Province directs schools to shift to remote learning from January 5-17, 2022

January 3, 2022
Updated January 4, 2022

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On Monday January 3, 2022, the provincial government announced that all Ontario schools will shift to remote learning from January 5 to at least January 17, 2022. 

For UGDSB students and families:

• Starting on January 5, all students enrolled in the Elementary or Secondary Remote Programs will continue with their remote instruction as usual. 
• All students enrolled in in-person learning will shift to remote learning, through accessing their class’s Google Classroom or Brightspace environment starting on Wednesday January 5. 
• Similar to how we’ve had to shift to remote learning in the past, on Wednesday teachers will be touching base with classes, and schools will be distributing technology. Full remote instruction will begin on Thursday.
• In the coming days schools will be reaching out directly to families with students enrolled in specialized Life Skills classes to provide information on learning opportunities, including where possible, some limited options for in-person instruction starting Monday January 10.
• Device pick-up for those students requiring technology will take place at schools early this week. Schools will communicate school-specific details on device/technology pick-up to families directly.
• Attendance will be taken daily. 

“During the time of remote learning, we want to highly encourage families to continue to follow all current health and safety guidelines, as the board continues to enhance the layers of protective measures in place in our schools,” said UGDSB Director of Education Peter Sovran. 

“Please continue to screen rigorously for symptoms on a daily basis. If you have symptoms or are feeling unwell, stay home and isolate,” said Sovran. 

“The UGDSB continues to be committed to reopening our schools for students and staff safely,” said UGDSB Board Chair Linda Busuttil. 

“Our schools will be receiving additional PPE for staff, upgraded masks for students, and staff will continue to optimize school ventilation including through the procurement of additional HEPA filter units,” said Busuttil. 

On Monday the province also announced that school buildings would be permitted to open for third-party child care operations, including emergency child care. During this period of remote learning, free emergency child care will be provided for school-aged children of health care and other eligible frontline workers. Additional details on child care would be sent to families from the child care operators or province. 

“We would also like to ensure parents and caregivers are aware of supports available to them,” said Busuttil. For instance, families may be eligible for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB). To find out who is eligible to apply, visit the federal website, https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit/crcb-who-apply.html. 

We know that this has been a challenging time for students, families, staff and communities. We thank you for your ongoing support and will continue to communicate with families as the situation evolves.

Categories: News