Letter from the Director of Education about the quadmester schedule continuing, February–June 2022
December 14, 2021
Dear Families of Secondary School Students:
Quadmester schedule to continue for February–June 2022
Recently, I invited you to participate in a ThoughtExchange to share your thoughts about the schedule at secondary schools for February–June 2022.
On December 10, 2021, we received direction from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) to continue with the quadmester schedule through the second semester. This decision is based on the rising COVID-19 case counts in the region.
Even though we will be following the public health directive, I want to share the results of the ThoughtExchange. Secondary school students, families and staff were asked the question, What should we consider as we plan secondary school schedules for the February–June 2022 term at secondary schools?
Results indicated the following:
- 785 secondary students of approximately 4,350, or 18 percent, and 558 parents contributed 1,832 thoughts; and
- the top three themes for students and families were: requests to use lockers; take two classes for less stress; and mental health concerns
- 117 secondary school staff of approximately 650, or 18 percent, contributed 206 thoughts; and
- the top three themes for school staff were: students being prepared for post-secondary/workforce/life skills; time to consolidate learning; and mental health concerns.
We understand students would like to have access to lockers; however at this time, HPEPH has asked us to remain on hold with locker use to reduce student contact. We will continue to work with HPEPH and will communicate updates if anything changes.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the ThoughtExchange. Please know that we heard your suggestions, rationale and concerns, and that we will take them into consideration when making decisions.
Happy holidays to you and your family. Be kind and be safe.
Sincerely,
Katherine MacIver
Director of Education