York Region school boards prepare for possibility of remote learning after break

Newmarkettoday.ca
December 17, 2021

Students in York Region are being told to prepare for a potential return to online learning in the new year.

In a letter sent to parents Dec. 14, York Region District School Board (YRDSB) said, “We are working on the plan that schools will reopen in January, however we are prepared to move to virtual learning if that announcement is made.”

Students are being reminded to bring home any personal items, including technology they own, as schools prepare to close for the scheduled winter break, with the last day of school on Friday, Dec. 17 and the return set for Monday, Jan. 3.

The letter also includes reminders to follow public health guidelines during the break, to adhere to any testing or isolation requirements for travelling and information on rapid antigen tests that are being sent home with students.

"It is essential that we all continue to adhere to public health guidelines over the break, particularly with the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and information about the omicron variant. As always, we will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available," YRDSB said in the letter.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) sent a similar letter to families on Dec. 15.

It included similar reminders about public health guidelines, returning from travel and rapid tests, as well as requests that students take belongings home.

"Please remind your children to bring home all personal belongings, including personally owned technology, they may need during the winter break," the letter said.

Like YRDSB, the Catholic board said it is planning for in-person learning in January, however, it is prepared to move to virtual learning if required.

Both boards said if provincial guidelines change or if an announcement is made about the timing of winter break, they will communicate with families.