WRDSB planning for full-time in-person learning this fall
The Waterloo Region District School Board is hopeful it will be bringing back students full-time for in-person learning come this fall.
“And ensure they’re safe and that their mental health and well-being is at the forefront,” Lila Read, Associate Director of WRDSB said.
As mandated by the province, remote learning will still be an option for students. WRDSB said dedicated teachers will assist with offering that mode of learning.
For secondary students, there will be modified semesters with alternating weeks.
“Students take four courses but they’ll only be doing two courses each week,” said Read.
Only five per cent of the student population is enrolled in remote learning for September compared to the current school year where there's around 25 to 30 per cent of the student population enrolled.
The union representing secondary students admitted that virtual learning has been a challenge for many.
“Students were disengaged. Teachers got a little bit demoralized looking at screens of little black squares,” said Rob Gascho, president of Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Waterloo Region chapter.
Both secondary and elementary unions said they're staying cautiously optimistic for the fall.
“But still a little bit of trepidation mixed in there just with any certainty that we have just come to expect to live with throughout this pandemic,” said Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario Waterloo president Greg Weiler.
The road to normalcy might still be a long way away, some say.
“No one is expecting September to start off like it would have pre-pandemic,” said Weiler.
The school board says these plans are just a guideline for now.
In the event of a change in the public health situation, cohorts of 15 students and a quadmester model, like this year, could be adopted.
But the school board said that plan would be adjusted.
Students wouldn't spend more than three consecutive days in person or at home, a choice that the board said is best for the well-being and learning of students.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.