York Region public schools to be closed Oct. 15 to give staff training on hybrid model

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 4, 2021

York Region District School Board sent a letter to parents that it would close schools Oct. 15 to engage school staff in professional learning for the hybrid model.

The York Region board told parents not to send their children to school that day, saying asynchronous learning activities will be provided to students.

"This additional professional learning will enable us to share effective practices and support, and be responsive to some of the feedback we have heard," it added.

"We are committed to creating learning environments that enable all of our students, both in-person and remote, to be successful, and feel connected and supported."

The board also apologized for any inconvenience.

This year was the first time YRDSB offered hybrid learning, which sees most students attend in class, but some students, whose parents did not want them to return to school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learn from home online with the same teacher as their in-class peers. It has received heavy criticism, but the board continued with the model due to administrative and budget issues.

York Catholic District School Board axed hybrid learning for its elementary schools, but it remains in place for secondary students.