The St. Clair Catholic District School Board will begin phasing-in teacher-led online learning next week. (April 6)
Director of Education Deb Crawford said teachers will use a variety of strategies, such as online, telephone and mail delivery, to engage with students.
"Every effort is being made to ensure access to learning opportunities for all students. While it’s true that in the days ahead the delivery of education will not be what we are used to, be assured that your teachers, principals and the full St. Clair Catholic staff are committed to doing our very best to support your child(ren) as they learn at home."
Crawford said the second phase of the board's Learning at Home initiative puts an emphasis on teacher-led learning.
"Students are now going to be engaged in learning, it will be formative learning for elementary students, but a real focus on our graduating students, and a more routine type of distance learning that, for the most part, is going to be through digital online communication."
Crawford said plans are being finalized to get technology into the hands of students who do not have devices at home. She said students still looking to request a device are asked to contact their principal.
She said one of the big barriers for some students is there lack of technology or internet access.
"So that's been a lot of the work that's been going on this week to determine the needs of staff and students -- find out what they need and setup a safe way, working with public health, that we can distribute technology."
Crawford added that teachers have done a great job adjusting on the fly.
"We've been likening it to building a plane mid-flight, but they've been wonderful and the families have been wonderful," she said. "We're really thrilled that we're able to reestablish relationships with students. We're concerned how it must be difficult for a young child to be socially isolated, and their friends at schools, their teachers at school and their education so important, so I think this will be wonderful for families."
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Important highlights regarding Learning at Home (Phase 2):
Students will be learning in a safe environment.
Grade 12 students on track to graduate are a priority.
Final report cards will be issued.
Supports for students with special needs are being developed in collaboration with teachers, principals and families.
Student mental health and well-being will be supported by our student wellness teams.
St. Clair Catholic’s Parent Learning Hub will continue to provide additional resources for parents, guardians and caregivers to help support learning at home. "Due to the concern for safety, at this time access to our schools by students and parents is not permitted," Crawford said.
The provincial government has ordered Ontario schools to remain closed until at least May 4.
