Dear Families, As our current school year draws to a close, I want to provide an update on our board’s plans regarding remote learning for secondary students this coming September.
The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will continue offering families the opportunity for their children to learn remotely in the upcoming 2021- 2022 school year. Ideally, all students would attend in-person learning as experts agree this is optimal for students' mental health and well-being. However, we recognize specific situations may warrant remote learning for some families. We understand this is a big decision, and we want to provide as much detail as we can to inform your choice.
Remote learning mirrors many of the same expectations as our brick-and-mortar schools. The Ministry of Education sets specific requirements for minutes each day that must be completed by students participating in remote learning. Just like regular school, attendance for students in remote learning is taken at natural transition points during the school day.
Secondary School students in remote learning would remain with their home school and follow the regular school schedule. If students choose the remote option, then all courses on the student's timetable will align with their physical school’s timetable. (e.g. – If a course at the school is scheduled for 10 am, the remote version will also take place at 10 am.)
Remote learning students will not be permitted to attend school in-person for any portion of the course, and all curriculum and teacher contact will be provided virtually. There will be designated permanent re-entry times scheduled (e.g., end of the semester) during the 2021-2022 school year for students who wish to return to in-person learning at their school site.
In consultation with Public Health, the Ministry of Education may determine a regular day schedule for the 2021-2002 school year is not four periods. At this point, schools are planning to follow a quadmester format based on the current Ministry of Education and Public Health recommendations, however this may change based on any updates to public health restrictions and guidelines in the coming months. Families with students who plan to attend school remotely next year must complete the Secondary Remote Learning survey, which will be sent to you via School Messenger in the coming weeks. Unless a survey has been completed indicating a student’s intention to learn remotely, it will be assumed that they are attending school in person for the 2021/2022 school year.
If you have any questions, please contact your school principal. We look forward to welcoming our students back in person to our faith-filled learning communities where each member is loved, inspired, and successful.
Sincerely,
![]()
![]()
David DeSantis
Director of Education
