Remote Learning – January 4th to January 8th
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am hoping that all of you had a very Merry Christmas and that you continue to enjoy the remaining days of the break.
As you know the Minister of Education has communicated an expectation that fully synchronous learning be embraced for January 4th in both elementary and secondary schools. This will be different than what we experienced in the Spring.
According to PPM164, during periods of remote learning where students are at home for more than three days in a given week, boards must ensure that students are provided with synchronous learning. The minimum requirements for synchronous learning are meant to ensure that students have access to both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities each day.
While the Pivot Plan provides sample schedules it is expected that teachers will follow their bell and regular planning times as they communicate what subjects will be taught when and also when synchronous learning will take place. The ministry outlines the minimum number of scheduled synchronous learning time to be offered to students each day:
- Kindergarten: 180 minutes
- Grades 1 – 3: 225 minutes
- Grades 4-8: 225 minutes
It is important to note that synchronous learning time requirements are a cumulative number of minutes that a teacher is available to engage with students throughout the teaching day using a variety of synchronous strategies. The day will also be comprised with asynchronous strategies to make up the usual length of the instructional day. Remember that in a classroom setting, whether online or at school, student engagement requires a back and forth between educators and students and significant time for students to engage in learning tasks that include a mix of online and physical materials as well as movement, discussion, and connecting with educators and peers.
Please know that classroom teachers will be communicating their classroom schedules and expectations on Monday, January 4th for their students. However, as the school day at St. Paul begins at 8:20 am, students are expected to be on their Google Classroom at 8:20 am. Attendance will be taken as usual, therefore, if your child(ren) will be absent, please make sure to call into the office and let us know, as Mrs. Pieczewski will be following up on all students who are absent.
*** PLEASE NOTE: Chromebooks for JK/SK students who require a device for virtual learning at home were NOT sent home prior to the break. Parents/Guardians of JK/SK students will be contacted by their child’s classroom teacher to arrange a time to pick-up/drop off the device on Mon. Jan. 4th.
Also, Parents/Guardians of students who received a Chromebook from the school are asked to complete the “Take Home Device Consent” form that has been posted on School Cash Online.
Thank you in advance for your support and assistance as we strive to provide optimal remote learning for all of our students. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or me if you have any questions or concerns.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy and Safe New Year!
Cheryl Casselman, Acting Principal