English school boards release number of students opting out of in-person learning
Windsor-Essex English Catholic and public boards see majority of students returning to class
The two English school boards in Windsor-Essex have a better idea of what classes will look like come September, and it appears most students are opting for in-person learning.
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) set a deadline of Aug. 6, for families to choose to opt out of in-person learning.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the GECDSB reported that in total 2,000 students have opted out of in-person learning.
About 1,400 students in the elementary school will partake in virtual classes.
Another 600 secondary school students have also opted out of in-class learning, however the board is still determining what method of learning will be taken for this group.
The GECDSB said they will look at the courses and decide whether it will be the hybrid model, virtual school or e-learning.
Meanwhile, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board said based on their June declaration, 97 per cent of elementary students and opted to return to class, along with 91 per cent of high school students.
Ontario releases back-to-school plan
The boards' numbers come a week after the Ontario government released its plan for what class will look like next month.
Staff and students Grade 1 and up must wear masks in indoor settings, with exceptions such as during meal breaks and low-contact physical activities, and self-screening will be required before coming into school facilities.
Team sports, field trips and extracurricular activities will be back on, along with assemblies and recess. Students can also share materials such as toys and art supplies and be in shared spaces including libraries and cafeterias.
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce said last Wednesday there are still no plans to require COVID-19 vaccinations from educators, staff and students when in-person learning resumes in September
Lecce said the provincial government will continue to advocate for its immunization campaign, but a mandate is not on the table "at this point."
LISTEN | Parents weigh-in on back-to-school in Windsor-Essex:
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