St. Clair Catholic District School Board.  (Photo by Natalia Vega) St. Clair Catholic District School Board. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Will schools be ready for students in September?

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board will be meeting with the Ontario Ministry of Education next week to share its safe return to school plan called "September Ready".

School board officials expect to have a decision from the ministry during the first week of August regarding the model for opening schools in September.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce plans to announce a return to school plan next week. Lecce said he's working with Ontario's chief medical officer of health and other officials to finalize the plan for students to safely return amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He added the province could not have announced the plan sooner because COVID-19 case numbers have changed over the past month.

School boards and teachers have been calling for more funding to adapt to the pandemic. The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) said its top concerns include the lack of physical space, support staff, personal protective equipment, and communication. The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) also said school boards need funding for masks and other personal protective equipment, handwashing facilities and twice-daily enhanced cleaning and disinfection of schools, which will require additional custodial staff and supplies. The union said schools also need better building ventilation that meets recommended standards.

“Without this emergency funding, we are sending students and educators into a work and learning environment where safety is not assured," said Sam Hammond, president of ETFO. "This scenario suggests that the government priorities for restarting the economy are greater than protecting the province’s children, educators, parents and their communities.”

Lecce said there will be additional resources and training for staff.

"We know that many people are feeling anxious about the return to school. We understand. That’s why mental health, right along with health and safety, are our highest priorities in planning for the safe return to school," said St. Clair Catholic District School Board officials in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.

The school board said mental health isn’t just a priority for September. Education officials added that help is available now with a team of mental health professionals who are ready to support students and their families. Students, parents and guardians who are fearful and apprehensive about the future can speak confidentially to a team of Catholic school board counsellors.

Those in need can reach out directly to Chris Preece, the board's mental health Lead at chris.preece@st-clair.net or they can self refer by completing an online form at https://forms.gle/veenTPTaTx6cj9i27. A response will be given within 72 hours.

Click here for more information about mental health resources from St. Clair Catholic District School Board.

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is also planning for the 2020-2021  school year.

John Howitt, Director of Education, said the health and safety of students and staff is the top priority and LKDSB is following the guidance provided by the Ministry of Education and provincial and local Medical Officers of Health as plans are developed. The Government of Ontario's Ministerial Order to close publicly funded schools under the Education Act expired on June 30, 2020 and access to school buildings are now determined by school boards. All LKDSB schools and Education Centres are currently open by appointment only. The board said it continues following Ministry of Education directions and continues to prepare for three possible scenarios:

  • A return to regular, in-class learning with enhanced health and safety protocols;
  • A modified school day routine with a maximum limit of 15 students in a typical classroom at one time and timetabling that would limit student contact with teachers and classmates as much as possible; and
  • A continuation of remote, teacher-led at-home learning.

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