Dear OCDSB Families:
I hope you are well and managing these challenging times. I wanted to share the most recent information from the Ministry of Education about school related issues.
As you know, all schools remain closed until April 5th, 2020. There are many questions about what happens after that date. The Ministry of Education has advised that they are developing plans, which include guidance for staff, students and families on how to manage re-entry to school. This also includes preparing for a possible extended closure if that is necessary based on public health advice. We will continue to keep you updated on this.
EQAO Assessments
All EQAO assessments will be cancelled for the remainder of this school year. This includes the grades 3, 6 and grade 9 assessments as well as the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). For students who are graduating in the 2019-20 school year, the literacy graduation requirement as set out in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements, 2016 will be waived. Students who are not graduating this school year will have the opportunity to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in the upcoming 2020-21 school year.
Continuity of Learning
In the next week, we anticipate additional information from the Ministry about online learning resources. District staff are also compiling an inventory of learning resources that families could use to support learning while students are at home. We know you have many questions and we appreciate your patience as we work with District staff and the Ministry to address them.
We are aware that families have additional questions. We continue to work with our partners to get the information families are requesting. We know that this is a stressful time for families. We are committed to developing resources to help. Here are some online resources that address anxiety relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We will provide updates on a regular basis as new information becomes available. Please stay well and practice the guidance of Ottawa Public Health in terms of social distancing and self-isolation as required.
Kindest regards,
Camille Williams-Taylor