2021

April 13, 2021
​​Dear Students, Parent(s)/Guardian(s): 
 
As you are likely aware, the Ontario Minister of Education has announced that Ontario elementary and secondary schools, including those in the Lambton Kent District School Board, will transition to remote teacher-led learning April 19, 2021. No face-to-face, in-person learning in school settings will occur during this period with the exception of self-contained special education programs who attended face-to-face learning in January. LKDSB Virtual Learn at Home schools will continue to operate on their regular schedule.   
 
An end date for remote learning was not provided by the Ministry but instead a commitment to monitor case counts in the community before committing to a reopening date. This decision is a proactive measure by the Government of Ontario to support the health and well-being of Ontarians. The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority for the LKDSB. 
 
The LKDSB continues to gather information and will follow directions from the Ministry of Education, local and  provincial public health officials. 
 
Based on the information to date, please be aware of the following information: 
 
General information:  
  • All publicly funded schools are closed beginning April 19, 2021.  
  • The intent of the period of remote learning is to reduce gatherings and mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 while maintaining academic programming. 
  • Attendance will be taken daily for all students during this time of remote learning.  
  • The LKDSB will continue to take direction from the Ministry of Education and local and provincial Medical Officers of Health. 
  • All safety currently protocols in place will continue when face-to-face learning in school settings resumes for elementary and secondary students.  
  • Transportation will resume on the date students return to face to face in school learning. 
  • The LKDSB will continue to follow its regular practice of exercising high standards of cleanliness in its facilities. 
Information regarding student programming 
  • All teachers have been asked to develop an online presence to facilitate student learning. This was used during the month of January. Students will participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning during the remote learning period with their classroom teacher. Further information will be provided by your child’s teacher on April 19, 2021 through the classroom’s typical means of digital communication.   
  • Kindergarten to Grade 12 students should join their class remotely beginning at their regular morning bell time for approximately 30 minutes on April 19, 2021. During this time teachers and education workers will reconnect with their class, provide instructions/activities for the day and gather information about student technology needs.  Teachers will spend the remainder of the day addressing technology needs and connecting with students absent from the morning class. 
  • For the duration of the remote learning period beginning April 20th, students should anticipate spending 75-80% of their 300-minute school day participating in live (synchronous) learning time with their teacher(s) and education worker(s).  (Parents/Guardians whose children may not be able to meet this expectation should discuss this with their child’s teacher/Principal.)  
  • Assessment and evaluation toward secondary credits will occur during the period of remote learning. 
  • The Virtual Learn at Home elementary and secondary schools will continue their programming following their regular schedule beginning April 19, 2021.  
  • Students in self-contained special education programs are welcome to attend face-to-face instruction as was the case in January. 
  • Supplementary academic resources from the Ministry of Education are available through TVO Learn and TFO IDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison
Information regarding children’s mental health 

Student mental health continues to be a top priority. Parents/guardians or students should contact the school if supports are required. For additional information, visit the LKDSB Mental Health & Well-Being website or access: 
  • 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. 
  • School Mental Health Ontario also has a number of great resources for students, parents and families on their website at www.smho-smso.ca​
Information regarding daycares 
  • Further communication will be provided by individual childcare operators. 

The LKDSB will continue to post information from the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Chatham-Kent and Lambton Public Health regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Board and school websites to inform school communities as it becomes available. 

For further information and the most up-to-date announcements regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit: 

We appreciate your ongoing support in promoting the overall health and well-being of students and staff. 
 
Please visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) regularly for up-to-date information. 
 
Sincerely, 
John Howitt 
Director of Education 


Contact

Hillcrest Public School
433 First Ave, Petrolia, ON, N0N 1R0
519-882-2858
Principal: Angela Cote
Bus Zone: 4BUS STATUS

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