Dear Parents/Guardians,
First, let me say we continue to be hopeful that a negotiated settlement between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Ontario government can be reached at the earliest opportunity. However, unless the Board receives notification that the issue is resolved, we will proceed on the assumption that the labour dispute will continue into next week. The Board has planning and supports in place for virtual learning for Grades K-12. Please be advised of the following:
- On Monday, November 7, 2022 parents and students who require technology for virtual learning are welcome to visit their home schools during regular school hours (except during the school lunch period) to pick up Chromebooks. In addition, any personal items left at the school on Thursday; or materials that will be needed for online learning can be accessed. These may include:
- Text books
- Musical instruments
- Eye glasses, articles of clothing and/or medication
Parents unable to attend the school on Monday should contact the classroom teacher to make alternate arrangements through the school office.
- On Tuesday, November 8, 2022 there will be asynchronous learning opportunities for students, which will include a live Google meet with students and the classroom teacher. Teachers will provide further information.
- On Wednesday, November 9, 2022 classes will begin synchronous instruction. The regular school schedule will be maintained. Attendance will be taken, as required by Ontario regulation.
- Kindergarten: In order to provide small group instruction, all Kindergarten classes normally staffed by a classroom teacher and Early Childhood Educator (ECE) will be divided into two groups, with half of the students receiving synchronous instruction in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. You will receive further information from your school principal.
- Special Education: School teams involved with supporting students with special education needs will continue to work together on behalf of your child. A collaborative approach between Classroom Teachers, Program Resource Teachers and Board Special Education Teams will support student goals outlined in their IEP.
- Parents who require technical support should connect with their classroom teacher or the Help Desk at https://helpdesk.sccdsb.net/
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board is committed to keeping parents/guardians and staff informed as new information becomes available. Please continue to visit the Board website at https://newsdesk.st-clair.net/ for updates.
In the meantime, we continue to pray for a resolution that is fair and equitable to both parties in the dispute between CUPE education workers and the Ontario government; so that our colleagues can return to their important work of supporting students and families at St. Clair Catholic and across the province.
Sincerely,
Scott Johnson
Director of Education