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Update re: Transition to remote learning January 5, 2022

January 03, 2022

​Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Students:

The Ontario government has announced that Ontario elementary and secondary schools, including those in the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), move to remote teacher-led learning starting Wednesday, January 5 until Friday, January 14, 2022. Students registered in virtual learning programming will continue to operate on their regular schedule. 

It is expected schools will reopen for in-person learning on Monday, January 17, 2022.

This Government of Ontario decision is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support the health and well-being of Ontarians. Read the provincial media release here.

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 LKDSB schools are closed to students January 3-4, 2022. Elementary and secondary students will transition to remote teacher-led learning Wednesday, January 5 until Friday, January 14, 2022.
  • 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.

Information regarding student programming

  • All teachers have been asked to develop an online presence to facilitate student learning. 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 through the classroom's typical means of digital communication.
  • Teachers and education workers will connect with their class regarding student instruction and gather information about student technology needs.
  • For the duration of the remote learning period, 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.
  • Elementary and secondary students registered in virtual learning programming will continue their programming following their regular schedule beginning January 5.

Information regarding children's mental health

Student mental health continues to be a top priority. Parents/guardians and students should contact the school if supports are required.  Information is available on 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.
  • If you are not currently connected to a LKDSB Mental Health Professional, contact one of our Mental Health Lead Community Partners, including Chatham-Kent Children's Services and St. Clair Child and Youth Services. Additional community resources are available at the following links: Chatham-Kent Resource List and Sarnia-Lambton Resource List.

Information regarding child care

  • School-based child care will remain open. Further communication will be provided by individual child care operators.

The LKDSB will continue to share information as required 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.
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.

We appreciate your ongoing support in promoting the overall health and well-being of students and staff and the safe operation of schools.

Sincerely,

John Howitt
Director of Education

Contact

W. J. Baird Public School
182 King St, Blenheim, ON, N0P 1A0
519-676-5408
Principal: Heather McFarland
Bus Zone: 7BUS STATUS

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