Ministry confirms school reopening plans

Limestone Learning Foundation
Ministry confirms school reopening plans
Posted on 07/30/2020
Image of graphic featuring school supplies and school reopening plans wording

Dear Families,

I am writing to provide you with an update on the Limestone District School Board’s continued planning for the 2020-2021 school year.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education announced its revised return-to-school model for September. This revised model includes a full-time return to school for elementary students (Kindergarten to Grade 8), and for secondary students (Grades 9 to12), depending on the designation of the school board, either an adapted model or a full-time return. Because of its lower risk profile, Limestone is permitted to have secondary students return full time. The Ministry, however, has emphasized the importance of cohorting (grouping) students and limiting student contacts at the secondary level. We will share more details regarding our secondary model as we finalize our plan in consultation with KFL&A Public Health. 

The Ministry has indicated that in-school student attendance will be voluntary. Students who do not attend in person will be offered remote learning opportunities.

We know that students, families and staff are eager to learn more specific details about what the new school year will look like in our schools. With this latest announcement, Limestone can finalize our plans for September in consultation with public health, including provisions for health and safety requirements, increased cleaning, personal protective equipment (including the use of masks for staff, and students in Grades 4 to 12), screening protocols, adjustment to school routines, mental health and special education supports, and transportation among others. We are pleased to see the Ministry provide some additional funding  to help support a safe return for students and staff.

As always, our plans are based on the advice, guidance and directives of provincial and local public health officials, and in consultation with community, education, and labour partners. It is important to note that a safe school reopening is contingent on limiting community spread of COVID-19. If circumstances change, and we experience an increase in regional cases across KFL&A, we may need to adjust our model. We encourage everyone to follow public health guidelines and remain vigilant in helping to keep our communities safe.

We are working as quickly and diligently as we can to complete our planning so that you, too, can make plans that are best suited to your individual circumstances, and ensure as smooth a transition as possible for everyone. We know you still have many questions, and we will do our best to answer these in the coming days and weeks. We are committed to sharing more information and expectations as soon as we can. We appreciate your ongoing patience and support.

Until then, please continue to follow public health directives to keep yourselves, your families and your communities safe. I wish you well and hope you can enjoy the remainder of the summer safely.

Krishna Burra
Incoming Director of Education

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.