Labour Update – November 6

Please see the update that was sent to families yesterday regarding the Labour Update posted below:

November 6, 2022

Dear Families,

Last Thursday, the Ministry of Education directed school boards to remain open to in-person learning for as long as it was safe for students. HWDSB schools were open on Friday. However, after we reassessed at the end of the day, it was determined that schools needed to close.

The well-being, health and safety, and learning of our students is paramount. The decision to close schools to students was difficult.

As a reminder, HWDSB schools are closed on Monday, November 7, to all students for in-person learning. Students will do independent (asynchronous) remote learning at home tomorrow. On Tuesday, November 8, students will begin real-time, connected (synchronous) remote learning until further notice.

Programs that are located off HWDSB property will continue (e.g. co-op placements and some System Alternative Education programs).

Independent (Asynchronous) Remote Learning at Home (Monday, November 7)

Students and families may access the HUB and Board website for independent (asynchronous) learning activities: https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/learn-at-home/

A variety of quick help guides and Frequently Asked Questions for families can be found on the HWDSB Elementary Remote Learning Program website: https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/remotelearning/resources/

Families whose child is supported by Specialized Services can access Learning4Success, which includes meaningful learning tasks to use with their child at home: https://learning4success.commons.hwdsb.on.ca/

Paper packages will be available at the school upon request

Real-time, Connected (Synchronous) Remote Learning at Home (Tuesday, November 8)

Educators will be in touch with you prior to your child/ren starting real-time, connected (synchronous) remote learning on Tuesday

Picking up Essential Items for Students

Families can retrieve essential items left at school such as medication, glasses, or devices for secondary students. Given that students are not able to enter schools at this time, a parent, guardian, or caregiver can contact the school office to arrange for pick-up.

For some students that require special education support, specialized equipment is essential to access the curriculum. The process for gathering and preparing essential items will begin tomorrow. Further information on the distribution of this equipment will be released as soon as possible.

Access to Devices

As we shared on Friday, we are not able to distribute devices to students at this time. The device deployment strategy is a complex and lengthy process. More information will follow.

Athletics

A notification to athletes and their families will be made if there are changes in Athletics schedules.

Child Care

Early Learning and Child Care centres (Birth to age 3.8) will be open during the instructional day to serve pre-school children only. Child care programs are unable to take on school-aged children. EarlyON Child and Family Centres,licensed before‐ and after‐school programs and all authorized recreation programs remain cancelled.

Well-Being Supports for Students

No doubt, these disruptions may feel like what we experienced during periods of remote learning. Some students and families may require support. Social worker support is available for any student who needs help with their mental health and well-being. Students and parents, guardians, or caregivers may contact the school social worker or the school office to inquire about these services.

Additionally, students may wish to use the HWDSB Helps app, an anonymous way to find help for themselves. Students can text 905-963-0066, download the app for iOS and Android, or engage in the web chat at www.hwdsb.on.ca/hwdsbhelps.

Communication with Families

All information regarding the current labour action is shared on the Labour Updates web page and shared through HWDSB’s social media accounts.

We will contact you by phone and email to provide timely updates. As well, your principal and/or classroom educator will be in contact with you throughout this time.

As we continue to respond to this evolving labour situation, we hope for a quick resolution. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely, 

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini 
Director of Education

https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/blog/labour-update-november-6/