Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand/KPDSB Website
Area school boards and families now know students won’t be returning to in person learning this school year.
“One thing that’s been really difficult for both our families and staff is not knowing, this way we know and we can make plans for the rest of the year,” said Director of Education for the Keewatin Patricia District School Board Sherri-Lynne Pharand. “We do hope that the decision and continuation of remote learning for the rest of the school year will lead to a more normal fall, including extra circular activities for students.”
KPDSB staff are also working hard to honour Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduating students, amid another unprecedented year.
“It will be a combination in schools across the district, based on what’s in the best interest of that school to allow everyone to participate,” explained Pharand. “Virtual and there will also be some in person opportunities, for example there may be a drive through graduation so that you can still come have some pictures taken and your diploma.”
In the meantime, Pharand says preparations are underway to support the transition back to the classroom when the time comes and they will continue to provide mental health resources.
“Our teachers getting to know their students so they know what their students need and this year will be critically important for that as we determine what each student needs as a result of changes in learning environments over the past almost the past year and a half. We’ll be making sure we work with kids and their families to help all students be successful.”
Pharand adds students and families have demonstrated incredible resiliency and their staff have worked hard to keep remote learning engaging.
There will be no exams at KPDSB High Schools once again this year, with students required to do culminating activities instead to demonstrate understanding of course material.
