Elementary and Secondary Transition to Remote Learning Options
January 11, 2022
Dear Families,
Despite reports in the media about the return to in-person school being confirmed as Monday, January 17, HWDSB has not yet received official notification from the Ontario government and the Ministry of Education to reopen school on this date.
As we continue to prepare for an in-person return, we apologize that we are unable to provide certainty. We anticipate an announcement from the Ministry of Education tomorrow, January 12. Communication with families will be shared following the official notification.
In the meantime, we are sharing information about how your child/ren can request to move from in-person to remote learning permanently until June.
Transition to Remote Learning Options
| Elementary | Secondary |
| HWDSB is offering an additional transition opportunity to remote learning for elementary students (Kindergarten to Grade 8) as an option for families concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students participating in this option would join students who selected remote learning to start the school year in September. This transition will take place in a timely manner, and those who wish to learn in a remote environment will not be guaranteed a return to in-person once we do return to in-person school for the remainder of this school year. The extraordinary request process will be considered for individual requests. The Remote Learning survey will be available to families between 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13 and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 20. This survey can be accessed through the Parent Portal. More details about the Elementary – Optional Transition to Full-time Remote Learning, including Frequently Asked Questions, are available. |
Students learn remotely by selecting a timetable with eLearning courses only. Students who are interested in changing from in-person to eLearning for semester two can do so through their guidance counselors.
A registration in an eLearning course is for the full semester and there is no opportunity to transfer back to in-person learning. HWDSB is monitoring eLearning course registration and will be adding additional teaching staff to meet enrolment needs. To ensure that courses are available for students desiring an eLearning timetable, please contact your school for a guidance appointment by Wednesday, January 19. More details about the Secondary – Optional Transition to Full-time eLearning are available. |
Ministry of Health and Public Health Guidance Updates
The Ministry of Health published COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Schools and Child Care: Omicron Surge. Also, Hamilton Public Health Services provided two decision guides to support staff and students:
- Symptomatic Child At Home – Decision Guide
- Symptomatic Child at School or Child Care – Decision Guide
Thank you for your continued patience as we share emerging information with families.
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko, Chair of the Board
Manny Figueiredo, Director of Education
Updated on Thursday, January 13, 2022.