2020/2021 Updates from Orchard Park
Hello OP families!
As we get closer to the start of the 2020/2021 school year, I wanted to provide some additional updates. We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.
If you haven’t visited it already, I recommend families check out HWDSB Website COVID-19: School Reopening 2020-21. There are regular updates for families at this link. The most recent update for families at https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/blog/covid-19-update-to-families-21-august-25-2020/ outlines a few important topics:
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what a staggered start is, and how it will affect your child. There is a secondary-specific model shared at the link above
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how many face-to-face learning days your child can expect to have
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info about lockers
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info about masks
We have received a number of questions about cohorts. While many cohorts are being initially decided by alpha, it is important to note that other factors such as transportation needs and maximizing classroom space to support social distancing, are taken into account while creating cohorts. Cohort information will be available next week via the Parent Portal. If you continue to have issues with the Parent Portal, please email [email protected]. It is also important to note that currently on Parent Portal you can see a list of which courses your child is enrolled it. However, it isn’t an actual timetable as important details are missing. More info about timetables will be coming.
The administrative team at Orchard Park (Leanne Schaap, Mark Hopman and myself) would like to thank everyone for their patience during this incredibly challenging time. We recognize that students (and parents/guardians) are feeling a lot of extra stress right now with all of the unknown. While we may not have all the answers right now, we will work with you to help navigate through these challenging times. We are an OP family, and we will work together to promote safety and well-being for all of our Patriots.
Staff are at Orchard Park now helping to get the building ready for the return of students – we have missed our Patriots! I look forward to meeting all of our students (in person or virtually) in the weeks ahead.
Stay safe,
Kristen Armstrong
Principal, Orchard Park Secondary School
Updated on Thursday, August 27, 2020.