Dear Families,
We know that the return to school is foremost on your mind and we want to provide you with an important update from our board. Please be sure to review our back-to-school website that has all of our detailed plans (http://bit.ly/bgcdsbReturn), including a Parent FAQ.
Voluntary Attendance - Opt Out Survey
Should you decide to not send your child to school on September 8, 2020, we are asking that parents review the Voluntary attendance protocol for Opting-out of in-school learning. This includes important information around daily expectations and attendance. The deadline to complete the Opt-out form is Monday, August 24, 2020. The protocol and opt-out form can both be found on the parent website.
Staggered Start
The Ministry of Education is allowing District School Boards the option to stagger the opening of the school year. At the BGCDSB we will have a staggered start the first week of classes, September 8 to 11, by family groupings. Students will attend class two days the first week, with all students returning together on Monday September 14, 2020. This will give staff and students an opportunity to review masking and social distancing expectations, and increase confidence in smaller groups to help transition back to routine. Being vigilant and having days with only half of the students with our teachers and support staff will help to ensure everyone's safety.
The start dates for students in all grades K-12 will be divided by surname/last name. On days when students are not in school they will be at home and families will need to arrange for child care.
Families whose last name begin A-L - students to attend Tues. Sept. 8 and Wed. Sept. 9
Families whose last name begin M-Z - students to attend Thurs. Sept. 10 and Fri. Sept. 11
*Blended Families with different last names please contact your Catholic School Principal to make arrangements.
All students return to full time in class learning on Monday September 14, 2020.
Masks
K-3 - wearing a mask is strongly encouraged
Grades 4-12 - wearing of masks is mandatory
We are asking students to bring their own mask to school. If students forget their mask, a disposable mask will be provided. Masks are used in conjunction with good hand hygiene that will be reviewed regularly in class.
Please note: Once the shipment arrives, 2 cloth masks per student will be provided by the Board.
Clear Masks - We are looking to provide clear masks to support specific students needs (hearing impairment, tech classes, french classes etc). Orders have been placed and we are waiting for delivery.
School Supplies
Schools are preparing individual student materials packages that contain basic supplies such as pencils, erasers, pens, markers, whiteboard, and scissors so that students will not have to share with others. These materials will be stored in the classroom when not in use. Students are welcome to bring their own supplies but will not be able to share them with their classmates.
Secondary Programming
Bruce Grey CDSB has been directed by the Ministry of Education to reopen in a Conventional Learning model, which means all students will attend school in-person for a full day (300 instructional minutes) Monday to Friday. In an effort to reduce contacts between students each student will take two courses at a time for a 10 week period, in an alternating week schedule. Students will take the first subject for a full day for one week and the second subject for a full day the following week. Students will alternate courses week by week for the remainder of the quadmester.
This quadmester timetable was developed to lessen the movement of students in the school building, which reduces direct and indirect contact among students. The two week quadmester model has the approval of the Ministry of Education and supports the process to lower the risk of the transmission of COVID-19 in our high schools.
Transportation
All bus eligible students will be provided with transportation. Please click on the following link to see updated information regarding Transportation.
Families Who Choose Distance Learning
Distance Learning Elementary:
Students whose family has elected to enroll in distance learning will be assigned a teacher in a distance learning school. Students will receive instruction from the distance learning teacher and will be in a virtual class with other same-grade students across the system. Distance Learning will begin no later than Wednesday, September 16, 2020.
Families who have chosen this model will be contacted individually about distance learning class placements. Students may transition back to their regular classroom as per the schedule outlined in the Parent Voluntary Attendance form.
Distance Learning Secondary:
For Secondary students who choose distance learning, they will be working with school administration to develop a timetable based on available courses through, distance learning, and elearning. Students will be able to transition back to their school timetable at the end of each quadmester. More detailed information will be forthcoming to students and families who have chosen this model.
Facebook live session with Dr. Arra
Dr. Arra for Grey-Bruce Public Health is hosting a Facebook Live session for families about the return to school on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 7:00 pm. We encourage you to tune in and participate in this important information session. Please see the link on our website or visit the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit Facebook page.
Thank you for all that you are doing to ensure that we are safe in Bruce and Grey Counties by maintaining social/physical distancing, wearing a mask and following good hand hygiene routines. We hope that you will enjoy these last few weeks of summer holidays and we look forward to seeing you in September.
Be Safe and Be Well,
God Bless