Today marks the start of a new year for students across Chatham-Kent, although things look a lot different than when they left for the winter break in December.
All students in both elementary and secondary schools are starting off 2021 with virtual classes.
John Howitt, Director of Education with the Lambton Kent District School Board says this is not the same type of online learning students had back in the spring.
“Students are expected to be online and teachers will be online supporting them for up to 75 to 80% in the junior, intermediate, and senior grades, and in kindergarten about 50% of the day there will be live interaction,” Howitt says.
Today will be mainly a chance for teachers and students to get their bearings, making sure everyone is connected and has access to the appropriate technology, with proper learning beginning on Tuesday.
“Both school boards are going to be doing predominantly connecting with students and families, working on device distribution, troubleshooting, productivity issues, and just connecting and making sure everybody knows the plan.”
Education Minister Stephen Lecce has confirmed elementary students will be returning to the classroom next Monday, while secondary students will resume in-person learning on January 25th, reiterating his stance that the spread of COVID-19 in schools is low.
