| THIS PAGE IS ARCHIVED It does not reflect the directives and measures in place for the 2021-2022 school year |
Western Québec Parents, Students, and Staff,
The Ministre de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur, Jean‐François Roberge unveiled the ministry’s plan for the reopening of schools for the 2020‐2021 school year. The outlined plans see the mandatory return full‐time of all elementary students as well as the majority of secondary students with modified physical distancing guidelines. Some exceptions may be in place for students with specific medical conditions.
The new guidelines from Santé Publique would allow for an organization of elementary classes which would include subgroups of students (maximum 6) in classes. Students within the sub‐groups would not have to physical distance from each other. Students from different sub‐groups would have to remain one meter away from other sub‐groups and other students in the school. Whenever possible, students and staff would have to maintain a distance of 2 meters from each other.
At the secondary level, students must remain within the same class cohort at all times. There will be no cross‐groupings created for any subjects (options for example). All Basic School Regulations subjects will be offered, including Physical Education and Arts. This will necessitate a reorganization of the offering of certain subjects at the Secondary IV and V levels.
This re‐organization at the secondary IV and V levels may include a combination of 3‐4 days on‐site and distance delivery (online learning).
At the elementary and secondary levels students will remain in their designated classrooms and teachers will move to the students when required. Exceptionally, there could be some movement of students for subjects like music and Physical Education.
Students over the age of 16 are expected to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters from each other. This will include students Adult Education and Vocational Training Centres. In‐class learning will be prioritized when possible but delivery may include a hybrid model of online learning.
Recess and break times and lunch hours at both elementary and secondary will be organized to limit the contact of the different class cohorts.
Students who have specific medical conditions that may prohibit their return to on‐site learning will be supported in a variety of ways, including new learning capsules to be produced by the Ministry of Education.
All school boards will be required to develop and have in place an Emergency Protocol for distance delivery of learning should there be a second wave of the pandemic. This will address the need to adjust seamlessly and without interruption of learning to a change in on‐site attendance or a shutdown of schools.
The re‐entry planning process by board and school administration begins immediately and the Western Québec School Board looks forward to the safe and successful return of our students for the 2020‐2021 school year. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff.
Mike Dubeau, Director General
Ruth Ahern, Assistant Director General
Western Québec School Board