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Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, Families and Staff:
This is further to my letter yesterday; I apologize for sending two letters in one week. These continue to be most challenging times.
As we all anticipate a much-needed winter break, we are planning ahead for the new year and what learning may look like for the return to school in January. As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in our communities, so does the possibility of individual classes, schools or all of HPEDSB moving to remote learning for a period of time.
Simply put, this means we could have an extension of our holiday break. Last night, directors of education received a letter from the Ministry of Education requesting all school boards be prepared for such action.
We have received no indication that schools will close; however, we want to make sure we are prepared to implement any decision smoothly and efficiently, and that we continue to support student learning and well-being.
It is important to note that any decision on the closure of a school, or the system, is made based on the advice of public health officials, or the provincial government, and is not made by the HPEDSB.
To ensure your family is prepared for any shift to remote learning, please consider the following actions:
- ensure you/your child has a working device at home;
- ensure that the school has your correct email address; and
- log in to you/your child's online platform to confirm you have access. Your child should already have done this with their teacher.
As we get ready to be away from school for a couple of weeks, please ensure your/your child's personal belongings, such as shoes, clothing and anything else your child may need over the break are brought home, as well as any food that may be at school.
Once we know more, we will communicate over the holidays through school board social media (@HPEschools), school social media and the local media.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of HPEDSB. We wish your family a safe and healthy holiday.
Sincerely,
Sean Monteith
Director of Education