May 20th, 2020

Dear WRDSB Family,

Spring is always a time for renewal. This year it is even more significant as we learn to live and work in new ways in order to manage the risk posed by COVID-19 in our schools, our homes and throughout our community.

Yesterday, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced that distance learning would be extended for the remainder of the school year to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We know that this decision will be disappointing to many of our students, but it was made in the best interest of the health and well-being of Ontarians and our WRDSB community.

This announcement may also have raised questions and we are working on providing answers as soon as they become available. Please know that we are continuing to work on the eventual return to the classroom, and we will ensure that these spaces will be safe and ready for students and staff when the time comes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard for those students who we would be celebrating as they near their Grade 8 graduation, or the successful completion of high school and their Commencement ceremonies. The WRDSB is currently developing a thoughtful plan to help celebrate all of our wonderful students and their achievements and we will provide you with details in the coming weeks.

Our distance learning program will continue to support all students for the duration of the school year and we appreciate, and welcome, your feedback on how to continue to improve the experience offered outside of the classroom. We realize the extra burden this places on many families and we remain ready to help in any way possible. Academic learning is important, but so too is focusing on student and family well-being and ensuring we remain connected virtually, even though we may be physically distant.

Thank you again for your support, patience and understanding during a time that has changed so many of our lives. Our thoughts go out to the many who have been affected by the tragedy of COVID-19 personally and to those whose passion and dedication is helping all of us look to the future with hope.

Be well.

Sincerely,

Jayne Herring Chairperson, Board of Trustees

John Bryant Director of Education