Virtual learning to be an option for Ontario students in the next school year

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: Parents will have the option to enrol their children in virtual learning during the 2021-2022 school year.

On Tuesday, May 4th, Ontario education minister Stephen Lecce provided an update on the current and upcoming school years, including whether virtual learning will be offered this September.

“What I can confirm to you is, we are ensuring every board in Ontario will provide that choice, of a virtual learning experience, and we’ve asked them to provide more time to parents to make that choice,” Minister Lecce said.

However, the government did not confirm whether it would be possible for students to return to in-person classes during this current school year.

“We’re going to follow the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. His position has not changed on this matter. But obviously, as soon as more information becomes apparent to the province, we will communicate it, so families know [what is happening],” Minister Lecce explained.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) had previously announced they would be offering a virtual learning option for the upcoming school year.

“Although it is anticipated the COVID-19 situation will improve by September, there may be a need to temporarily shift classes, who are learning in-person, to remote learning, if it is deemed necessary for health and safety reasons. Like this year, that would be done at the direction of the Durham Region Health Department or the Ministry of Education,” read an April 22nd DDSB press release.

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