ESNS Elementary School Nutrition ServicesMay 3rd, 2021
Hello Franklin community,
Today is the final day to opt-in your child(ren) for the 2021-2022 school year Remote Learning Program. Please see the link below for full instructions/translated material. The deadline is 4:00pm today!
https://www.wrdsb.ca/blog/2021/04/26/september-2021-welcoming-back-our-students
In-Person Learning or Remote Learning?
Making an important choice for the 2021-2022 school year
The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is excited to welcome students and staff back to school in September 2021. The following information is important for families to review as you make the important decision about the mode of learning for your child(ren) for September. Please remember that this decision is for the entire year.
While the WRDSB believes in-person learning best supports our students, we also recognize that given unique circumstances, some families may want their child to learn remotely. In line with guidance from the Ministry of Education, the WRDSB is planning to offer a Remote Learning Program option in September. If, after reviewing this material, you wish to select the Remote Learning Program for your child(ren) for the next school year, you must complete the Remote Learning Request Form linked below by 4:00 PM on May 3rd
Learning, Well-Being and Mental Health
The WRDSB believes that student learning, mental health and well-being are best supported through in-person learning, and your feedback has reinforced this. We have heard from students, their families and staff about the importance of schools and the unique benefits of in-person learning including:
- Better meets the needs of young children, English language learners, students with Special Education needs, those students who struggle to work independently and vulnerable students
- Supports the mental health and well-being of students through caring relationships with peers and educators
- Fosters a sense of belonging, connection and community for students
Your feedback has told us that an emphasis on student mental health and well-being will be critical as we return to school next year. This past year has been extremely difficult for students and their families. Ensuring strong relationships, connections and belonging will be foundational to student learning. Our staff will prioritize the creation of safe, caring and inclusive classrooms and school communities where students feel seen, heard, and experience a strong sense of belonging.
Safe and Healthy Learning Environments in our Schools
The WRDSB remains committed to ensuring that all health and safety protocols will be in place and that our schools will continue to operate safely. Thanks to the support of our staff, students and families, there has been very little transmission of COVID-19 in our schools and our partnership with Region of Waterloo Public Health has allowed us to respond effectively. Over the course of the 2021-2022 school year, we hope to resume regular operations over time and as it is safe to do so, continuing to work closely with, and be guided by, the advice from local Public Health and the direction of the Ministry of Education.
Elementary In-Person Learning
In-person learning for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be modelled on our current practice.
- Students will continue to be cohorted by class, and staff will rotate from class to class as the schedule demands.
- There will be a continued focus on reducing the number of educator contacts who are delivering instruction to each homeroom/cohort.
- Teachers will continue to be expected to maintain a virtual learning environment (such as Google Classroom or Brightspace) in order to support a transition to remote learning should the need arise, or where individual students are required to isolate for a limited period of time.
Remote Learning Program in September
The WRDSB will offer remote elementary and secondary programs for students who wish to learn virtually. The Remote Learning Programs will be modelled after the Distance Learning Programs offered this year. The change in name is simply to mirror the language being used by the Ministry of Education. With more students returning to in-person classes, our ability to offer a similar breadth of programs as was offered during the 2020-2021 school will be limited.
Elementary Remote Learning Program
WRDSB’s Elementary Remote Learning Program (ERLP) will offer our Full Day Kindergarten program, the English Program, and Core French. The WRDSB cannot guarantee French Immersion Programming for the ERLP given the limited availability of qualified French Immersion Teachers. Those families wanting to guarantee French Immersion Programming for their child(ren) should consider In-Person Learning. Similar to this year, our ERLP will include multi-grade combined classes. Students will receive 180 to 225 minutes of synchronous instruction per day including two 40 minute nutrition breaks. There will not be a technology free option (also known as “paper packages”) available for next year. Please remember that this decision is for the entire year.