With Niagara Region entering Stage 3 of the reopening, parents are looking ahead to September. The province has said that the return to school in the fall of 2020-21 will be voluntary and based on parent choice.
“For parents who choose not to send their child back to school, school boards should be prepared to offer remote education. This requirement will be in place for as long as public health circumstances require adapted delivery of education,” said guidance prepared by the Province of Ontario.
In light of the continuing uncertainty about public health risks, the Province has asked Ontario school boards to prepare for the following educational activities:
- Normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols
- Modified school day routine based on smaller class sizes, cohorting and alternative day or week delivery, and
- At-home learning with ongoing enhanced remote delivery
The Ontario Ministry of Education will stay in close communication with school boards through June and July, and to provide further guidance based on the latest public health advice in early August to prepare for school opening.
Guidance provided by the Province suggests maximum class sizes of 15 students to promote distancing.
The District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board both have announced the first day of school in the fall 2020 for students will be Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Learn More:
- See the Province of Ontario’s return to school plan and guidance: Click here
- DSBN Return to School Plan
- NCDSB COVID-19 update page