School boards 'preparing for the possibility' of return to remote learning as COVID-19 cases mount

Students, parents and caregivers are being warned: A return to online learning is possible in January.

The Waterloo Region District School Board said in an online post that it has not yet received any direction from the province's Ministry of Education, but it is "preparing for the possibility" of moving to online learning after the winter break.

Eusis Dougan-McKenzie, the interim chief communications officer for the school board, said in an interview on CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's The Morning Edition that the board has been watching the COVID-19 case numbers in the region and is feeling a Groundhog Day vibe.

"We'll be ready and schools will be prepared," Dougan-McKenzie said about the chance of switching to remote learning.

Preparing now also gives educators and staff the chance to really relax on the winter break rather than possibly having to make changes at the last minute. Part of that preparation is getting students to take home materials they'll need, including electronic devices.

Loretta Notten, director of education for Waterloo Catholic District School Board, said in a letter to families on Thursday that the board had a "remarkable fall and early winter," but it was clear the COVID-19 situation was changing.

"If I am to be honest, we are not heading into the break as optimistically as we were even just a week or two ago," Notten wrote. "Our children will rely on us to guide them and to make strong responsible decisions on their behalf."

The Upper Grand District School Board, which includes public schools in Guelph, Wellington County and Dufferin County, said students and parents should "be on alert" for any messages over the winter break about a switch to remote learning.

Keep schools open 'as long as we can': Dr. Moore

At a COVID-19 briefing Tuesday, Ontario's chief medical officer of health said he hopes to keep schools open "as long as we can," with protocols being reviewed to make schools safer.

Dr. Kieran Moore also said that he still considers schools safe, even though cases among children aged five to 11 are on the rise.

The province will also provide take-home COVID-19 tests for all students in Ontario to use over the winter break.

If students return to in-class learning on Jan. 3, the Waterloo Region District School Board noted there will be changes, at least for the first few weeks, which includes older students or parents of elementary students having to verify they've done the COVID-19 screening before students enter the school.

A screening form will need to be initialled by the parents of elementary students. High school students will need to log onto an online system to verify they've done the screening.

The Upper Grand District School Board also said that during the winter break, families should "consider what we can all do to make the return to school in January 2022 as safe as possible."