The provincial government says it has a plan in place if school closures are extended past April 6th.
Schools are shuttered in an attempt to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and there are concerns the entire year may be lost.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the long-term strategy will involve input from all parties including unions and educators.
Lecce stresses all students, including Grade 12 graduates, won’t lose their year.
“We’re working to ensure that students continue to seamlessly be able to apply and get into post-secondary education. We do not want to see impediments for graduation or do we want to further frustrate students who are, I think, dealing with a very anxious circumstance in their lives.”
Lecce adds “In the context of applications. I’m working with Minister Romano (the Minister of Colleges and Universities). We’ve reached out to various colleges, universities and their associations to ensure there is a continued application process that doesn’t get delayed and that ultimately we work together to ensure students graduate in the province and get into post-secondary education.”
He stresses there is no plan as of now to extend or cancel the school year but notes they are making decisions on the recommendations of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Lecce says any decision will be made solely on scientific and medical advice that comes to Cabinet when it comes to making sure that both staff, personnel and schools remain safe.
Premier Doug Ford says anything and everything is on the table and he won’t hesitate to implement or extend closures to stop the spread of the virus.
Please share my open letter to parents during #COVID19. We are in this together.#onpoli pic.twitter.com/joDcRhzxy8
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) March 22, 2020
