Temporary Move to Virtual Online Learning - Message from Chair Petrella

My Dear Friends,

In line with the commitment from this Board regarding transparent and timely communication, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update based on the recent announcement by the Ontario Government. 

With the announcement yesterday, I want to assure you that the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board has been diligently preparing for this situation. The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, announced yesterday that as a result of the increasing COVID-19 infection rate in Ontario, all students will resume classes after the Christmas break in a virtual learning format. 

Elementary and secondary students will receive all instruction online for the first week in January, with elementary students resuming face to face instruction on January 11, 2021 and secondary students on January 25, 2021. Teachers will contact students and families on January 4, 2021 for specific details of their instruction, and all classes will be conducted via the Brightspace learning platform. There will be no change or disruption to students who are currently enrolled in the virtual elementary and secondary schools as the school will remain fully operational and continue as normal.

Parents will receive specific instructions and more information with regards to what online learning will look like when we return in the new year, and how to access their learning and learning materials. The Board has also developed a time-sensitive process for those families requesting a device. For more information on student devices visit the Board Issued Student Devices document posted in the FAQ section of the Board website.

The BHNCDSB is very proud of the incredible efforts that we have made in an effort to keep all of our staff and students safe. The government was clear when making this decision that schools are still a safe place for students but given the potential for social activities over the break, combined with the increased rate of community infection, the extra week will serve as a further safety measure to protect our students and staff. 

Thanks for your continued support and patience as we journey together through our efforts to combat COVID-19 and keep our students and staff healthy and safe. We will continue to provide real time information to our school communities as it develops.

Moving forward, all family communication will arrive via email only. Please check your inbox regularly. I also encourage you to visit the COVID-19 section of our website where you will find messages from me, FAQs, Virtual School Information (for our established Virtual School) and COVID-19 Cases by Location.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your patience and understanding and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

Thank you and God Bless,

Rick Petrella, Chair of the Board