Stay-At-Home Order and Possible Shift to Remote Learning
April 8, 2021
Dear Families,
The province has implemented a stay at home order for four weeks in response to worsening trends in key health indicators across Ontario. During this time, our schools remain open, unless Hamilton Public Health issues an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act that would direct schools to close. In this scenario, HWDSB would direct a shift to remote learning.
We want to thank HWDSB staff for their hard work keeping our students learning in safe conditions. Our priority is to minimize time in remote learning.
Preparing for a Possible Shift to Remote Learning
Next week is the spring break and we return on April 19. As there is concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases in our community, Hamilton Public Health Services will review the status of COVID-19 in our community to determine if there needs to be a move to remote learning when we return.
A decision to continue in-person or move to remote learning will be communicated with families during the evening of Thursday, April 15.
In the event we need to shift to remote learning:
- A transition will occur for elementary, secondary and remote learners. This means schools will be closed and, like an inclement weather day, there will no instruction. Staff will use this time to deploy devices to families, connect with students, and plan for remote learning.
- Elementary learners: A two-day transition period will occur from April 19 – 20 to move to remote learning
- Secondary and Elementary Remote learners: A one-day transition period will occur on April 19
Spring Break
As we prepare for the break, please have your child(ren) take all personal belongings home with them.
During the break, please practice public health measures to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19. Remember to stay at home, get tested if you feel ill, practice good hand hygiene habits, masking, and physical distancing. Also, refrain from travelling. We need to continue do our part to slow down the spread as increases in community COVID-19 numbers means a rise in school cases.
Asymptomatic Testing
For the week of April 12-18, pharmacies that currently offer testing and assessment centres across the province will accept appointments from students and education staff for asymptomatic testing. HWDSB will continue asymptomatic testing by providing a clinic for the Nora Frances Henderson school community and feeder schools next week.
Screening
Children attending child care during the break should continue to screen every day using the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool
Learning Resources
Learning resources for parents/guardians to access for their children during the break are available here.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a critical public health tool that will help protect us and keep schools open. We are pleased that education workers are included in phase two of the vaccination rollout. This will begin with Toronto and Peel, then continue to other hot spot regions including York, Ottawa, Hamilton, Halton and Durham. We continue to advocate for priority vaccination of our education workers to support in-person learning.
Staff supporting special education students will get their vaccine during the April break. Vaccination information is available on the City of Hamilton’s website.
Look for Updates
We will provide further information about enhanced pubic health measures, including the on-site confirmation of self-screening for elementary students, once our process is finalized.
Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work together to keep students, staff and community safe.
Have a safe and restful break.
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko Manny Figueiredo
Chair of the Board Director of Education
Updated on Friday, April 09, 2021.