August 31st, 2020
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will delay the start of the school year to allow students and staff time to transition back into the learning environment, both online and in-person.
The later start will give staff time to prepare to safely welcome their students back into the classroom and transition to their new assignments. Staff will also connect one on one with students participating in distance learning to make sure technology resources are in place and make personal connections.
Orientation sessions for Junior Kindergarten are planned for September 10 and 11, and on September 9 and 10, Grade 9 students will engage in a Grade 9 Orientation, all designed to make their back to school transition easier. Students with special education needs will also return to the classroom first.
“This was a difficult decision, but one we believe is necessary to ensure we are best positioned to meet the needs of our students and staff,” said Director of Education John Bryant. “We will take a gradual approach to the start of the school year as we continue to train staff, align resources, and prepare for the safe reopening of schools. We have one chance to do this, we need to make sure it’s right.”
Elementary In-Person:
September 8 and 9 will now be set aside for staff to prepare for the safe arrival of students, adapt to the new environment and transition to their new assignments.
September 10 and 11, Classes for Students with Special Needs, English Language Learners in the ABLE Program, and other vulnerable learners will return to school. All other staff will be taking these two days to connect one on one with students and their families.
Junior Kindergarten students will attend school for orientation on September 10 and 11 to become familiar with their new classroom and learning environment. Students with surnames A to L will attend on the 10th and M to Z on the 11th.
Secondary In-Person:
September 8 will now be set aside for staff to prepare for the safe arrival of students, adapt to the new environment and transition to their new assignments.
On September 9 and 10, Grade 9 students will attend school for orientation in two groups, with those Grade 9s from Cohort A attending on September 9 and those Grade 9s from Cohort B on September 10.
Also on September 9 and 10, Classes for Students with Special Needs, English Language Learners attending one of the four magnet schools, and other vulnerable learners will transition back to school.
On September 11, Cohort B will attend school for their Period 1 course, and we will resume our original schedule from this point onwards.
Elementary Distance Learning:
September 8, staff will transition into their new roles and gain a clearer understanding of their new responsibilities in the Distance Learning program.
On September 9 to 11, staff will be taking the time to connect one on one virtually with students and their families. This will offer an opportunity to create relationships, ensure technology is in place to support student learning and provide a Blended Learning orientation for students.
Full day Distance Learning will begin on Monday, September 14.
Secondary Distance Learning:
September 8, staff will transition into their new roles and gain a clearer understanding of their new responsibilities in the Distance Learning program.
On September 9 and 10, staff will be taking the time to connect one on one virtually with students and their families. This will offer an opportunity to create relationships and ensure technology is in place to support student learning.
Full Distance Learning will begin on Friday, September 11, when students will attend their Period 1 course.
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