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Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, Families and Staff:
As we prepare to take a break for the holidays, I want to take a moment to get in touch with a reminder about planning for Term/Semester 2 at school.
Over the past several weeks, I explained that two learning models_"in-person school" and "virtual school"_will continue for the remainder of this school year. Term 2 for elementary students begins in mid-February 2021 and Semester 2 for secondary begins February 1, 2021.
Advance planning is required to ensure both learning models have adequate teaching and support staff in place for safe and effective school operations. With that in mind, we ask families to decide where their children will learn for Term 2 (elementary) and Semester 2 (secondary), either at in-person school or virtual school.
If your child will remain at their current school, no action is required. If you wish to move your child to in-person school from virtual school, or vice-versa, please contact your child's principal by Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
I began this letter referencing the upcoming holiday break. As an experienced Director of Education who has had the privilege of living and working in northern Ontario and now here in southeastern Ontario, I can say from experience that this time of year can bring feelings of anxiety and stress. As you have heard me say in previous letters, my staff and I are committed to maintaining clear and supportive actions during these incredibly challenging times.
Together, as HPEDSB staff, students and families, we need to safeguard the following priorities in this order of importance:
- our health, and the health of our families and loved ones;
- our safety and the basic necessities we are fortunate to have, and that others may not have;
- our responsibility to each other, especially our most vulnerable; and
- our children's education and their academic needs.
With your support, and the support of my team, we will approach a very uncertain future together, but one that we will overcome together, buoyed by resiliency and the strength of our families and communities.
Over the holidays, please continue to follow the necessary public health precautions and safety measures, and take good care of yourselves and each other.
On behalf of all of us at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, we wish you happy and safe holidays, and a wonderful new year!
Sincerely,
Sean Monteith
Director of Education