To All KPR Families,
This update focuses on two important matters: the opportunity for families interested in online learning to confirm their choice, and further details on the provincial return to school plan.
After we updated families and staff last week on the provincial COVID safety plan for the 2021-22 school year, the provincial government announced two new points:
- as part of an additional $25 million in funding province-wide, stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter units will be placed in all Kindergarten classrooms, whether or not they are already serviced by a mechanical ventilation system
- students will be able to participate in sports indoors as well as outdoors.
These steps will be in addition to those announced last week:
- Students will return to in-person learning daily for the full school day.
- Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it.
- Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be encouraged to wear masks.
- Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside.
- Extra-curricular and inter-school sports activities will be permitted with some modifications.
- Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.
- While vaccination will not be mandatory for staff or students, immunization will still be encouraged. Local vaccination clinics will continue to run.
- Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell.
- Enhanced cleaning and handwashing will remain in effect.
- School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing.
- Music, field trips, assemblies, nutrition programs and cafeteria use will resume, with some modifications and in consultation with local public health partners.
- School boards will continue to work with local health units to monitor and respond quickly to concerns.
Learn more about the province’s return to school plan by reading COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2001-2022).
Provincial and local health authorities also continue to urge all Ontarians ages 12 and up to obtain their two vaccinations as soon as possible, as the best protection against COVID-19. The Education Minister also told the media that there were no plans at this time to make COVID-19 immunization mandatory for students or education staff.
Virtual Learning for 2021-22 School Year
While we continue to focus on face-to-face learning as the ideal learning model for students, we also will continue to offer virtual school this year. Families interested in online education must confirm their registration for virtual learning for their children or teens by Friday, August 20 at noon. An opt-in portal for parents and guardians to complete only if they wish their children to learn online is now open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ .
Please note: if you indicated initial interest in online learning in the spring, but now wish to return to in-person learning, you do not need to take any steps. Students will automatically be re-registered in their last school attended prior to virtual learning. Only those interested in virtual learning need to complete the form here.
Those interested in virtual learning must complete the form here even if they indicated initial interest in the spring.
Secondary quadmesters will start September 7, November 11, February 1 and April 21, for all high schools. Secondary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning in September 2021 and February 2022.
Elementary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the following designated times in the school year: beginning of September, Fall Progress Report (mid-November), Term 1 Final Report (early February), and spring 2022.
School Offices
School offices are closed for summer and will reopen August 25. Families new to KPR can still register online at School Registration (kprschools.ca) . For student transcripts, please call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3444.
Finally, we wish to reassure families and staff that all classrooms and learning spaces in KPR schools will be served by efficient, school-wide air exchange systems or portable HEPA units. In schools where ventilation work is continuing this fall, portable HEPA units will be used until the work is completed. Last week’s message to you has further details on ventilation; it is available here.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education
Author: Pete Fisher
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