Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the Ontario government announced a provincial State of Emergency and stay-at-home order to address the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) elementary and secondary students are expected to continue with remote, teacher-led learning as previously outlined until January 25, 2021.
Please note: The provincial government stated that by January 20, 2021, the Chief Medical Officer of Health will advise the Ministry of Education on which public health units will be permitted to resume in-person instruction, based on the most up-to-date data and modelling. LKDSB will provide students and families an update on whether schools will resume in-person learning on Monday, January 25 as soon as the information is available. Before- and after-school programs will be offered when in-person instruction resumes.
Read the provincial government media release here.
The province also announced the following new health and safety measures will be put in place for in-person learning to continue to keep students, staff and communities safe:
- Masking for Grade 1-3 and requirements for mask wearing outdoors;
- Enhanced screening protocols; and
- Expanded targeted testing.
We do not have specific detailed information about these enhanced health and safety measures at this time and how this will impact LKDSB schools; however, please be assured that we will provide an update to families when information about the return to in-person learning becomes available.
Should you have any specific questions or concerns about your child, please follow-up with your child's school directly as messages will be checked regularly.
Thanks for your ongoing support of student learning and the safe operation of schools.
Sincerely,
John Howitt
Director of Education