THUNDER BAY - Students in the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board can expect a similar look and feel to the school year as their public school counterparts, though parents will be required to opt-in for at home learning if they choose not to return their child to school in September.
The Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board released its return to school plan on Monday.
"While school closures were reasonable as part of the early pandemic response, current evidence and experience support the concept that children and youth can return to school in a manner that maximizes their health and minimizes risks from a public health perspective,” the board states on its website.
“As we move forward within our “new normal”, school will look a lot differently but remain the same; we will continue to uphold our values, our optimism and our commitment to our TBCDSB families, because together, we ARE stronger.”
The Catholic Board will utilize two models, a conventional learning model and an at-home learning model. Parents will be required to opt-in to the at-home learning model.
The conventional model for elementary schools will see students return to the classroom five days a week with normal class sizes.
Students will be in cohorts consisting of their classmates and teacher, though will still receive lessons from other teachers for French, religious studies, music, and physical education.
Secondary students will also be returning to the classroom five days a week with normal class sizes, but much like the Public Board, the academic year will now be divided into quadmesters.
Students will complete two courses during the two month quadmester, which is followed by exams.
Cloth masks are required for students between Grades 4 and 12, and masks will be provided.
The at-home learning model will see elementary students receive 300 minutes of instruction five days a week, and secondary students receiving 150 minutes of instruction per day for each course.
Parents are advised that all students are currently enrolled in the conventional, in-class model and students must opt-in for the at-home model by Aug. 17.
If parents decide to return their child to the classroom, there are specific entry dates throughout the year.
Additional public health guidelines will be in place, including extra hand sanitizing stations, designated entry and exit points in schools, staggering lunch and recess breaks, and practicing physical distancing inside the classroom.
Students and staff will also be required to self-screen for any symptoms of COVID-19 and in the event of a positive case, the Catholic Board will work with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to manage an outbreak within the school.
“We want you to feel reassured that health and safety is of utmost importance for our students and staff,” the board said in a statement. “We too are parents, grandparents, staff members and employees, and we will continue to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of our TBCDSB family.”
The school year will begin on Sept. 3. For more information on the return to school plan, visit the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board website.
