Government of Ontario announced additional measures will be put in place to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Ontario, effective Wednesday, January 5, 2022. This is a change from our previous message on December 31, 2021.
As a result, schools in Ontario will remain closed to students until at least January 17, 2022. From January 5 – 14, 2022, YCDSB classes will pivot to fully remote synchronous learning and students will continue to attend school through their teachers’ virtual classrooms. At this time, schools are expected to reopen to students for in-person learning on January 17, 2022. Student schedules will remain the same.
As per Ministry of Education direction, YCDSB will be offering in-school, face-to-face learning for exceptional students who are unable to access remote learning. These are students with high Special Education needs who require frequent and intensive Education Worker support to access alternative curriculum. Further details on how this will take place in specific schools will be communicated to families shortly by the school Principal.
Before and after care programs will not operate while schools are closed. For child care centres, please check with your child care provider.
Resources for Families
Parents/guardians looking for additional resources, including assistance on how to navigate virtual classrooms such as Google Classroom and Brightspace D2L, can visit the Parent Resources section of the Board’s website.
Requesting a Device
If your child requires a Chromebook or iPad to access their teacher’s virtual classroom, please contact your home school office to make that request and arrange a pick-up time. Please note that by borrowing a device it is implied that the family agrees to the Device Distribution Agreement.
Technical Support
Families looking for technical support during remote online learning are encouraged to visit our
Call Centre website http://help.ycdsb.ca/vle.
Mental Health and Well-Being
The mental health and well-being of students continues to be a priority during these challenging times. If you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, please reach out to your child’s principal or visit the Mental Health and Well-Being page of the Board’s website. Mental health services will continue to be provided virtually during school closures.You can also stay up to date on what the Mental Health Team is providing by following them on Twitter @YCDSB_MH.
Thank you for your ongoing support and patience. We will continue to share updates and information as they become available. For information and updates please follow the Board on Twitter @YCDSB or visit: www.ycdsb.ca.
Yours in Christ,
Dom Scuglia, Director of Education