Please enjoy our September 2020 newsletter.

Please enjoy our October 2020 Newsletter

Please find attached an introduction of our new School Council Chair Simon Farquhar. A list of future meeting dates and instructions on how to join us are also included

In response to COVID-19, processes have changed to provide the suggested and mandatory school-based vaccines to Grade 7 and 8 students. The vaccines will no longer be administered in the schools. Instead, students will access clinics in the community. All schools, including virtual classrooms, will access community locations, by appointment only.

Immunization clinic dates and community locations for 2020/21 are posted on the Durham Region Health Department website: www.durham.ca/immunizationclinics.

The site will guide families to book an appointment at one of the community clinic locations, starting in October and running until December. Included in this email, is communication to forward to parents on how/when to book an appointment for their child through our scheduling platform. The vaccines offered this upcoming school year will remain the same (Hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal).

Please note the following changes this year:

• There will be no classroom visits by immunization program public health nurses.
• Consent forms for grade 7 and 8 students will be onsite at community locations for families to complete with a nurse.

We would ask that the intermediate teachers disseminate the information to their students and families. Attached is a Fact sheet for immunization information and a message to send to parents on how to access immunization community clinics. Please forward these two attachments to all grade 7 and 8 teachers to send out to the parents of the students in an email or via your chosen communication platform. 

Hello VMPS Family,

Exciting news, we are going to be having our school's Public Health Nurse join our School Council Meeting on Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m. to answer Q&As. 

Please complete the following survey if you have any specific questions you'd like to ask and we will provide them to Joanne and she will provide answers to the trending questions that she sees.

Online survey: https://forms.gle/TpW41JsiEhE9NmX28

Kind Regards,

Mr Shea
Principal
VMPS

DRHD Hallwe'en...during COVID-19

School Yard Spook Instructions

School Yard Spook Poster

School Council Message

Please enjoy our November Newsletter

Note: Friday November 27 is a P.A. Day - no school for students

VMPS Remembrance Day Ceremony 2020

VMPS is learning about Reconciliation and embedding Indigenous Education into our daily lives. We are recognizing Indigenous Awareness month by flying our new Canadian Indigenous Flag.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Inclement Weather School Closures

The KPR Board has made an important change to how we handle inclement weather days (snow days) this winter. We wish to let all families know that schools will be closed on inclement weather days this year, to protect student health.

We know school closures are an inconvenience and hardship for parents and families. Ultimately, however, we must ensure student well-being at all times. To meet public health requirements and maintain student health, we are not able to combine groups or “cohorts” of students who attend school when buses are cancelled. We also cannot ensure that our schools would have enough staff on-site during snow days to safely supervise the much smaller groups of students in their existing cohorts. 

Therefore, if all buses are cancelled to a school, a region of schools or all schools board-wide, those schools will be closed for the day.

More specifically:

• when ALL buses are cancelled across the entire board, ALL schools will be closed for the day
• when ALL buses are cancelled within a specific geographic region of the board, such as the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland County or Peterborough County, schools in that region only will be closed for the day
• and, finally, if ALL buses are cancelled for a specific school or group of schools, only that school or group of schools will be closed for the day.

When only a few buses are cancelled, or buses are delayed, schools will remain open.

Schools will provide learning for students to work at home on these days in a variety of ways, either through previously assigned or new work through the classroom teachers’ regular communication platforms, based on the age and grade of the students. Virtual elementary and secondary school programming on snow days will continue as normal.

We will inform families of school closures on snow days in several ways, including local news media, on www.kprschools.ca, through our social media channels (@kprschools on Twitter and Facebook), and by email or text from SchoolMessenger.

Please ensure that your school has up-to-date contact information for you, so that we can text or email you directly about what is happening at your child’s or teen’s school. You can sign up for our direct text service by sending a text message to 978338 with the message of “Y” or “Yes”.

For further information, please see the letter emailed to all families November 25 from Director of Education Jennifer Leclerc, or visit www.kprschools.ca

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT

Inclement Weather School Closures

The KPR Board has made an important change to how we handle inclement weather days (snow days) this winter. We wish to let all families know that schools will be closed on inclement weather days this year, to protect student health.

We know school closures are an inconvenience and hardship for parents and families. Ultimately, however, we must ensure student well-being at all times. To meet public health requirements and maintain student health, we are not able to combine groups or “cohorts” of students who attend school when buses are cancelled. We also cannot ensure that our schools would have enough staff on-site during snow days to safely supervise the much smaller groups of students in their existing cohorts. 

Therefore, if all buses are cancelled to a school, a region of schools or all schools board-wide, those schools will be closed for the day.

More specifically:

• when ALL buses are cancelled across the entire board, ALL schools will be closed for the day
• when ALL buses are cancelled within a specific geographic region of the board, such as the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland County or Peterborough County, schools in that region only will be closed for the day
• and, finally, if ALL buses are cancelled for a specific school or group of schools, only that school or group of schools will be closed for the day.

When only a few buses are cancelled, or buses are delayed, schools will remain open.

Schools will provide learning for students to work at home on these days in a variety of ways, either through previously assigned or new work through the classroom teachers’ regular communication platforms, based on the age and grade of the students. Virtual elementary and secondary school programming on snow days will continue as normal.

We will inform families of school closures on snow days in several ways, including local news media, on www.kprschools.ca, through our social media channels (@kprschools on Twitter and Facebook), and by email or text from SchoolMessenger.

Please ensure that your school has up-to-date contact information for you, so that we can text or email you directly about what is happening at your child’s or teen’s school. You can sign up for our direct text service by sending a text message to 978338 with the message of “Y” or “Yes”.

For further information, please see the letter emailed to all families November 25 from Director of Education Jennifer Leclerc, or visit www.kprschools.ca

Break out your "Jingle Bells" and "Holiday Spirit".  Vincent Massey is hosting some fantastic spirit Days from Monday December 14th to Friday December 18th.

Please enjoy the council minutes from December

Please find attached information regarding the French Immersion Program.  Current JK students will be eligible to start in September of 2021.

I will also be posting the registration form. Completed registration forms for existing KPR JK students, can be e-mailed directly to dukeofcambridgeps@kprdsb.ca  

Attached you will find the student registration form for French Immersion September 2021.

Completed registration forms for existing KPR JK students, can be e-mailed directly to dukeofcambridgeps@kprdsb.ca  

Please find attached a link to explore some U Tube videos created by Duke of Cambridge.

Please find attached a message from our School Council Chair and information regarding the next meeting in April

Dear Parents and Care-givers,

As we end the first week of students’ return to virtual learning, we all are eager to know when elementary and secondary schools will be open again to in-person learning. Unfortunately, we do not have the answer to that as yet from the provincial government. We will share that information with you once we have it. 

In the meantime, KPR has another important date to share with you. If you wish your child or teen to learn online full-time next year, please visit the online opt-in portal at https://optin.kprdsb.ca by Friday, April 30.

Opt-in Portal Closes April 30

The online portal for families to opt-in to full-time virtual learning for 2021-22 will close at midnight on Friday, April 30. The portal is at https://optin.kprdsb.ca

We continue to believe that in-person learning is best for students, but we also know some families have indicated they wish to continue virtual learning next year, given the pandemic. To help the school board ensure resources and staff are in place for September for both modes of learning, students and families interested in virtual learning are asked to indicate their initial commitment now.

You will be able to review your decision and confirm your commitment to online learning again in late August/early September, before school begins.

While final details are still being confirmed, we expect online learning will follow the same basic structure as this year, including both synchronous (live, online connection with the teacher) and asynchronous learning.

The following points may also help you in considering your choice:

• Elementary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the following designated times in the school year: beginning of September, Fall Progress Report (around mid-November), Term 1 Final Report (around early February), and spring 2022.
• Secondary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the start of each semester (September 2021 and February 2022). The virtual learning opt-in portal includes a list of anticipated online courses. Courses that have an in-person component cannot be offered virtually.

Both elementary and secondary families wishing to opt-in to virtual learning for 2021-22 should visit https://optin.kprdsb.ca before midnight on Friday, April 30.

Mr. Shea
Principal

At this time, we are asking parents to make decisions about school attendance in September, so we can ensure proper staffing for both our school classrooms and the Learn At Home program.

On July 29, the provincial government announced that elementary students in KPR will attend school five days per week, with enhanced health and safety requirements. Secondary students in our school board will also attend school full-time, with timetable adjustments that reduce the number of classes each day, and limit student and staff contacts.

Earlier this week, we shared our Return to School Plan with families and staff. Our plan supports one central principle: safeguarding the health and welfare of students, staff and the community in a manner that reflects the Board’s core values. Our planning is based on advice, guidance and directives of provincial and local public health officials and includes important information and protocols for students, staff and families.

The full document is available on our website, at: www.kprschools.ca/en/COVID-19.html along with an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions. Please click here to access the Frequently Asked Questions.

Registration – Online Learn At Home Program

Families with elementary and secondary students may choose not to attend in-person school at this time (both elementary and secondary). Students who opt-out of in-class learning will continue to receive instruction through our established distance learning models, with an emphasis on real-time learning.

Students participating in online distance education will sign-in daily, participate in both real-time and independent study, follow the same curriculum as their peers attending school in person and be able to contact their teachers for help and to have questions answered.

If families change their decision regarding whether they want their children to attend in person after the start of school, their requests for a change will be addressed as soon as possible. We will ask that families be patient as some time will be required to develop transition plans from one form of learning to another as we will need to adhere to Ministry of Education and Public Health guidelines that support student and staff health, safety and well-being. Secondary students returning to in-person learning may be limited to the new term or new semester based on course availability, enrolment, and time missed in the course.

Families who wish to enroll their children in the online Learn At Home program are asked to do so by Wednesday, August 19, 2020 by clicking here.

 Year 1 Kindergarten students who wish to participate in the Learn At Home program will need to send a message to kpr_info@kprdsb.ca to register since these students do not yet have an OEN. Please include your student's name and the school name in your message.

Only students participating in the Learn At Home Program need to register. All other students will be assumed to be participating in the full-time in-school model.

To All KPR Families,

As you may be aware, since we sent out our back-to-school update for families yesterday, the Ministry of Education announced new information. In particular, we received new details regarding the Ministry’s planning for online, at-home learning. We recognize that families would like as much information as possible regarding our learn-at-home plans before they enroll their children by the August 19 date we communicated yesterday. To help you in making that decision, we are pleased to forward the provincial information to you as quickly as possible.

For the 300 minutes per day that must be spent on online instruction, the province has outlined how much time must be devoted to synchronous learning. Synchronous learning refers to live, real-time teaching when students in the class are connected by computer directly with the teacher and can interact with the teacher.   The requirements are as follows:

The table below outlines the minimum amount of time per day that students, depending on their grade level, must be provided with synchronous learning as part of their scheduled or timetabled learning.

Secondary students at KPR will follow a full course schedule over the year with four quadmesters, each quadmester including two, 150-minute classes per day.

We are now planning how these Ministry requirements will be put in place in each grade. We will provide more information to parents as soon as we are able. Planning for school in these unprecedented times continues to be very fluid and changeable, and we are responding as quickly as we can.

We have also added information to our Frequently Asked Questions, which you can access by clicking here. This includes further details on:

• Use of Alternate Learning Spaces
• Learn At Home program for French Immersion Students
• Transferring from In-person to Learn At Home program
• School Ventilation.

We encourage parents to check our website often at http://kprschools.ca/en/COVID-19.html for any further news.

August 19 Update

Staggered Start to In-school Learning

The board will be putting in place a staggered start to the first week of the school year. This will allow different grades or students to return to school on different days so students and staff can become more comfortable with new routines and health and safety practices. More information will be shared home to parents through schools as these schedules are finalized.

At last night’s Board meeting, school board Trustees also approved the use of an additional $5.5 million from reserves to support back-to-school planning efforts to support the:

• hiring of additional custodial staff,
• hiring of additional teachers to lower some class sizes,
• potential lease of space for classes should there be no space in specific schools, and
• hiring of staff to develop and offer the virtual, online Learn at Home program.

More information about these areas can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions, available here:  Frequently Asked Questions.

Dear KPR Parents and Guardians:

We want to provide everyone with another update on our continued planning for the upcoming school year.  We appreciate your patience as we work through these many interrelated issues. As you can appreciate, these are complex matters that take reflection and consideration to resolve.

Throughout all, we want to emphasize that our planning supports one central priority, which is safeguarding the health and welfare of students, staff and the community.

To that end, we are sharing today that we have made an adjustment to our secondary school planning model. The details are outlined below for families with secondary students.

We know that everyone is anxious to learn more about our plans for the staggered start to the school year. Once again, our emphasis has been on making our school environments as safe as possible for our students and staff.

For our in-person school operations, this means giving our principals and school staff enough time to:

• realign elementary classroom sizes and staff assignments based on changes resulting from students choosing to stay home for the online school option; parents should be aware that this could potentially mean your child’s assigned teacher may change
• confirm and adjust secondary student timetables, especially for our Learn At Home students
• properly set up and become familiar with our new pandemic-related school practices
• organize classrooms in safe layouts, which includes the moving and storage of a considerable amount of furnishings, desks and other equipment throughout the school.

At the same time, we are also organizing our Learn At Home online school for over 5,300 students. This is a challenging undertaking that requires a significant amount of planning and development with our teaching and administrative staff.

For all of these reasons, we are sharing today that our staggered start will now take place over a two-week period.

This two week period will be as follows:

September 8 – September 11 – Schools remain closed to students. Staff continue preparing school for the new year.

September 14 – September 18 – Student and class groups will attend school on different days to become familiar with classroom and school processes. All students will be in attendance full-time on Friday, September 18.

This two-week period will provide all our staff and students the additional time we believe will be crucial for everyone to prepare learning spaces, and to finalize, understand and be comfortable with, the many new routines that will be a part of the normal school day.

Finalized schedules will be shared with parents through their local school as soon as possible.

We know this will be disappointing to our families and students who are eager to get back to school with all their friends, but we need to take the time to get this right from the start.

Changes to school day structure for In-Person Learning – Secondary students

Our back-to-school planning continues to change and evolve over time in support of student and staff safety.

As we worked through the implementation of our plan and timetabling for secondary students, we realized that our initial structure for the day could be changed and improved to make it better and safer.

The key part of this change is that while students will still be in school all-day, every day, they will now alternate their two subjects every week, instead of every day.

This means that students will take their Period 1 class every day for Week 1. Students will then take their Period 2 class every day the following week. This will continue alternating for the first quadmester.

The following example may be helpful:

We realize this is an extended amount of time for students on each subject. The safety improvements of this model, however, are significant:

• students can remain in a defined classroom for the entire week without traveling to another classroom, similar to our elementary model
• this further limits the number of contacts and touch points for students and staff throughout the day, so that we will no longer have students using two different desks during the same day
• the possibility of schools implementing staggered breaks and lunches for students during the day, so that they can have a break from their classroom; our previous plan was based on students remaining in their Period One classrooms to have lunch.

While our intent with the original school plan was to structure the school day safely for everyone through organized timetabling and limited movement, we feel this plan is a safer and better alternative. Any parents or students who feel that this change may affect their interest in participating in our online Learn At Home program should contact us at kpr_info@kprdsb.ca

In closing, we appreciate your continued patience as we work through these uncommon days in preparation for the new year.

We wish you health and wellness.

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Is your child eligible for transportation and attending a KPR school in person in September, but won’t be using the bus? If so, please visit https://www.stsco.ca/NotUsingBus.asp as soon as possible to let us know you’re opting out from using the school bus.

You may have seen media reports yesterday regarding the provincial announcement of updated directives for local health units and school boards in ensuring schools remain safe for students and staff.

We are currently reviewing those documents, in collaboration with our local health units, and will be updating our health and safety procedures for all schools to reflect this guidance.

A letter from the Minister of Education outlining these directives is attached here for your information, the highlights of which include:

- Updates to illness protocols to deal with students who become ill while they are at school, including how they will be cared for by staff and provided with personal protective equipment
- The critical importance of parents screening their children every day before school, and keeping them at home if they are ill
- The ways school communities will be updated if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID- 19, and the immediate contact tracing that will begin by local health authorities
- Situations where required classes or cohorts of students will be recommended for testing or sent home, or where the school will be closed until public health officials determine it is safe for students and staff to return.

We know that the health and safety of your children, our students, is your greatest priority. Along with the health and wellness of our staff, we want to assure you that we share that priority.

As mentioned above, we are presently working together with our health units on this newly released guidance document, and will update parents and guardians on our enhanced measures as they are finalized.

 Learn At Home Program

We continue to work on establishing our online, virtual school for over 5,300 students who have chosen this education program. As parents can appreciate, this is a challenging undertaking that requires a significant amount of planning and development with our teaching and administrative staff.

Principals and vice-principals have been assigned to oversee and manage both the virtual elementary and virtual secondary Learn at Home programs. They will be reaching out to families next week with more information about school start-up.

Helping your child become comfortable with mask wearing

One important part of back-to-school routines involves helping students become more comfortable wearing masks. KPR has compiled some tips and videos to help children become more comfortable with putting on and wearing masks. Students in Grades 4 and up are required to wear non-medical face masks when indoors at school, while students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are encouraged to wear masks in indoor spaces. Please see the attached poster, to support this important part of our back-to-school preparations.

Dear KPR Parents and Guardians:

As the Labour Day long weekend draws closer, we want to take a moment to share with you our excitement in returning to what is our passion, and what we love to do the most – educating your children.

We say this fully understanding that many parents and students are concerned and anxious about what the future will bring. We appreciate those feelings – no one remains unaffected by the events of the last few months – and, in the days ahead, we will do all that we can to support our students in their transition back to school.

We also believe strongly that bringing students together, in person and virtually, is a critical necessity for their overall health and wellness. 

The closures of our schools last spring was a necessary step that we supported, for the health of our communities. The impact of these closures on our students and staff, however, was significant.

From September until March, our students and staff were learning and growing together, in common spaces. Regrettably, from that point in time, life in our communities and schools changed in fundamental ways for us all.

We look forward to taking another step towards our new normal by reuniting students with their peers, and students with our staff, who have missed them.

As I have mentioned, we know that these are uneasy times for families, and that you have understandable concerns for your children’s health.

We have worked with focus and intention to consider all parts of the school day, to make attending school safer for students. As recommended by health authorities, we are making many adjustments to the school day. These include:  

• The way our students enter our buildings and walk through hallways and classrooms each day
• Set-up of desks and classrooms so that students are as far apart as possible
• Keeping classes together in one group with one teacher, as much as possible
• Staggered lunches and breaks for different classes
• Mandatory masks for staff and students in Grades 4 and up, and strong encouragement of masks for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students
• Supplies of hand sanitizer in classrooms and hallways, as well as frequent reminders to wash hands often with soap and water
• A strict health protocol for students or staff who become ill
• Increased cleaning and sanitization of all high touch surfaces, such as handles, door knobs, and faucets, three times a day
• Thorough evening cleaning, including the use of electrostatic sprayers that disinfect all items in large areas, and
• Following all federal and provincial requirements for school bus safety.

Next week, as students begin to hear more from their schools and teachers, we will also share Back to School Information packages with important reminders about the new protocols in place at schools, to keep everyone safe.

Once again, I thank all of our families for your patience and understanding. There have been many changes to our educational programs this spring and summer as we continue to work through the many interrelated issues before us.

I also can’t promise that there won’t be more changes in the days ahead as we adapt to evolving educational and health directives. I can, however, assure everyone that our staff members are an amazing group of committed and caring adults, who have come together in these unprecedented times, to work with purpose and intention to support our students.

We know that no plan is perfect, but we will be tireless in improving and refining our actions and practices each day.

We wish you a joyful start to the school year. 

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Update for Families of Virtual School Students

We want to thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we launch our Virtual Elementary and Secondary Schools for over 5,600 students in KPR.

Please find below an update for students and families for both the elementary and secondary virtual school.

Virtual Elementary School

Given the overwhelming interest in the virtual school, staff are working as quickly as they can to respond.  The complexity of creating these schools and transferring student information has created technical challenges requiring additional staff and time.

Many parents and students have already been contacted by your child’s teacher. For those that have not heard from your teacher yet, you should hear from them by Monday afternoon.

We trust the following questions and answers will provide you with timely information to support your planning for next week.

Is my child registered?
For those families who completed the “Opt Out Form” in August, please rest assured that your child is registered in the virtual school and has been assigned a teacher.

For those families who did not complete the Opt Out Form because you are new to the board and/or made a decision to attend the virtual school after the August deadline, please know that we working as quickly as we can to add your child(ren) to our school database.

For those families who completed the Opt Out Form in August and have since made the decision to not participate in the virtual school, please know that we are working through a process of removing your child(ren) from our database and transferring this information back to your child’s home school.

When will my child’s teacher contact us?
Once your child’s information is successfully transferred to the virtual school from their home school or a new registration is completed, they will be assigned to a teacher who will contact you about next steps.  Staff are working over the weekend to continue this process.  While we are working diligently to contact families by the end of today, it is possible that your child’s teacher may not contact you until Monday of next week.

What will September 14 to 18 look like?
As you know, all schools in KPRDSB are having staggered entry of students during this week.  This applies to our  virtual school as well.  With students, teachers and parents being new to learning virtually, the plan is for virtual students to attend for increasing periods of time each day as outlined by your child’s teacher.  Your child will not be expected to be online all day until Friday, September 18.   When not online, your child will be assigned work to complete independently.  The focus will be on learning how to use the technology, developing relationships and getting back into the routine of school.

How do I get a device for my child?
Many of you have completed the online survey and already picked up a chromebook.  Should you still need a device, please send an email as soon as possible to: kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca

How do I get technical support for my child?
We have set up Student/Parent Helplines to support virtual students.
Student/Parent Helpline Virtual Elementary School
1-877-741-4577 Ext 3002
Elementary_Helpline@kprdsb.ca

 Who do I contact with my questions about Virtual School?
Please reach out to your child’s teacher with questions or concerns after your initial contact
If you have not heard from your child’s teacher by Monday afternoon, please contact the Education Centre at 877-741-4577, extension 2030.  Your patience is appreciated as we work as quickly as we can to get back to you.

Virtual High School Update (VHS)

We know that a number of students still do not have complete timetables and that some students are having difficulty accessing their KPR online account.  We understand that this creates anxiety given that school starts on Monday.  Please know that the first four days of next week are dedicated to learning about our online learning environment in D2L. 

During this time we will be working hard behind the scenes to resolve all the timetabling and access issues.  No student will fall behind because of timetabling or access issues. 

 How do students access their timetable?
Virtual High School Students should be able to see their timetable in Edsby.  If you are having trouble accessing Edsby because you forgot your username or password please use the following link to access this information. You will need the PIN number that was sent to you via email from KPRDSB. 
https://studentcreds.kprdsb.ca/

If you do not have a PIN number or are still having issues accessing Edsby please call 1- 877-741-4577 Ex 3001

If you need access to technology please use the following email.  kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca 

When will students begin?
Like all schools, the VHS has planned a staggered entry.  The VHS has approximately 1500 students and the staggered entry will allow students to begin by learning how to navigate the online classroom.  The staggered entry schedule is listed below:

Grade 12 Students – Monday, September 14^th
Grade 11 Students – Tuesday, September 15^th
Grade 10 students – Wednesday, September 16^th
Grade 9 Students – Thursday, September 17^th

On Friday September 18^th regular classes will start for all students.  The first priority for students is to familiarize themselves with the D2L environment which can be accessed at the following online address: https://kprdsb.elearningontario.ca/

Students will need their school network username and password to access D2L.  Once they have gained access to D2L there are two introductory modules for them to work through. 

Timetable Adjustments?

We know that there are students who have timetables that are incorrect or who wish to make timetable changes.

Please visit this link to request a timetable change: forms.gle/TLkD74cayh79BzTt7

All courses being offered at the VHS can be viewed by going to the link below.  This will help to inform change requests:  

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JCnMFdIOPLMSl7QaN7A2idVNbDywiSjT_aZv4zredPw/edit?usp=sharing

If your concerns are of an urgent nature, please contact the Virtual High School by calling 705-760-8630. 

How do I get technical support for my child?
We have set up Student/Parent Helplines to support virtual students.
Student/Parent Helpline Virtual High School
1-877-741-4577 Ext 3001
Secondary_Helpline@kprdsb.ca

Unfortunately, STSCO has informed us that the continued, severe bus driver shortage has resulted in more First Student bus routes being cancelled for the rest of this week (to September 18). A full list of affected routes is available at http://www.stsco.ca/driver-shortage-cancellations.asp

September 25, 2020

Dear KPR Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of September, it has been reassuring to see KPR students of all ages settling into their new routines for the 2020-21 school year. Whether attending school in person or online, students have been getting to know their teachers, completing their first projects, and adapting to the many changes brought about by COVID-19.

All of this has been possible thanks to the tireless efforts and support of our staff and our families, who have done their best to encourage a sense of normalcy and certainty in these uncertain times. In addition to offering sincere thanks to all of you, this week’s message provides several updates and information about resources available to you.

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases at Adam Scott CVI

You may have heard that Peterborough Public Health confirmed three cases of COVID-19 at Adam Scott CVI. Peterborough Public Health has indicated that it is not declaring an outbreak at the school at this time, because it is not believed that these cases were transmitted through the school. Fortunately, the affected individuals, who are close contacts of each other, are experiencing mild symptoms and are recovering at home in self-isolation.

While this is unwelcome news, we are committed to sharing information with families as quickly as possible. Adam Scott families were notified last night through email, posts on the school and board websites and Edsby, and through social media.

The health unit has identified close contacts who may have been exposed to the ill individuals while they were infectious. The health unit has called close contacts directly to advise them as to any next steps they must take, such as self-isolation and/or testing. 

The school is still open, and individuals who were not contacted may continue to attend school. Families have been reminded to continue to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; this includes completing the daily self-assessment for symptoms, available at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ 

We are continuing to follow all health recommendations, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by the Health Unit. If you would like further information on KPR’s COVID-19 protocols, please visit http://kprschools.ca/en/COVID-19.html 

Daily self-screening

We also wish to highlight the importance of every family and every staff member in every school completing self-screening each morning for any possible signs of COVID, before heading to school. Two particularly helpful sources of information include:

• the provincial government’s online, interactive screening tool, available at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/  
• KPR’s Self Screening Tool and Morning Checklist, available at http://kprschools.ca/en/DailyScreeningTool.html

By working together, we can all help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Illness Protocol

As students begin to experience cold and flu-like symptoms this fall, we want to remind everyone of the key points of our Illness Protocol, based on evolving guidance from our local Public Health partners.

• Most importantly, in the event that students experience any symptoms of illness identified on the COVID screening tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/, families must keep children home, contact their health care provider or a COVID Assessment Centre for guidance, and follow their recommendations.
• If testing is recommended, children must stay home from school until the test result is received.
  • If the test result is negative for COVID-19, but the child still has symptoms of illness, they should stay home until symptom-free for 24 hours (or 48 hours in the case of vomiting or diarrhea).
  • If the test result is positive for COVID-19, Public Health will be in regular contact and will inform families when children can return to school.
• If testing is not recommended because the primary health care provider has diagnosed that the symptoms are not due to COVID-19, children must stay home until symptoms have been resolved for 24 hours (or 48 hours in the case of vomiting or diarrhea).
• If children are not diagnosed with an illness other than COVID-19, or are recommended for testing for COVID-19 but they do not get tested, they must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days from the time their symptoms started.  They cannot attend school during this 14-day period.

COVID Alert App

We also want to remind you of the Government of Canada’s new COVID Alert app, which can be downloaded for free to let people know of possible exposures to COVID before any symptoms appear. That app is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html

 KPR’s Parent Conference goes virtual

For the past 19 years, KPR’s annual Parent Conference has given parents and guardians free, direct access to expert advice on supporting their children’s learning and on raising healthy, resilient families. This year, we are hoping even more people will be able to participate in the event as it goes virtual.

We encourage all interested parents, guardians, staff and community members to join us online for this year’s Virtual Parent Conference, which will be held: 

Saturday, October 17
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Theme: Drop the Worry Ball
Featuring Dr. Alex Russell

 Dr. Russell is a clinical psychologist, a well-known and engaging speaker, and co-author of the book Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement.

Online registration for his presentation will begin next week. All registrants will receive a link to watch the presentation live, and to ask Dr. Russell questions. Watch for more information soon.

Orange Shirt Day and Rowan’s Law Day

And, finally, we invite everyone to join us in recognizing two important events next week: Orange Shirt Day, and Rowan’s Law Day. Both are on Wednesday, September 30.

KPR has participated in Orange Shirt Day for several years, to honour survivors and remember victims of Indian Residential Schools. Each year, we encourage students and staff to wear orange to demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and to ensuring that “Every Child Matters”. We encourage everyone to learn more about Orange Shirt Day by visiting www.orangeshirtday.org

Rowan’s Law Day honours an Ottawa student who died after sustaining several concussions over six days. In 2018, the provincial government passed Rowan's Law (Concussion Safety), to protect amateur athletes on the field and at school, and to support concussion awareness and prevention. To see KPR’s concussion safety protocols and resources, visit http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/getinvolved/parentresources/concussionresources.html

KPR and our schools will continue to communicate regularly with parents and guardians, to keep you up to date on latest developments affecting your children and teens.

In the meantime, stay well.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Parents: get expert advice on raising mentally strong, well-adjusted children, without having to leave home!

The KPR school board’s 19^th Annual Parent Conference is going virtual this year. Please join us online on:

Saturday, October 17
9 a.m.-11 a.m.|
Theme: Drop the Worry Ball
Featuring Dr. Alex Russell

Dr. Russell is a clinical psychologist, well known and engaging speaker, and co-author of the book Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement.

As always, the parent conference is free and open to all interested parents, guardians, community members and staff.  Registrants will receive a link to watch the presentation live, and to ask Dr. Russell questions.

Watch for an update from KPR October 1, when registration opens.

Friday, October 2, 2020

Dear KPR Families,

As I write this update, it strikes me that nothing is more predictable this year than its unpredictability. With that in mind, I would like to share with you a few new developments that have taken place since last week’s update.

New COVID-19 Self-screening Tool

The provincial government this week released a new COVID-19 self-screening tool for families and individuals to use every morning. The new tool, which goes into effect immediately, is meant to help families and individuals make an informed decision about whether they should attend school or child care, consult a health care provider, or get tested for COVID-19.

The new self-screening tool now has two sets of questions about possible symptoms. The first set asks about symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Children with any of these symptoms will still be advised to stay home until they receive a negative COVID-19 test or other medical diagnosis. 

The second set of questions asks about symptoms that are common to other illnesses as well, such as runny nose, headache and nausea.

• Children who have only one of these symptoms will be advised to stay home for 24 hours, after which they can return to school or child care if their symptoms are improving.
• Children with two or more of these symptoms will be advised to stay home until they consult with a health care provider and receive a diagnosis other than COVID, or a negative COVID-19 test.

Another change in the symptom list is removal of abdominal pain and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

The new self-screening tool is attached, and posted at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf  All KPR schools will follow these new directions. Please self-screen every day.

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

Health authorities this week notified us of a confirmed case of COVID-19, at Highland Heights PS in Peterborough. In addition, there is a probable case of COVID at the YMCA GTA child care centre located within the John M. James PS building in Bowmanville. Both schools are responding as directed by Durham Public Health and Peterborough Public Health. In both cases, we have worked closely with public health officials to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the ill individuals while they were infectious. The health unit called close contacts directly and advised them as to any next steps they must take, such as self-isolation and/or testing.

Highland Heights PS, John M. James PS and the child care centre are still open, and individuals who were not contacted by their health units may continue to attend school and child care, including the after-school program.

Meanwhile, we are pleased to report that the three individuals at Adam Scott CVI who were confirmed last week as having COVID-19 have been recovering well at home. 

All KPR schools are continuing to follow all preventive steps identified by health officials, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; and maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible.

We also remind all families and staff of the importance of daily self-screening, using the new screening tool attached.

COVID Alert App
We also want to remind you of the Government of Canada’s new COVID Alert app, which can be downloaded for free to let people know of possible exposures to COVID before any symptoms appear. That app is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html

Text Message Alerts from KPR Schools

Text message alerts are a quick and easy way to receive information about school news, attendance, and more. We will also be using text message alerts to notify families about confirmed cases of COVID in their schools.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to opt into this service now, by sending a text message to 978338 with the message of “Y” or “Yes”. 

You can opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”.  If you choose not to opt in to text messaging, you can still receive school information via email. You can also decide which types of communications you receive, and how, through the School Messenger App under Preferences, or by logging into https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login

Joining the Virtual Parent Conference is easier than ever

Please join us at KPR’s free Virtual Parent Conference, which will be held: 

Saturday, October 17
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Theme: Drop the Worry Ball
Featuring Dr. Alex Russell

Dr. Russell is a clinical psychologist, well known and engaging speaker, and co-author of the book Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement.

To make joining the Virtual Parent Conference as easy as possible for everyone, separate registration will not be required.  You will be able to “tune in” directly to the Parent Conference, the morning of the event on October 17, by simply clicking on a link that we will be sending out to all families and staff next week.

In addition, KPR will be recording Dr. Russell’s presentation and posting it on our website, the week after the Parent Conference, for those unable to participate in the live, real-time event. Our website also will include links to information and resources provided by agencies that serve families across KPR.

 If you need assistance, have questions or if there are accommodations that would make the conference more accessible for you, please email kpr_info@kprdsb.ca or call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2018.

We wish everyone a safe, healthy and relaxing weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Dear KPR Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving long weekend, we would like to extend our sincere best wishes to our students and families.  We are living through historic times, and we continue to be incredibly proud of our students and staff as they adapt to the new realities of our school day.

Together, they are finding moments of joy, happiness and inspiration, and most importantly, they are learning.

These are difficult times, without question, but with positive intention we continue to work through challenges as they come, and to do all that we can to ensure the safety and wellness of everyone in our schools. We remain thankful for the opportunity to be together, in person and virtually, engaged in our life’s work and passion: public education.

We urge everyone to be responsible in our Thanksgiving observations, and to continue to do all that we can to keep our communities healthy.

Please find below further information as part of our weekly update.

Important: please self-screen daily!

We remind families and staff that it is extremely important to screen themselves for possible symptoms of COVID-19 every morning, before heading to school. Please use the Ontario government’s updated, online self-screening tool for this purpose. It will help you make an informed decision about whether you should attend school or child care, consult a health care provider, or get tested for COVID-19.

The new self-screening tool can be completed online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. A printable version also can be downloaded from https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf 

In addition, we have attached a copy of the self-screening tool for you to print if you choose. Please self-screen every day.

We also wish to remind parents of two other important sources of information on COVID:

• We encourage you to download the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app, which can let people know of possible exposures to COVID before any symptoms appear. That app is available at no charge at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html
• The KPR website has a wealth of information on COVID, including our illness protocol, mental health resources to help support families at this time, details on wearing masks properly, posters in eight languages, and a COVID-19 Reporting page that provides an update on numbers of confirmed cases at schools throughout KPR. All of this information can be accessed from http://www.kprschools.ca/en/COVID-19.html

 KPR Virtual Elementary School (VES)

With 4,300 students now attending the VES, an intake process has been created to support a successful transition for students and their families. VES students will be able to move from in-person to online learning at the end of each month. This will allow sufficient time for principals and teachers to make the transition as smooth as possible for students.

If you would like to move your child from in-school to online learning, please start the process by speaking with the principal of your home school.  Families will need to register by October 23 if they wish their children to make the change on the next available start date of Monday, November 2.

Similarly, families who wish their children to switch to online classes on Monday, November 30 will need to register between November 2-20.  Please note that this process will not occur in December. 

In other words:

Watch for more information on the transition and registration dates for January.

After registering for the VES and while waiting for their online classes to start, students will be supported by their home school until they transition to the virtual school. They will have two choices during this waiting period: either attend class in person at their home school until the VES start date, or complete work assigned by their child’s teacher at home.

Kawartha Pine Ridge Virtual High School (KPRVHS)

At the secondary level, all Virtual High School classes are currently full for this quadmester.  The next entry point will be for the second quadmester, which begins on Monday, November 23.  

Requests to transfer into online learning for the second quadmester will need to be completed by October 30, so that appropriate staffing can be put in place to accommodate the new enrolment levels.

To start the process of transferring to the Virtual High School, parents must contact their home school’s Guidance department. 

Families requesting a transfer to online learning at KPRVHS should be aware that:

• Students will no longer have a timetable at their home school, and course availability may change if the student chooses to return to their home school later in the school year.  The student will be registered with the KPRVHS and no longer registered at their home school.
• KPRVHS does not offer all the courses that a regular high school offers, so it may not be possible to match courses.
• KPRVHS is not able to offer specialized programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB) and skilled trades-related courses.
• Students are required to participate in a minimum of 225 minutes of daily scheduled synchronous learning (live, real-time learning) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Parents and guardians interested in transferring their teen from the virtual school to their home secondary school also will need to contact their Guidance department to begin the process.

KPR Parent Conference: one click away
You are just one click away from receiving free, expert advice at KPR's Virtual Parent Conference next week.

KPR's 19th annual conference - the first one to be held virtually - will take place: 

Saturday, October 17
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Theme: Drop the Worry Ball 
Featuring Dr. Alex Russell 

To make participating in the Virtual Parent Conference as easy as possible, we are not requiring pre-registration this year. You will be able to “tune in” directly to the Parent Conference on the morning of the event, by simply clicking on the following link:  
https://kprdsb.webex.com/kprdsb/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec88524730938f91cc940009914595b06

Dr. Alex Russell is a clinical psychologist, well known and engaging speaker, and co-author of the book Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement.

If you need assistance, have questions or if there are accommodations that would make the conference more accessible for you, please email kpr_info@kprdsb.ca or call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2018.

Sign up for Text Message Alerts

And, finally, we encourage families to sign up for KPR’s Text Message Alerts to get quick updates on school news, attendance, any possible confirmed cases of COVID in their child’s school, and more. You can opt into this service now, by sending a text message to 978338 with the message of “Y” or “Yes”. 

You can opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of the Text Message Alerts with “Stop”.  If you choose not to opt in to text messaging, you can still receive school information via email. You can also decide which types of communications you receive, and how, through the School Messenger App under Preferences, or by logging into https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login

We wish everyone a healthy, relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Friday, October 16, 2020

Dear KPR Families,

It’s hard to believe it’s mid-October already! Changing colours, falling leaves and cooler temperatures are a fitting reminder that, even in the midst of change, we can thrive. Our students, staff and communities illustrate this every day, by continuing to learn, grow and succeed, despite the stresses and uncertainties of today.

Following are the latest updates on education locally and provincially.

Virtual Parent Conference: one day away

KPR's Virtual Parent Conference is just one day away, and we’re making it easy for you to join us, on:

Saturday, October 17
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Theme: Drop the Worry Ball 
Featuring Dr. Alex Russell 

You will be able to “tune in” directly to the Parent Conference on the morning of the event, by simply clicking on the following link:  
https://kprdsb.webex.com/kprdsb/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec88524730938f91cc940009914595b06

Dr. Russell is a Toronto-based clinical psychologist, a frequent keynote speaker, and co-author of the book Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement. We look forward to “seeing” you at the conference, and we thank our Parent Involvement Committee for supporting the conference every year.

 Equity and Diversity Strategy Thoughtexchange

 As we develop our Equity and Diversity Strategy for the next four years, we invite families to share their perspectives on equity priorities for our school board. Our Equity and Diversity Strategy guides our work in valuing equity, diversity, inclusion, and the dignity and humanity of all students, staff and stakeholders.

Your participation is important and valued. To gather your feedback, we are asking for your thoughts on one open-ended question. You also will have a chance to consider and assign a rating or ‘stars’ to the ideas shared by others.  

Your thoughts and stars are confidential. You can come back as often as you like to participate in the Thoughtexchange, and, in fact, we ask that you do come back to star some of the new ideas shared by others. The ratings will help us understand the most important areas to focus on in our Equity and Diversity Strategy.

Here is the question:
We value equity, diversity, and the dignity and humanity of all people. We aim to remove barriers to success and engagement, and support equitable outcomes. From your perspective, please identify 2-3 priorities for our Board's Equity Strategy moving forward.

Please click here to participate: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/517289218

The Thoughtexchange will be open until November 9. Thank you for your participation and input!

Wanted: Parent Involvement Committee members

 KPR is seeking parents who are passionate about student success and parental involvement in schools, to serve on our Parent Involvement Committee. Parents from each of KPR’s three regions will be selected for the Parent Involvement Committee at the following Regional School Council Association meetings:

Clarington, October 21, 7 p.m., email kpr_info@kprdsb.ca for details

Northumberland, Date TBA, email kpr_info@kprdsb.ca for details

Peterborough area, October 20, 6:30 p.m., email kpr_info@kprdsb.ca for details

The Committee meets monthly throughout the school year to support, and provide advice regarding, meaningful and inclusive parental involvement in all of our schools. For further information on the work of the Parent Involvement Committee, please visit http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/getinvolved/parentinvolvement.html

Switching to or from the Virtual Elementary School (VES)

An important reminder: if you would like to move your elementary-age child from in-school to online learning, you must start the process by speaking with the principal of your home school by Friday, October 23. This is the deadline to let us know if you wish to move your child to the VES on the next available start date of Monday, November 2.

Similarly, if you wish your child to start VES classes on Monday, November 30, you will need to contact your home school principal between November 2-20. 

In other words:

Please note there will be no new start dates in December. We will announce details for January soon.

If you do choose to transfer your child to online learning, they will be supported by their home school until the next VES start date noted above. Families wishing to move their children from VES to in-person learning also can approach their home school principal. There may be a waiting period before their children can move, however, as the school must ensure it meets all provincial requirements.

KPR Virtual High School (KPRVHS)

 As noted last week, all Virtual High School classes are full for this quadmester. The next entry point will be for the second quadmester, which begins on Monday, November 23.  

Requests to transfer into online learning for the second quadmester will need to be completed by October 30, so that appropriate staffing can be put in place to accommodate new enrolment levels.

If you wish to transfer your teen either into the Virtual High School or back to their home school, please contact the Guidance department at your home school to begin the process.

Speaking of online information…

 …with KPR’s increased focus on digital communication and the move by thousands of students to virtual learning, we are no longer printing our traditional “fridge calendar”.  Here are some important dates that were approved by our Trustees and the Ministry of Education earlier this year:

PA Days:            Friday, November 27; Monday, February 1; Friday, May 14 (secondary ONLY); Friday, June 11 (elementary ONLY), and Wednesday, June 30

Winter Break:   Monday, December 21, to Friday, January 1

March Break:    Friday, March 12, to Friday, March 19

The dates also are posted at http://kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/schoolcalendars.html

Should there be any changes due to the constantly evolving nature of COVID, we will let parents know.

Working together to prevent COVID-19

 And, finally, as we find ourselves in the “second wave” of COVID-19 cases predicted by public health officials, it’s even more critical to screen ourselves every morning for possible symptoms of COVID-19. Students and staff who feel unwell should remain at home, even if their symptoms seem as minor as a mild cold.

It’s easy to do this daily self-screening. Simply use Ontario’s online self-screening tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ or print it from https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf 

We also encourage you to download the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app, which can let people know of possible exposures to COVID before any symptoms appear. That app is available at no charge at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html

Take care, and enjoy the coming weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Did you miss KPR's Virtual Parent Conference on Saturday, October 17?  No worries, you still can hear the keynote address by clinical psychologist Dr. Alex Russell.  A recording of Dr. Russell’s presentation – titled Drop the Worry Ball – is available at http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/getinvolved/parentresources/parentsconference.html

On that web page, you can check out this year’s Virtual Information Fair as well, featuring agencies that serve families in our area.  KPR’s Parent Involvement Committee sponsored our 19^th annual Parent Conference, the first one to be held virtually.

KPR invites all families, students and staff to help us shape our Equity and Diversity Strategy for the next four years. Please share your perspectives on equity, diversity and inclusion priorities, through a special Thoughtexchange at https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/517289218 .

The Thoughtexchange asks you to offer your feedback on one open-ended question: 
We value equity, diversity, and the dignity and humanity of all people. We aim to remove barriers to success and engagement, and support equitable outcomes. From your perspective, please identify 2-3 priorities for our Board's Equity Strategy moving forward.

The Thoughtexchange will be open until November 9.  Thank you for participating!

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Dear KPR Families,

With almost two months into the start of the 2020-21 school year, it’s great to see all the wonderful learning happening in both our physical classrooms and online. It’s amazing how adaptable, resilient and creative our students and staff truly are.

It’s also remarkable how quickly changes can happen in our day-to-day lives. As always, I have news to share with parents from the past week.

Virtual Parent Conference: keynote now online

KPR offers sincere thanks to the 200 parents and guardians who took time out of their busy schedules to join us at our Virtual Parent Conference last weekend. Don’t worry if you missed hearing the expert advice offered by clinical psychologist Dr. Alex Russell. We have posted a recording of Dr. Russell’s presentation – titled Drop the Worry Ball – at http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/getinvolved/parentresources/parentsconference.html

While you’re there, please feel free to check out the link to this year’s Virtual Information Fair as well. We appreciate the support of KPR’s Parent Involvement Committee in once again sponsoring KPR’s 19^th annual Parent Conference, the first one to be held virtually.

 Equity and Diversity Strategy Thoughtexchange

Please help us shape KPR’s Equity and Diversity Strategy for the next four years. We invite all families to share their perspectives on equity, diversity and inclusion priorities, through a special Thoughtexchange at https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/517289218 .

The Thoughtexchange asks you to offer your feedback on the following open-ended question:  
We value equity, diversity, and the dignity and humanity of all people. We aim to remove barriers to success and engagement, and support equitable outcomes. From your perspective, please identify 2-3 priorities for our Board's Equity Strategy moving forward.

The Thoughtexchange will be open until November 9. Thank you for your participation!

Switching to or from our Virtual Schools

 Families: please remember to contact your home school if you wish to switch your children or teens between in-person and online learning. Here’s a quick reminder of the timelines you need to follow to make this change.

For ELEMENTARY students to move from in-person to online learning on the first available start date of Monday, November 2, parents must speak with their home school principal by this Friday, October 23. After that, to move to the Virtual Elementary School (VES) for the next available start date of Monday, November 30, parents will need to speak with their home school principal between November 2-20.  

Families wishing to move their children in the opposite direction, from VES to in-person learning, also should approach their home school principal.

The timeline and process for SECONDARY students are different. The next available entry point to the Virtual High School is Monday, November 23, the start of the second quadmester. Requests to transfer into online learning for the second quadmester will need to be completed by October 30. If you wish to transfer your teen either into the Virtual High School or back to their home school, please start the process by contacting the Guidance department at your home school.

Update your contact info!

A quick reminder: please make sure to update your children’s school on any changes in your contact information, such as a new phone number or email address. This will help ensure you continue to receive vital, timely information from the school.

In addition, please remember that you have the option of choosing how the school communicates with you; to do that, please use the School Messenger App or log into https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login and click on Preferences. Our newest method of reaching out to families quickly is via KPR’s Text Message Alerts. You can opt into this service now, by sending a text message to 978338 with the message of “Y” or “Yes”.

Community representatives wanted

Do you know someone in the community who does not have children in school, but who avidly supports public education? If so, please pass on this call for volunteer community representatives on our Parent Involvement Committee.

KPR is seeking one non-parent community member from each of the Board’s three regions (Clarington, Northumberland-City of Quinte West/Murray Ward, and Peterborough) to join nine parent representatives in advising the Board on ways to encourage meaningful and inclusive involvement in children’s education. Community members are invited to submit a letter of interest by 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 to director_education@kprdsb.ca  For information on the Parent Involvement Committee, visit http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/getinvolved/parentinvolvement.html

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

 And, finally, I can’t miss this opportunity to address a topic that is top-of-mind for all of us: preventing the spread of COVID-19. Please remember to self-screen every morning by using the province’s online tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ or by printing the tool from https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf . Students and staff who feel unwell should remain at home, even if their symptoms seem as minor as a mild cold.

Please take advantage as well of the federal government’s COVID Alert app, to learn of any possible  exposures to COVID before any symptoms appear. You can download the app for free from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html

Our local health units also have posted some new and helpful advice for families on celebrating Halloween safely. You can find tips at:

https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx#Halloween

https://www.hkpr.on.ca/2020/10/07/halloween-safety-during-covid-19/

https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-social-gatherings-holidays-events/?highlight=halloween#halloween

I wish everyone a healthy and rejuvenating weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Dear KPR Families,

The additional stresses of living in a COVID-19 world make it easy to forget about all the positive things our students and staff have been accomplishing during a trying year. I am proud of staff for ensuring that joy, positivity, personal connection and innovation have remained an integral part of learning at KPR.

As usual, I have some news from the past week to share with our families.

Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month
November marks an important month at KPR schools. Over the coming weeks, our elementary and secondary schools will participate in special activities in honour of KPR’s fourth annual Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. The Board chose November to celebrate our year-round commitment to teaching all students about the rich cultures and perspectives of Indigenous peoples because the month already marks four significant occasions: Treaty Recognition Week, National Aboriginal Veterans Day, Louis Riel Day and Inuit Day. 

Throughout the month, KPR students and staff will focus on our commitment to reconciliation. Students and staff will learn about Treaty awareness, Indigenous medicines, foods, bushcrafting, films, music, and culture. We also will have a virtual leadership conference for Indigenous youth. COVID-19 may have changed the way we recognize this pivotal month, but it has not dampened our dedication to working with local and national elders and knowledge holders to better educate students of all ages about Indigenous peoples in Canada. Watch for more information on the wide variety of virtual presentations available in the coming weeks.

Remembrance Day
All KPR schools will be recognizing the significance of Remembrance Day, and honouring those who have fought for our freedoms and for peace. In many cases, students will be participating in virtual Remembrance Day ceremonies, holding ceremonies outside, recognizing Remembrance Day over their schools’ PA systems, and more. As in previous years, students also will be crafting artworks and creative writing pieces in honour of Remembrance Day.

Secondary school: exams, transfers & timelines
As the current quadmester draws to a close, some families have been asking whether our secondary students will be writing final exams. KPR has decided, like many other school boards across Ontario, not to proceed with final exams for our high school students next month. Instead, students will be assigned culminating tasks; this applies to all KPR secondary students, whether they are learning virtually or in person. Should you have any questions related to your teen’s culminating tasks, please speak with the teachers.

Secondary students who would like to move from in-person to online learning will have three more opportunities to do so in the 2020-21 school year. Students will be able to apply to make the switch for the start of each new quadmester, and only if there is space available. The first deadline is immediate: students must apply by this Friday, October 30 if they wish to start virtual classes for the second quadmester. The start dates for each high school quadmester are as follows:

  Quadmester 2 – Monday, November 23
  Quadmester 3 – Tuesday, February 2
  Quadmester 4 – Monday, April 19 

To have your teen transfer either into the Virtual High School or back to their home school, please contact the Guidance department at your home school. Details on application timelines for Quadmesters 3 and 4 will be released later.

Elementary transfer timelines
Families wishing to move their children from in-person learning to the Virtual Elementary School (VES) have different timelines to follow. Parents will need to apply by November 20 if they would like their child to begin classes at the VES on the next available start date of Monday, November 30. Whether they wish to switch their children into or out of virtual learning, families will need to start the process by speaking with their home school principal.  After November 30, the next start date for moving into VES will be in early 2021, after Winter Break. Watch for more information soon.

Free math tutoring
I encourage families to take advantage of the free mathematics tutoring and online learning tools available at TVO Mathify. Designed for Grades 6-10 students, Mathify offers live, one-on-one math tutoring with an Ontario Certified Teacher, as well as other digital learning tools. Tutors are available online Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays from 3:30-9 p.m. Students can start with Mathify at any time by registering at www.tvomathify.com

Equity and Diversity Strategy Thoughtexchange
Don’t forget to let us know the priorities that you believe should guide KPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the next four years. Please visit  https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/517289218 by November 9 to offer your thoughts, and to rate the thoughts shared by others.

Mental health resources
Mental health experts confirm that COVID-19 has had a negative effect on our communities’ mental health. KPR has a variety of helpful resources for our students, families and staff at http://www.kprschools.ca/en/MentalHealthResources.html  In addition, we have posted Dr. Alex Russell’s presentation from our October 17 Virtual Parent Conference for those who missed it. To hear Dr. Russell speak about how to Drop the Worry Ball, and to visit a virtual information fair with links to agencies that support families, please visit http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/getinvolved/parentresources/parentsconference.html

Preventing the spread of COVID-19
Here’s a final reminder of some important resources for everyone in our school community:

• Please self-screen every morning for any signs of illness by using the province’s online tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/, and stay home if unwell.
• Please download the free COVID Alert app from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html, to learn of any possible exposures to COVID before symptoms appear.

I wish everyone a wonderful Halloween weekend. Stay well!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

COVID Alert helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities.

The COVID Alert app is an exposure notification app that tells people if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Note that the app does NOT use GPS or track your location. Instead, it uses Bluetooth to exchange random codes with nearby phones.

Let's limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks. Download the free app on the App Store or on Google Play today.

Dream Big!

KPR encourages young women in Grades 7 to 12, and their parents and guardians, to participate in Dream Big, a virtual career discovery expo on December 1, from 6-8:30 p.m.

The free event will highlight careers available in the skilled trades, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), emergency response, entrepreneurship and more – all careers in which women traditionally have been under-represented.

For more information and to register for this event, please visit dreambigknc.eventbrite.ca .

KPR also will be running an information night in January for all KPR students about career pathways available through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Specialist High Skills Majors, and Dual Credit programs, which allow students to gain high school and post-secondary credits at the same time. Stay tuned for details.

Friday, November 13, 2020

To All KPR Families:

Aaniin! Tawnshi! Tunngasugit! Welcome!

In honour of Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, I offer this continued, warm welcome to all KPR families in Ojibwe, Michif and Inuktitut – languages of area First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Also in recognition of this important month, I look forward to an annual event that will take place this Monday, November 16 at the Education Centre: the raising of the Métis flag, in honour of Louis Riel and in acknowledgement of our partnership with the Métis people.

This weekly update also offers a reminder of the opportunity for Indigenous families to voluntarily self-identify, as well as updates on other news.

Voluntary Self-identification
All parents and guardians of Indigenous students, as well as Indigenous students ages 18 and older, have the right to voluntarily self-identify. KPR worked with the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee and Indigenous leaders to establish voluntary self-identification for First Nation, Métis and Inuit families some years ago, for several reasons. By self-identifying, families help us to monitor the success of programs and services we offer for Indigenous students. They also assist us in recognizing additional ways we can support Indigenous students, so that they meet with success. We believe we must do all we can to ensure that First Nation, Métis and Inuit students are engaged in, and feel welcome in, our schools. We also consider it essential that Indigenous students see themselves and their rich cultures reflected in the curriculum offered to all students.

All families are reminded of the opportunity to self-identify when they register for school, and at the start of each school year. This opportunity remains open at all times throughout the year. If you would like to self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit, please contact your principal or vice-principal.

New Director of Education
This week, the school board announced the appointment of Rita Russo as Director of Education and Secretary to the Board. Rita is currently serving as Superintendent, Leadership Development for the York Region District School Board. She will assume her new leadership role with KPR effective January 25, 2021, following my retirement. Rita is an accomplished professional known for her collaborative, people-first style, and I am pleased to offer her a sincere welcome to our wonderful schools and communities.

Thoughtexchange Deadline Extended
We have extended the opportunity for everyone to share your thoughts on the equity, diversity & inclusion priorities that should lead KPR over the next four years. You now have until Monday, November 16 to offer your feedback, and to rate the comments of others, by visiting https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/517289218 . If you have already participated in the Thoughtexchange, we invite you to participate again and rate some of the new thoughts that have been shared since you first took part. We value your input.

Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
Next week is provincial Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, the first of three major bullying prevention events recognized each school year. Staff and students take advantage of these opportunities to focus once again on bullying prevention efforts that take place throughout the school year, and to reiterate the importance of kindness, acceptance and respect for all. The other events coming up are national Pink Shirt Day on February 24, and the International Day of Pink on April 14. Watch for a sea of pink!

More Dates to Remember
We also remind you of several other important dates coming up at KPR:

November 16 – deadline to offer your views on KPR’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, at https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/517289218

  November 20 – Deadline to contact your home school principal if you wish to transfer your child to the Virtual Elementary School

November 20 – Secondary Credit Completion Day, no classes for high school students only

November 23 – Start of second quadmester at all KPR high schools

November 27 – PA Day for all KPR elementary and secondary schools

November 30 – Start date for NEW Virtual Elementary School students

December 1 – Dream Big! virtual career expo for young women in Grades 7-12 & their parents; details and registration are at dreambigknc.eventbrite.ca 

December 21-January 1 – Winter Break

Protecting against COVID
And, finally, I offer my sincere appreciation to families and staff throughout KPR who have been mindful about taking personal steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to your efforts, strict COVID protocols and our close work with local health units, we have had fewer cases of COVID in our schools than in many other areas of the province. This underscores the need for all of us to remain cautious and vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID. I offer the following reminders with a view to remaining healthy:  

• Please self-screen every morning for any signs of illness by using the province’s online tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/, and stay home if unwell.
• Please download the free COVID Alert app from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html, to learn of any possible exposures to COVID before symptoms appear.

Stay well!

Sincerely,
Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

KPR is considering two options for the 2021-22 school year calendar, and we are asking everyone to let us know which option you prefer. 

With Option A, students would be in class on the Friday before March Break (Friday, March 11, 2022), and staff would have one PA Day in the week before classes begin. There would be NO holiday on the Friday before March Break, so March Break would run from Monday, March 14, to Friday, March 18, 2022. 

Option B would include a holiday on the Friday before March Break (Friday, March 11, 2022) for all elementary and secondary schools, and two PA Days for staff in the week before classes begin. March Break would, therefore, run from Friday, March 11, to Friday, March 18, 2022.

Please visit http://kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/schoolcalendars.html for more information and to complete the survey by December 1.

Friday, November 20, 2020

To All KPR Families,

This week and this month mark two important events at KPR: Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, and Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. The week started with the raising of the Métis flag at the Education Centre, and continued with a variety of virtual and in-person events focused on First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada, and on bullying prevention and kindness. As always, a sea of pink shirts marked bullying awareness events during the week.

Here is a quick look at other news for families.

Elementary Progress Reports
Elementary families: the date for distribution of your children’s progress reports has been moved to Monday, November 30. All progress reports will be distributed by email that day, via a password protected attachment. If you would like to receive the progress report in another format, please contact the school office as soon as possible.

Another important date is Friday, November 20. This is the deadline to speak with your home school principal if you wish your child to switch to the Virtual Elementary School on the next available start date of November 30.

2021-22 School Year Calendar Survey
KPR would like your input on the school year calendar for 2021-22. We are considering two options. Option A would make the Friday before March Break 2022 a regular school day, not a holiday, and include one PA Day for staff before the start of classes. Option B would make the Friday before March Break 2022 a holiday, and include two PA Days for staff before classes begin. For details and to complete the survey, please visit http://kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/schoolcalendars.html

 Other Important Dates
November 20 – Secondary Credit Completion Day, no high school classes
November 23 – Start of second quadmester at all KPR high schools
November 27 – PA Day for all KPR elementary and secondary schools
November 30 – Start date for NEW Virtual Elementary School students
December 1 – Dream Big! virtual career expo for young women in Grades 7-12 & their parents; registration at dreambigknc.eventbrite.ca
December 21-January 1 – Winter Break

#StoptheSpread
And, finally, the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Ontario and around the world is an unfortunate reminder of the importance of taking preventive measures to #StoptheSpread. This includes wearing masks correctly, washing hands frequently, limiting social contacts to the immediate family, physically distancing from others, self-screening daily at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/, staying home if ill, and downloading the free COVID Alert app from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html.  We have had few cases of COVID in KPR schools thus far, thanks to everyone’s vigilance, and we want to keep it that way!

I wish you and your family a safe, happy and healthy weekend.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Monday, November 30, 2020

To All KPR Families,

This update focuses on an important change in the way we handle inclement weather days (snow days) this year. I also have a few reminders on other news.

Inclement Weather School Closures
As indicated in my email to families last week, schools will be closed to students on inclement weather days this year, to protect student health.

We know school closures are an inconvenience and hardship for many. Public health requirements, however, do not allow us to combine separate groups or “cohorts” of students, and we cannot guarantee that schools would have enough staff on-site on snow days to safely supervise existing cohorts. Therefore:

• when ALL buses are cancelled across the entire board, ALL schools will be closed to students for the day
• when ALL buses are cancelled within a specific geographic region of the board, such as the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland County or Peterborough County, schools in that region only will be closed to students for the day
• if ALL buses are cancelled for a specific school or group of schools, only that school or group of schools will be closed to students for the day
• schools will provide work for students to do at home on snow days
• when only a few buses are cancelled or delayed, schools will remain open.

Classes in the Virtual Elementary School and Virtual High School will continue as normal on snow days.

Please ensure your school has up-to-date contact information for you, so that we can text or email you directly about what is happening at your child’s or teen’s school.

2021-22 School Year Calendar Survey
A reminder: you have until this Tuesday, December 1 to let us know your preference for the 2021-22 school year calendar. For details, and to state which of two options you would prefer, visit http://kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/schoolcalendars.html

Important Dates
November 30 – Elementary progress reports emailed to parents/guardians
November 30 – Start date for NEW Virtual Elementary School students
December 1 – Dream Big! virtual career expo for young women in Grades 7-12 & their parents; registration at dreambigknc.eventbrite.ca
December 1 – Deadline to complete 2021-22 school year calendar survey
December 21-January 1 – Winter Break

Free Parent Workshop
You have the opportunity to participate in a free parent workshop with Dr. Jean Clinton, about Connecting as a Family During a Very Different Holiday Season. The online event will take place via Zoom on Monday, December 7, at 7 p.m. Dr. Clinton is a renowned  advocate for children’s mental health. Please email omsfc@nexicom.net to register.

Self screening
And, finally, I remind you of an important website: Coronavirus (COVID-19) school screening (ontario.ca) . From there, you can complete an online assessment, or download the assessment as a printable document, to screen your child or yourself every morning for signs of COVID. It is available in English, French, and 18 other languages.

I wish everyone a healthy, enjoyable week.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Leclerc

Director of Education

To All KPR Families,

The past week has marked several important human rights observances: the International Day of Abolition of Slavery on December 2, International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, and International Human Rights Day on December 10.

These observances are not one-time events at KPR. They are connected to our year-round efforts to foster equity, inclusion, kindness, respect and dignity for all. While we have made progress in this area, we believe much more can, and must, be done to achieve a truly equitable society.   

We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our online ThoughtExchange to help us prioritize our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts. Approximately 900 people shared their thoughts, and applied over 22,000 ratings to other participants’ comments, in the ThoughtExchange. We are now collating and capturing all of that information to help inform our goals and objectives. Watch for more information as we move forward.

In the meantime, here is other significant news.

School closures on snow days

An important reminder: KPR schools will be closed on inclement weather days this winter, to protect student health.

 More specifically:

• when ALL buses are cancelled across the entire board, ALL schools will be closed for the day
• when ALL buses are cancelled within a specific geographic region of the board, such as the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland County or Peterborough County, schools in that region only will be closed for the day
• and, finally, if ALL buses are cancelled for a specific school or group of schools, only that school or group of schools will be closed for the day.

Students will learn at home on inclement weather days. When only a few buses are cancelled or delayed, schools will remain open. Stay tuned to local news media, social media, kprschools.ca, stsco.ca or direct emails/texts from SchoolMessenger for updates on whether your school will be open.

We know school closures are a hardship for some families. Ultimately, however, we cannot combine cohorts of students who attend school on inclement weather days, and we cannot guarantee we would have enough staff onsite to safely supervise students in their existing cohorts.

Transfers to Virtual Elementary School

The next opportunity to transfer students from in-school learning to KPR’s Virtual Elementary School (VES) will be early in the new year. This will allow teachers to finish student assessments before students transfer to the VES. More specifically:

• an Opt Out portal will be open on kprschools.ca from January 13-22 at 4 p.m., for families to complete if they wish to transfer their children to the VES
• the first day of class for new VES students will be Tuesday, February 2 (February 1 is a PA Day)

• VES teachers will contact families of new VES students beginning January 28.

Until February 2, students will continue to attend their home school; parents can discuss other learn-at-home options with their home school principal, if they wish, until their children start the VES classes February 2.

Watch for more information about the Opt Out portal soon.

Secondary Quadmesters

The current quadmester will continue to the end of January for all KPR secondary students, whether they attend bricks-and-mortar schools or the Virtual High School. Quadmester 3 will begin Tuesday, February 2, and Quadmester 4 on Monday, April 19.

Winter Break

The last day of school before Winter Break will be Friday, December 18. Students will return to school after the holidays on Monday, January 4.

Self screening

As we see the number of COVID-19 cases rise locally and globally, I remind you once again of an important website: Coronavirus (COVID-19) school screening (ontario.ca) . There, you will find an online assessment to complete for your children every morning, to ensure they do not attend school if they have symptoms of COVID.  This information is available in English, French and 18 other languages.

Stay well, everyone.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Please join us for a special virtual event:

Virtual KPR Pathways Information Night
Thursday, January 7, 2021
7-8:30 p.m.
Register at https://forms.gle/JCP3i2HP3CTKAUMX6

This free, online event for students and families will feature the wide variety of exciting, hands-on learning opportunities available for high school students in KPR.  Learn about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Majors, Experiential Learning and Cooperative Education. See how KPR secondary schools can help build your teen’s resume, nurture their curiosity, challenge their creativity, and expand their confidence.

For additional information, please email oyap@kprdsb.ca

Students: need to talk? Get help 24/7 at kidshelpphone.ca or 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868. You matter.

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Important News for All KPR Families,

Another year has come and gone! While 2020 may not be our favourite year in memory, it has highlighted several important themes: KPR students and staff truly care about one another and their communities; together, we are resilient, adaptable and we rise to even the most difficult challenges; and families play a vital role in supporting student success.

This year, more than ever, we wish everyone a safe, healthy and peaceful holiday, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Possible Extension of Winter Break

Late yesterday, the Ministry of Education asked all school boards to be prepared for the possibility of Winter Break being extended for longer than the scheduled two weeks, in response to increases in COVID-19 cases. It is important to note that NO DECISION has been made on this matter as yet. The Ministry simply asked school boards to be prepared for a possible, extended holiday break should that decision be made by the province.

Should the holiday break be extended, schools would provide learning for students to complete at home on these days. This learning could take place in a variety of ways, through previously assigned work or new work, using the classroom teachers’ regular communication platforms (e.g., Edsby, Google, D2L), based on students’ age and grade.

This would involve a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities for all students. Synchronous learning refers to real-time teaching when the students and teacher are connected live, while asynchronous education would involve online posting of resources that can be completed by the student at any time.

To ensure your family is prepared for any possible shift to at home learning, we encourage you to:

• Ensure that the school has your correct email address and contact information.
• Ensure your child or teen brings home all personal belongings and learning materials they may need over the break (shoes, clothing, etc.), as well as any food left in their locker or cubby.

We will inform parents of any possible change in the status of our schools through our website at kprschools.ca, direct email and text via SchoolMessenger, the news media, and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Once again, it’s important to reiterate that NO DECISION has been made regarding a possible extended holiday break.

Transfers to & from Virtual High School

Regardless of what happens with possible extended school closure, KPR is continuing to plan for families who wish to transfer their teens between their regular high schools and KPR’s Virtual High School. The next opportunity to change learning modes will be for the third quadmester, which begins Tuesday, February 2.

Families wishing to transfer their teen into, or out of, virtual learning must contact their home school guidance counselor by Friday, January 15, 2021.

KPR reminds families that our physical high schools offer a comprehensive and varied program that meets the needs of all students. The Virtual High School is not able to match all the courses that a regular high school offers. For further information, please see the Virtual High School (kprdsb.ca) website, or call 705-760-8630.

High School Pathways Information Night

We encourage students and families to join us for a special online event:

Virtual KPR Pathways Information Night 
Thursday, January 7, 2021
7-8:30 p.m.
Register at https://forms.gle/JCP3i2HP3CTKAUMX6

This free event will feature the wide variety of exciting, hands-on learning opportunities available for high school students in KPR. Learn about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Majors, Experiential Learning and Cooperative Education. For information, please email oyap@kprdsb.ca

Other Important Dates
January 7 – Virtual Pathways Information Night (register at https://forms.gle/JCP3i2HP3CTKAUMX6)  
January 13-22 – Opt Out portal opens on kprschools.ca for elementary families wishing to transfer to the Virtual Elementary School (VES); watch for details in early January
January 15 – Deadline to notify home school re. moving to/from Virtual High School
February 1 – PA Day
February 2 – First Day of school for new VES students, start of Quadmester 3 for high school students

Please Remember…

• KPR schools will close on inclement weather days (snow days) throughout the winter. Only schools where all buses are cancelled will close. Schools where only some routes are cancelled or delayed will remain open. Check your email/texts for direct messages from SchoolMessenger, visit stsco.ca or kprschools.ca, or listen to local news media for updates in early mornings.
• Mental health resources to support students, families and staff during the holidays will remain available at Mental Health Resources (kprschools.ca) .

 Safety During the Holidays
The Ministry of Education has asked all school boards to share the following important message before the holidays. Please consider what we can all do to make the return to school in January 2021 as safe as possible.

During the holidays, it is important for everyone to adhere to public health measures when connecting with one another. Please check the provincial government’s holiday web page for up-to-date guidance for a safe holiday season, including suggestions for safer activities for children and families.

Daily self-screening will still be a requirement when we return to school in 2021. Please continue using the provincial COVID-19 screening tool every morning, before attending school. Anyone feeling ill should not go to school. At school, we will continue to reinforce masking, frequent handwashing, “cohorting” of students in consistent groups, and physical distancing.

Since COVID conditions are changing constantly, we also encourage you to visit Ontario.ca/covidresponse regularly, as well as your local health unit’s website:  

Public Health - Region of Durham (Municipality of Clarington)
peterboroughpublichealth.ca (Peterborough County and City)
www.hkpr.on.ca (Northumberland County)
https://hpepublichealth.ca/ (Quinte West/Murray Ward)

Kids Help Phone
Finally, we have vital information we encourage you to share with your children and teens:

Students: need to talk? Get help 24/7 at kidshelpphone.ca or 1-800-668-6868, or text 686868. You matter.

We’re also posting this information on the home page of each school’s website and at kprschools.ca

Sincerely,
Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

December 31, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we extend to everyone our hope and best wishes for a happy New Year, we wanted to share this brief reminder for parents, highlighting that:

• All schools are closed to students until January 11, 2020.
• Elementary and secondary school students will participate in remote learning from January 4 to January 8, 2021.
  Elementary school students will return to in-person learning on January 11, 2021.
• All Learning and Life Skills (LLS) students (elementary and secondary) will be engaged in face-to-face learning at their home school with their teachers and support staff as of Monday, January 11, 2021.
• Secondary school students will continue learning remotely and will resume in-person learning on January 25, 2021.

Beginning January 4, schools will provide learning for students to complete at home on these days. This learning will take place in a variety of ways, through previously assigned work or new work, using the classroom teachers’ regular communication platforms (e.g., Edsby, Google, D2L), based on students’ age and grade.

Learning during this period will involve a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities for all students. Synchronous learning refers to real-time teaching when the students and teacher are connected live, while asynchronous education involves online posting of resources that can be completed by the student independently.  

Learning for students enrolled in the virtual elementary and secondary schools will continue as normal.

We continue to respond to requests for student technology needs to support remote learning.  If you are in need of a Chromebook, please complete this Google Form. Please note:  To be responsive to the learning requirements in the secondary quadmester model, and given the extended break scheduled for those students, we will be prioritizing secondary student requests before reviewing elementary student requests for devices. The OEN # can be found on any of the student’s report cards. (Secondary students can review their report cards in Edsby). If you do not have an OEN# or it will not work in the google form, please email kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca and provide all of the same information in the email.

We will inform parents of any further updates on the status of our schools through our website at kprschools.ca, direct email and text via SchoolMessenger, the news media, and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

We thank you for your continued support of our students, and we hope for brighter days ahead in the New Year.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Thursday, January 7, 2021

SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL JANUARY 25

Dear KPR Families,

The provincial government today announced that elementary and secondary schools in our area of Ontario will remain closed until January 25 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, all Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) schools will remain closed, and students will continue to learn online from home, during that period.

More specifically, the province has announced that:

• All elementary and secondary schools in southern Ontario - which includes KPR - are closed to students until January 25, 2021. Therefore, elementary students will not return to in-person learning on January 11, as originally announced.
• Elementary and secondary students will continue to participate in remote learning until in-person learning resumes January 25.
• Learning and Life Skills (LLS) students (elementary and secondary) will participate in face-to-face learning at their home school with their teachers and support staff as of Monday, January 11, 2021.

KPR will continue to provide online learning for students to complete at home when the schools are closed. This learning will take place in a variety of ways, using the classroom teachers’ regular communication platforms (e.g., Edsby, Google, D2L), based on students’ age and grade.

During this period, students will continue to participate in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning refers to real-time teaching when the students and teacher are connected live online. Asynchronous learning involves work being posted online, to be completed by the student independently, at any time.  

Learning for students enrolled in the virtual elementary and secondary schools will continue as normal.

KPR continues to respond to requests for student devices to support remote learning.  If you are in need of a Chromebook, please complete this Google Form. Please note: we will continue to prioritize secondary student requests before reviewing elementary student requests for devices.

To complete the Google Form and request technology at home, families will need their child’s or teen’s OEN (Ontario Education Number). This number can be found on students’ report cards. Secondary students can review their report cards in Edsby.

If you do not have an OEN# or it will not work in the google form, please email kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca In the email, please include your name and email address, your child’s full name and their home school.

We will inform families of any further announcements affecting our schools through our website at kprschools.ca, direct email and text via SchoolMessenger, the news media, and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone.

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Monday, January 11, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Thank you to students, families and staff for your patience, resilience and support as we move forward with online learning.

Here are some further updates.

Virtual Elementary School
After the closure of schools ends January 25, families will still have the option of sending their children to school in person or online. For elementary families, the next opportunity to request a transfer to the Virtual Elementary School (VES) starts this week. 

An Opt Out portal will be open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ from January 13 until 4 pm January 22, for families to complete if they wish to transfer their children to the VES. Parents and guardians must complete the form on this portal between January 13-22 if they wish their children to move to the VES on the next available transfer date.

The first day of virtual classes for new VES students will be Tuesday, February 2 (February 1 is a PA Day). Teachers will begin contacting families of new VES students January 28. Until then, students will continue to attend their home school.

Here’s a snapshot of the important dates:
  January 13-22 – Opt Out portal open for transferring students to Virtual Elementary School (VES)
  January 28 – VES teachers start contacting families of new VES students
  February 2 – First Day of online classes for new VES students

For details, visit the Virtual Elementary School website or call 705-760-8620.

Virtual High School
The second semester (which includes Quadmesters 3 and 4) begins Tuesday, February 2 for all KPR high school students. Families wishing to transfer their teen to the KPR Virtual High School (KPRVHS) for Quadmester 3 must contact their home school guidance counselor by Friday, January 15. Similarly, to request a transfer from KPRVHS to in-person classes, families must contact home school guidance staff by January 15.

Please remember KPRVHS does not offer the full breadth of courses that a regular high school offers, so it may not be possible to match courses when moving to virtual learning. As KPRVHS is online, it cannot offer many specialized courses such as hands-on skilled trades. Once students move to KPRVHS, they are no longer registered at their home school.

KPRVHS students participate in at least 225 minutes of scheduled synchronous (live, real-time) learning daily, between 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For details, visit the Virtual High School (kprdsb.ca) website or call 705-760-8630.

Parent Technology Helplines
We have created helplines for Parent/Student Technology Support at: 

  Student/Parent Helpline - Elementary
  1-877-741-4577 Ext 3002
  Elementary_Helpline@kprdsb.ca

  Student/Parent Helpline - Secondary
  1-877-741-4577 Ext 3001
  Secondary_Helpline@kprdsb.ca

We recommend that students access their applications (EDSBY, D2L, Google Classroom, etc.) via our Student Portal at students.kprdsb.ca to alleviate many of the common issues students experience when learning from home.  We also have a Parent Portal – parents.kprdsb.ca – where we are posting critical Learn@Home information and useful links.

Let’s #ShareTheGood
We all know the negative impact of COVID-19 on schools and communities. We also know amazing things are continuing to happen in KPR. These stories deserve to be told. Help ignite positivity and optimism – not to ignore how hard teaching and learning are right now, but to amplify the good things that are happening. Join us in following School Mental Health Ontario on Twitter @SMHO_SMSO, tag them in your tweets and use the #SharetheGood hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.

As part of my goal to #SharetheGood, I present our 2020 Director’s Annual Report, the last one of my career. I have been heartened and impressed by the resilience, dedication and hard work of staff, students and families as they adapted to an ever-changing landscape. Thank you for everything you have done to lead the way with positivity and adaptability. Please click here to see the many ways students thrived over the past year.

For me, the biggest change of the coming year will be entering the ranks of the retired as of January 22. It has been an absolute honour and pleasure serving students, families, staff and communities in KPR, and I sincerely wish all of you the very best. Our new Director of Education, Rita Russo, is a caring, dedicated and experienced educator, and I’m sure her people-first style will support continued success. Our schools are in good hands.

Stay safe and strong, everyone.

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As you likely have heard through the news media, the provincial government today declared an immediate, 28-day state of emergency throughout Ontario. This includes a stay-at-home order that takes effect this Thursday, January 14. The purpose of this email is to let you know how our schools will be affected.

In announcing the state of emergency, Premier Doug Ford stated schools in Ontario’s COVID-19 hotspots (Windsor-Essex, Peel, Toronto, York and Hamilton) will remain closed to in-person instruction until February 10. KPR is not included in that group at this time.

Premier Ford also said that, by January 20, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health will advise when students at other school boards can return to in-person learning.

We will provide a further update at that time, confirming whether schools will re-open January 25, 2021, as currently planned, or if the provincial government will extend the remote learning period.

The government also announced there will be additional safety measures when schools are allowed to reopen, related to expanded masking requirements for Grades 1-3 students, and for mask wearing outdoors. We will provide further details as we receive them from the Ministry of Education.

As always, we will continue to update our families and staff as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Kindergarten Registration is open for September 2021!

Teacher/Early Childhood Educator teams provide safe, inclusive, engaging programming at Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board schools, where students learn through play.

To attend Kindergarten Year 1 (Junior Kindergarten), children must turn four years of age in the year that they start school. Similarly, children must turn 5 in the year they begin Kindergarten Year 2.

Visit our Kindergarten webpage for more info and to register online: https://bit.ly/38M3XTs

We're also planning a Virtual  Kindergarten Information Night for February. Stay tuned for details.

The provincial government has announced the dates when students will be able to return to in-person learning. These dates vary across Ontario, depending on the status of COVID-19 cases within each Health Unit’s region.

For KPR elementary and secondary schools, this means:

• Schools located in Northumberland County and in Peterborough City and County will reopen January 25 for in-person learning.
• Schools located in the Municipality of Clarington remain closed to in-person learning. We will inform families of any potential return to school date as soon as it is provided to us by the province.

Students in stand-alone Learning and Life Skills (LLS) classes in all areas of the board will continue to participate in face-to-face learning at their home school with their teachers and support staff during this period. 

Learning in our Virtual Elementary and High Schools will continue as usual.

The province has also announced that masks will be mandatory for Grades 1-12 students when they return to in-person schooling, regardless of the date.  Masks will be highly recommended, but not mandatory, for Kindergarten students. New masking requirements will also be in place for outdoor activities where physical distancing of at least two metres is not possible.

Municipality of Clarington schools include:

 Elementary

Central Public School

Charles Bowman Public School

Courtice North Public School

Dr. Emily Stowe Public School

Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School

Dr. Ross Tilley Public School

Duke of Cambridge Public School

Enniskillen Public School

Hampton Junior Public School

Harold Longworth Public School

John M. James Public School

Lydia Trull Public School

1. J. Hobbs Senior Public School

Newcastle Public School

Orono Public School

S.T. Worden Public School

Vincent Massey Public School

Waverley Public School

Intermediate

Clarington Central Intermediate School

Courtice Intermediate School

The Pines Senior Public School

Secondary

Bowmanville High School

Clarington Central Secondary School

Clarke High School

Courtice Secondary School

Centre for Individual Studies (CIS) Clarington, in Bowmanville

KPR will share further information as it is confirmed by the Ministry of Education.

Friday, January 22, 2021

To All KPR Families,

This message follows up the provincial announcement on the dates students can return to school for in-person learning.

For KPR elementary and secondary schools, this means:

• Schools located in Northumberland County and in Peterborough City and County will reopen January 25 for in-person learning.
• Schools located in the Municipality of Clarington remain closed to in-person learning. We will inform families of any potential return to school date as soon as it is provided to us by the province.

The start dates for each region of the Board were identified by the province based on COVID-19 rates in each Health Unit’s jurisdiction.

Students in stand-alone Learning and Life Skills (LLS) classes in all areas of the board will continue to participate in face-to-face learning at their home school with their teachers and support staff during this period. LLS classes in Peterborough and Northumberland regions will resume their normal dismissal and bus schedules, effective Monday, January 25. However, LLS classes in Clarington will continue with the shortened day and modified bus schedule until all students in that region return to in-person learning.

Learning in our Virtual Elementary and High Schools will continue as usual, regardless of where students live.

New Provincial Requirements
As students return to school, it is extremely important that our students and staff comply with COVID-19 precautions and protocols. These include the following new requirements from the Ministry of Education:

• Mandatory masks for Grades 1 through 12 students. For Kindergarten students, masks are highly recommended, but not mandatory. 
• Masks are required for outdoor activities where physical distancing of at least two metres is not possible.

In addition, students are reminded to refrain from congregating in groups before and after school, and at breaks such as lunchtime. Students should arrive shortly before the start of school, and return directly home after school. 

COVID-19 Protocols
We continue to ask all students and staff to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Every morning before heading to school, please complete the daily self-assessment for symptoms, available at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Schools also will continue to follow all public health and provincial directions, including thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all areas; frequent and proper handwashing by everyone in the building; wearing masks; maintaining physical distancing to the fullest extent possible, and following any other steps directed by the local health units.

Busing
Bus transportation will resume for students who are returning to in-person learning. Routes and stops will remain the same as they were in December, before the shutdown of schools. Please visit stsco.ca for further information.

Reminder: January 22 Virtual Elementary School (VES) deadline
We also remind families of elementary students of an important deadline. If you would like your child to attend the Virtual Elementary School (VES) when in-class learning resumes, you must register by 9 p.m. today (Friday, January 22) at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/. The first day of virtual classes for new VES students will be Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Monday, February 1 is a PA Day, so there will be no classes on that day.

School Closures on Snow Days
Finally, we remind families that KPR schools will be closed on inclement weather days to protect student health.

• If ALL buses are cancelled across the entire board, ALL schools will be closed for the day.
• If ALL buses are cancelled within a specific region, schools in that region only will be closed for the day
• If ALL buses are cancelled for a specific school or group of schools, only that school or group of schools will be closed for the day.
• If only some buses are cancelled or delayed, schools will remain open.

Stay tuned to local news or social media, kprschools.ca, stsco.ca or emails/texts from SchoolMessenger for updates early in the morning.

Protect yourselves, protect your children, help us protect our KPR community.

We're looking forward to welcoming new Kindergarten students to our local public schools this September. Kindergarten teachers and Early Childhood Educators work together to provide safe, inclusive, engaging programming where students learn through play.

Visit our website at  www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten to register online for the 2021-22 school year.

We invite families to join us for a free, online Kindergarten Information Session to learn more about the Kindergarten program, and for tips and tools to help prepare your child for school.

Virtual Kindergarten Information Session
February 11, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Register online at www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten

KPR reminds everyone to save the date for Bell Let’s Talk Day, this Thursday, January 28. On this important day, Bell will contribute 5 cents for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view, or TikTok video using the #BellLetsTalk hashtag. Please get your social media buzzing to help raise funds for – and promote awareness of – mental health.

Bell Let’s Talk launched in 2010 with a focus on building awareness, acceptance and action in mental health across Canada.  Last year alone, Bell Let’s Talk raised a record $7.7 million for mental health support and services, bringing the total raised to $100,695,763.75 over the years.  The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund provides grants up to $25,000 for projects that improve access to mental health care, supports and services.  Bell Let’s Talk also recently announced a new $5 million Diversity Fund to support the mental health and well-being of members of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour communities across Canada.

Aside from raising critical funding for mental health services and supports, Bell Let’s Talk Day also helps to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire those that are struggling with mental health challenges and symptoms. Bell has developed a toolkit that educators may wish to incorporate into their planning with students.  It can be found at  https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/toolkit.  Another supportive resource for educators is School Mental Health Ontario’s new Student Mental Health Action Kit, which contains lesson plans, resources, and support to help students, as well as resources to support staff wellness.

Mental health resources can be found on KPR’s Mental Health and Wellness Portal.  New resources are being added to our portal on a regular basis, so please check it often!

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

To KPR Families,

On this, my first week as Director of Education, I want to tell you how excited and grateful I am to join the KPR community.

I am incredibly honoured and humbled to lead a board with such a rich history as a provincial leader in many facets of public education.

I look forward to meeting our students and families in better times, and to learning from students about how they experience education in KPR.

We are all living through a time of unprecedented challenge, and COVID-19 has posed many hardships for families. Whether you have been home with your children or at work, this has been a difficult year for everyone. I thank you for everything you have done to support your children’s learning, and I encourage you to maintain these school-home-family connections, which we know are vital for the health and wellness of our children and teens.

While we are glad to have many students back in classrooms this week, we look forward to the day when all families in KPR can return to in-person learning. As you know, these decisions are made provincially and we will provide any information regarding a return to school for Municipality of Clarington students as soon it’s shared with us.

I encourage you to embrace hope and optimism as we look forward. It will be a happy day when all students and staff can be together again!

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

 Mental Health and #BellLetsTalk
KPR shares families’ concerns about the pandemic’s toll on mental health. I encourage you to browse through Mental Health Resources (kprschools.ca) and to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day tomorrow, Thursday, January 28. On that day, Bell will contribute 5 cents for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view, or TikTok video using the #BellLetsTalk hashtag. Since 2010, this annual effort has raised well over $100 million for mental health. The attached flyer has more details and tips for protecting your family’s mental health.

Kindergarten registration
Registration is open for students who will begin Kindergarten in September 2021. To attend Kindergarten Year 1 (Junior Kindergarten) this fall, children must turn 4 years of age by December 31, 2021. Children in Kindergarten Year 2 must turn 5 by December 31. 

Register here for your child to start school this September. We also encourage you to attend our Virtual Kindergarten Information Night Thursday, February 11 at 7 p.m. Please sign up for this virtual event here.

Provincial funds for families
Your family can apply for one-time provincial funds to offset costs posed by COVID. For each child up to Grade 12, families may receive $200. For each child with special needs, $250 is available. You must apply separately for each child by February 8. Schools are not involved in this funding, so you must contact the government directly at Get Support for Learners | Ontario.ca or 1-888-444-3770.

Technology Helplines
Need tech help for learning at home?

  Student/Parent Helpline - Elementary
  1-877-741-4577 Ext 3002
  Elementary_Helpline@kprdsb.ca

  Student/Parent Helpline – Secondary
  1-877-741-4577 Ext 3002
  Secondary_Helpline@kprdsb.ca

Students should access learning apps (EDSBY, D2L, Google Classroom, etc.) via our Student Portal at students.kprdsb.ca . 

High school pathways
Learn about the exciting pathways available in KPR high schools. Details shared with over 1,000 families at our recent Virtual Pathways Information Night are online at Pathways Parent Night Resources Page.

Auto-translation
To support families whose first language is not English, we can translate all our SchoolMessenger emails into many languages. To ensure you receive translated emails, please contact your school office or email your preferred language, child’s name and school to kpr_info@kprdsb.ca If you received a translated message and would prefer English, please follow the same steps.

Important dates
Monday, February 1 – PA Day, no classes
Tuesday, February 2 – First day of Virtual Elementary School for new  students; Quadmester 3 starts in high schools
Monday, February 15 – Family Day, schools closed

Safety precautions
To prevent further spread of COVID, we remind everyone that:

• masks are mandatory for Grades 1-12 students, and highly recommended for Kindergarten students
• masks will be worn outside when physical distancing is not possible
• students should not congregate in groups; they should arrive right before school starts and leave right after it ends
• everyone is asked to complete the daily self-assessment for symptoms, available at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ , before heading to school each morning.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Today, the provincial government announced reopening dates for schools that are still closed to in-person learning.

We are very pleased to report that schools in the Municipality of Clarington will reopen for in-person learning this Monday, February 8.  As a result, we look forward to having students and staff back with us in all schools throughout KPR!

In the meantime, for the rest of this week, Clarington students will continue learning online.

New Provincial Requirements
With the return to school, students and staff throughout KPR are following new provincial requirements.

• Masks are now mandatory for Grades 1 through 12 students, and highly recommended for Kindergarten students. 
• Masks are required for outdoor activities where physical distancing of at least two metres is not possible.
• Students must not gather in groups during breaks and before and after school. Students should arrive shortly before the start of school, and return directly home after school. 

In addition, health officials remind families that, for everyone’s protection, students and staff must continue to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Every morning before heading to school, please complete the daily self-assessment for symptoms, available at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

All KPR schools in Northumberland County, including Campbellford as well as Quinte West, are closed to students today with no buses running due to inclement weather and road conditions.

Schools in Peterborough City and County remain open. Check with STSCO.ca for possible route delays and further information.

News for KPR Families

Thursday, February 11, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Today, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced that March Break will be delayed for schools across Ontario until April, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Our March Break, which was originally scheduled for March 15-19, has been delayed for a month and will now take place from April 12-16. This means that schools will be open to students and staff through all of March.

The new break schedule applies to both in-person and virtual learners. We recognize also that Friday, March 12 is currently a board holiday. We are reviewing this date in light of today’s announcement and will confirm our plan as soon as possible.  

The pandemic we are living through has had an undeniable strain on our students, families and staff. We extend our sincere thanks again to staff and families for the incredible job they have done in navigating, at every turn, new ways to teach and learn in our changing world.

This has been a difficult journey, and we recognize the importance of the traditional March Break as a significant opportunity for students, staff and families to refresh and recover physically and mentally.

At the same time, we know our students and families are very pleased, as we are, to have all our schools back to in-person learning for the first time this week since the winter break.

We empathize with our families, students and staff who are disappointed by this news, but recognize and appreciate that public health considerations must come first at this time. Provincial medical authorities believe the best course of action right now is to postpone the March Break until April.

We continue to monitor all provincial announcements and will share any further news as soon as we are able.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Friday, February 12, 2021

To KPR Families,

What an eventful week this has been! We are thankful that, with Clarington schools reopening this week, students across KPR now have access to in-person learning once again. We also appreciate that yesterday’s provincial announcement was disappointing news for some of you, and that the challenges we all continue to live and work through are unprecedented.

Fortunately, this week is ending on a more hopeful note with today’s celebration of the Lunar New Year. Also known as the Chinese New Year, this day traditionally focuses on spending time with loved ones, starting fresh, and sharing in the hope of good things to come. As we enter the Year of the Ox, it is good to share this message of optimism. I truly believe there are better days to come.

Thank you again to all our families for your continued support of our students, and we hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR News

Friday, March 12 Remains a Board Designated Holiday
After consideration in light of yesterday’s provincial announcement, we are confirming that Friday, March 12 will continue as a designated board holiday, and our schools will be closed on that day. This schedule applies to both in-person and virtual learners.

Inclement Weather and School Closures
With all schools now open for in-person learning, we offer a reminder that schools will be closed on days when all buses are cancelled due to inclement weather. More specifically:

• If ALL buses are cancelled across the entire board, ALL schools will be closed for the day.
• If ALL buses are cancelled within a specific region, schools in that region only will be closed for the day
• If ALL buses are cancelled for a specific school or group of schools, only that school or group of schools will be closed for the day.
• If only some buses are cancelled or delayed, schools will remain open.

We encourage you to check stsco.ca, kprschools.ca, local news media reports and social media in the morning before the start of each school day, for the latest updates.

Safety Reminders

• Masks are mandatory for Grades 1-12 students, and highly recommended for Kindergarten students.
• We ask parents and guardians to wear masks when dropping off and picking up children at school each day.
• Students must not gather in groups at any time. Students should arrive shortly before school starts, and return home directly after it ends.  
• Please self-screen every morning for any signs of illness by using the province’s online tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/, and stay home if unwell.
• Please download the free, national COVID Alert app from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html, to learn of any possible exposures to COVID before symptoms appear.

Important Dates
Monday, February 15 – Family Day, schools closed
Wednesday, February 24 – Pink Shirt Day

URGENT: All KPR schools are closed today with no buses running due to weather and road conditions.

Dear KPR Families,

Thank you for your continued support in following local and provincial health directives. Together, we are all working to help keep students, staff and communities safe, and our schools open for students.

We have received information from the Ministry of Education about two significant changes to the COVID-19 school and child care screening tool and quarantine requirements. These changes, which are outlined below, take effect immediately.

Provincial Covid-19 Update

UPDATED SYMPTOM SCREENING

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has updated the provincial school screening criteria.  Students and staff with new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19, as outlined in the school and child care screening tool, even those with only one symptom, must stay home until:

• they receive a negative COVID-19 test result,
• they receive an alternative diagnosis from a health care professional, or
• it has been 10 days since their symptoms began and they are feeling better.

The provincial school screening tool has been updated to reflect these changes, at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

NEW QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

The Ministry of Health has also issued new guidance for schools and child care that requires all household contacts of individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 to quarantine until the symptomatic household member:

• receives a negative COVID-19 test result, or
• receives an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

This means that if a child OR an adult has symptoms of COVID-19, all other adults and children who live in the same household must quarantine and remain home from school or child care until the person with symptoms receives either a negative COVID-19 test result, or an alternative diagnosis.

If the symptomatic individual tests positive, or is not tested and does not receive an alternative diagnosis from a health care professional:

• the symptomatic individual must isolate (including from other household members) for 10 days from the start of symptoms, and
• all members of the same household must isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the symptomatic individual.

We recognize that these are significant provincial changes and we thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students and staff safe. Schools will support students with materials to continue learning from home during any extended periods of absence.

We continue to work closely with local public health agencies to address this evolving situation. For more information about COVID response in our communities, please visit your local Public Health website:

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
http://www.hkpr.on.ca/

Peterborough Public Health
https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/

Durham Public Health
https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/health-and-wellness.aspx

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit
Hpepublichealth.ca

KPR News

VIRTUAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRANSFER DATE

There is one final opportunity for families to transfer their children from in-person learning to the Virtual Elementary School (VES) this school year. An Opt Out Portal is now open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca , and it will remain open, until Friday, March 5. Families must register on this online portal if they wish to move their children to the VES. After the portal closes March 5, elementary students will remain with their chosen mode of learning – whether in-person or virtual – until the end of June.

The first day of virtual classes for new VES students will be Monday, March 22. Here are the important dates:

• February 19-March 5 – Opt Out portal open for transferring students to Virtual Elementary School
• March 22 – First day of online classes for new VES students

Families wishing to move their children from virtual learning back to in-person classes should contact the principal of their home school.

Meanwhile, for KPR secondary students, the final quadmester of the school year will begin on Monday, April 19. This applies to both in-person classes and the Virtual High School. More information will be coming soon for families wishing to transfer their teens between virtual and in-person classes for the last quadmester of the year.

Friday, February 26, 2021

Dear KPR Families,

February offered many opportunities to remind students of the importance of respect, kindness and inclusion. In addition to marking Pink Shirt Day, February is celebrated as Black History Month in Canada. Students have been learning about Black artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, musicians, activists, athletes, authors and others who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Blackness in Canada.

As a learning organization, we know that the past can often help us better understand the present and create a better way forward. Our commitment to learn about Black excellence and the Black experience will not end this month. It is important that this learning is ongoing for students and staff. In KPR schools, we are committed to standing up against anti-Black racism.

We also continue to respond to evolving direction and guidance from provincial authorities, to stop the spread of COVID-19. The KPR News section has details below.

Please stay safe and stay well, everyone.

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Voluntary Asymptomatic Testing Clinics

School boards are required to begin offering voluntary asymptomatic testing to students and staff in five per cent of their schools each week. We are working with the Ministry of Education and local Medical Officers of Health to plan testing opportunities for students and staff.

Here’s the information we have at this time:

• testing clinics will be for asymptomatic individuals only (those with no COVID-19 symptoms)
• the clinics will be voluntary and available for students, staff and family members
• LifeLabs will operate these clinics on evenings or weekends at schools, on a rotating basis
• we are working with local health units to develop a schedule for this testing; in most cases, clinics will be held at secondary schools, with families from the elementary feeder schools also invited to attend
• all schools will be offered a testing opportunity at some point; school communities with recent positive cases and rural schools with limited access to testing will be given priority.

As we continue our local planning with LifeLabs, we hope to offer the first clinic late next week. Where asymptomatic testing is made available, families will receive details directly from their school.

Virtual Learning Transfer Dates

 Elementary families: you have until 4 p.m. Friday, March 5 to transfer your children from in-person learning to Virtual Elementary School (VES). Interested families must register on the portal at http://optout.kprdsb.ca before the deadline to have their children moved. Once the portal closes March 5, students will remain with their chosen mode of learning (in-person or virtual) until the end of June.

The first day of virtual classes for new VES students will be Monday, March 22. Families wishing to move their children from VES to in-person learning should contact the principal of their home school, as soon as possible.

Secondary families: the final quadmester of the school year begins Monday, April 19. Students interested in transferring to the Virtual High School or back to their home school should contact their home school’s guidance department between March 15-25 (2 p.m.).  

March 12 is a Holiday

As announced by the province, March Break is postponed to April 12-16. In KPR, Friday, March 12 will remain a Board-designated holiday. All KPR schools will be closed that day. Schools will remain open throughout March, with the exception of March 12.

Reminder: New Provincial COVID Requirements

 New provincial requirements for COVID-19 screening and quarantines are in effect. Students and staff must stay home if they have even one new or worsening symptom identified in the daily screening tool at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. They cannot return to school until:

• they receive a negative test result
• they receive an alternative diagnosis from a health care provider, or
• it’s been 10 days since their symptoms began and they are feeling better.

In addition, if any child or adult has COVID symptoms, all other adults and siblings living in the same household must self-quarantine at home. They cannot return to school until the person with symptoms receives either a negative COVID test result or an alternative diagnosis. For details, please see the February 19 update emailed to families and posted at Updates for Families (kprschools.ca).

Kindergarten Information Online

 KPR’s recent Kindergarten Information Session has been posted at www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten for those who missed the virtual event. The web page has information about the Kindergarten program, how to register and prepare for school, busing, nutrition, child care and a link to online registration.

Important Dates

February 19-March 5 – Online portal open for transfers to Virtual Elementary School
March 12 – Board-designated holiday
March 22 – First day of school for new VES students
April 2-5 – Easter Weekend, schools closed

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Dear KPR Families,

Welcome to March. Every step closer to spring is worth celebrating!

This month marks several important dates. While March Break moves to April in Ontario schools this year, our students and staff still have a holiday from school on Friday, March 12.

To mark Black Mental Health Week March 1-7, we have posted new resources about anti-Black racism and its harmful effects on mental health; please visit Mental Health Resources (kprschools.ca). We also recognize International Women’s Day on March 8, and both World Down Syndrome Day and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. All are timely reminders of our ongoing focus on respect, dignity, acceptance and inclusion for all.

March also is National Social Work Month, and I offer my sincere thanks to our mental health clinicians. They are always there to support students and staff, and their assistance in difficult times is unparalleled. We acknowledge with sincere appreciation their ongoing work in supporting our students and schools every day.

Please see below for some more KPR updates.

Stay well.

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Asymptomatic testing
Voluntary asymptomatic testing clinics operated by LifeLabs begin this week for students, families and staff who have no COVID symptoms. Clinics will be held evenings or weekends on a rotating basis, and secondary schools will often serve as the location for these clinics, with students and families from associated elementary feeder schools invited to attend. All schools will be offered a testing opportunity at some point. School communities who have had positive cases recently and rural schools with limited access to testing will be prioritized in the schedule. When testing is scheduled for your school community, detailed information about these clinics will be shared directly from your school. Participation is voluntary.

Virtual Learning Transfers
Elementary families have until 4 p.m. this Friday to transfer their child from in-person learning to Virtual Elementary School (VES). Interested families must register at http://optout.kprdsb.ca by March 5. New VES students will start virtual classes March 22.

This will be the last opportunity to join the elementary virtual school for the remainder of the school year. Students may transfer from the VES back to in-person learning for the remainder of the year if there is available classroom space.

Secondary families: the final quadmester of 2020-21 begins April 19. Students wishing to move to Virtual High School or back to in-person learning must contact their home school Guidance department between March 15-25.

COVID-19 Safety Reminders
Before going to school each morning, please self-screen for signs of illness at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/.

• Stay home if you have even one new or worsening symptom listed in the screening tool. You can return to school once you receive a negative test result or alternative diagnosis from a health care provider, or 10 days after your symptoms began, if you feel better.
• All adults and siblings living in the same household with someone who has COVID symptoms must self-quarantine. They cannot return to school until the person with symptoms receives either a negative COVID test result or alternative diagnosis.

Important Dates
March 5 – Online portal closes at 4 p.m. for Virtual Elementary School transfers
Friday, March 12 – Board-designated holiday
March 15-25 – Guidance departments take requests to transfer to/from Virtual High School
March 22 – First day of school for new VES students
April 2-5 – Easter Weekend, schools closed
April 12-16 – New March Break
April 19 – Final quadmester starts in high schools

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Dear KPR Families,

Earlier this week, the Government of Canada designated tomorrow, March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance to remember the people who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19, and to acknowledge the significant impacts of the pandemic on all areas of our lives.

In making this announcement, Prime Minister Trudeau referenced how our lives have been forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Tragically, we also mourn the loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends and loved ones across our country.

The impact on the daily lives of our students, families, staff and communities over the last year has been profound, and these challenges are ongoing. We have been unable to gather together and share our lives in many of the ways we have always known and experienced. That has been very difficult.

And while we have all been incredibly resilient and adaptable in providing the best possible education experience for our students, we recognize that there have been traditional activities and events for students and families that simply have not been possible.

We share in the regret for those lost moments, and we are hopeful that, with continued progress in vaccinations, we can once again enjoy all the activities that make our schools such special places for our students and staff.

Our schools will be lowering their flags tomorrow as part of this National Day of Observance, and I hope you will join us in taking some time for quiet reflection on how our world has changed.

I hope you are able to enjoy the warmer weather today and I wish you well as we round out the rest of the week.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Please see below for further updates. 

KPR NEWS

 March 12 is a Board Holiday
A reminder that this Friday, March 12, is a Board-designated holiday in KPR. All schools will be closed.

 Volunteer Asymptomatic Testing Clinics
Voluntary asymptomatic testing clinics operated by LifeLabs continue for students, families and staff who have no COVID-19 symptoms. Clinics will be held evenings or weekends on a rotating basis, and secondary schools will often serve as the location for these clinics, with students and families from associated elementary feeder schools invited to attend. All schools will be offered a testing opportunity at some point. School communities who have had positive cases recently and rural schools with limited access to testing will be prioritized in the schedule. When testing is scheduled for your school community, detailed information about these clinics will be shared directly from your school. Participation is voluntary.

 Virtual Learning: Secondary
The final quadmester of 2020-21 begins April 19. Students wishing to move to Virtual High School or back to in-person learning must contact their home school Guidance department between March 15-25.

 COVID-19 Safety Reminders

• Before going to school each morning, please self-screen for signs of illness at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/.
• Stay home if you have even one new or worsening symptom listed in the screening tool. You can return to school once you receive a negative test result or alternative diagnosis from a health care provider, or 10 days after your symptoms began, if you feel better.
• All adults and siblings living in the same household with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms must self-quarantine. They cannot return to school until the person with symptoms receives either a negative COVID-19 test result or alternative diagnosis.

Important Dates
Friday, March 12 – Board-designated holiday
March 22 – First day of school for new Virtual Elementary Students
April 2-5 – Easter Weekend, schools closed
April 12-16 – New March Break
April 19 – Final quadmester starts in high schools

Dear Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Students, Staff, Families, and Community:

We are saddened and horrified by the violence that occurred in Atlanta earlier this week, resulting in the loss of eight lives, including six women of Asian descent. Our thoughts are with those who are affected by these tragic deaths, and by the increase in anti-Asian violence throughout the pandemic. This event represents a terrible intersection of hatred toward women and anti-Asian violence.

Together, we know you join us in standing against these acts, and in solidarity with our local and national Asian communities.

This tragic event underscores how anti-Asian racism has proliferated throughout our communities from historical contexts into the present day, is a systemic problem, and has its roots in colonial thinking. It is the work of all, including education systems, to continually work against violence and hate.

It is incumbent upon all of us to condemn not only these senseless acts of violence, but also the attitudes, words, and actions that push people apart rather than those that emphasize our common humanity.

The flag at our Education Centre will be at half-mast until Monday to recognize the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the survivors, families, and friends of the victims of this appalling crime.

Sincerely,

Diane Lloyd                                                     Rita Russo
Chairperson of the Board                       Director of Education

Friday, March 26, 2021

Dear KPR Families,                                                                                         

While today has greeted us with buckets of rain, I can’t help but feel grateful for the warm, sunny promise of spring we had this week and its reminders that rebirth and growth are part of the natural cycle of life. I feel hopeful when I see and hear our students’ day-to-day commitment to kindness, respect, and to creating a better, more caring world. And the ever-increasing numbers of people receiving vaccines to protect against COVID are making me feel that there is, indeed, a light at the end of this long tunnel for us all. We truly have so much to be thankful for as Canadians, and I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another in the coming weeks and months.

There are just a few items of news to share with you in my update this week.

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Provincial Budget
As you may have heard, the provincial government presented its budget this week. It’s too early to know exactly how KPR schools will be affected in the coming school year. Over the next few months, Trustees will meet in Budget Committee to consider detailed financial reports and to set a budget for the coming school year. We will keep families, staff and communities informed as we work toward finalizing a budget in late spring.  

2021-22 School Year
Some families have been asking about plans for the 2021-22 school year with respect to online and in-person learning. Our planning for the coming school year is still on-going, and will be informed by both Public Health and provincial education directives. We remain hopeful that we will be able to provide our students with a rich, in-person school experience. At the same time, we are also considering possible aspects of virtual learning or expanded e-learning, particularly at the secondary level. As always, we will provide further information to KPR families as plans are confirmed.

Secondary Credit Completion Day
KPR has designated Friday, April 9 as a Credit Completion Day for secondary school students. Secondary students throughout the Board will not attend school in person on this day, and will be able to connect with their teachers online if needed. This day will be used by teachers to provide feedback to students on their culminating tasks, to support students at risk of not attaining a credit, and to prepare for a safe start to the next quadmester beginning on April 19.

Please note that this day applies to high school students only. Elementary students will attend school as usual on Friday, April 9.

All students will be off the following week, during the delayed March Break week of April 12-16.

Earth Hour
KPR encourages families to participate in Earth Hour this Saturday, March 27, starting at 8:30 p.m. As in previous years, we are all asked to turn off our lights as a symbol of the need to do all we can to protect our planet. For further information and suggested activities for families, please visit earthhour.org

Important Dates
April 2-5 – Easter Weekend, schools closed
April 9 – Secondary Credit Completion Day, no high school classes
April 12-16 – New March Break
April 19 – Final quadmester starts in high schools

Good afternoon KPR Families,

Spring is a special time for many. It’s a time of reflection, connection and celebration. As the long weekend approaches, I hope you enjoy the time to rest, relax and reconnect with what makes you smile.

Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a similar position to last December, when rising cases of COVID-19 made the immediate future unpredictable. You may have seen media coverage this week about the provincial government considering a possible provincial lockdown, potentially as early as this weekend, to curb the spread of COVID.

While we do not have a definitive answer yet, it is important to prepare ourselves for the possibility of an extended break and a return to online learning for all students.

At this time, we are encouraging students and staff to take needed belongings home with them before this weekend, just in case we are asked to shift to online learning only.

We recognize that this information is top-of-mind for many people. As more information becomes available, we will continue to keep everyone informed. 

Please see below for a couple of additional updates.  

Stay well everyone, and enjoy the weekend! If you are celebrating Easter, I hope E. Bunny is good to you!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Possible Shift to On-line Learning for All
We strongly encourage everyone to be prepared for a possible extension of this four-day holiday weekend or Spring Break. While NO DECISION has been made on the matter yet, we need to prepare ourselves for the possibility of a return to on-line learning. 

Based on previous experience, if the province does announce a return to on-line learning, it would take place on regular school days and schedules, using classroom teachers’ usual communication platforms (e.g., Edsby, Google, D2L). It would involve both synchronous (real-time learning with the teacher connected to the class live) and asynchronous learning (work posted on-line, to be completed at any time).

Once again, NO DECISION on this matter has been made as yet, and we will provide further updates directly to all families and to staff as they become available.

April is World Autism Awareness Month
I also want to take this opportunity to recognize World Autism Day tomorrow, April 2, and invite you to Raise the Flag for Autism Day, being celebrated in Ontario on Tuesday, April 6. The purpose of this special day is to increase awareness, understanding and highlight the work that still needs to be done to remove systemic barriers and help children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum live their best life. 

I want to extend my appreciation to our Autism Support Team for the wonderful Resource Package they’ve shared to schools today, with a number of announcements, posters and activities to help bring more awareness, acceptance and inclusion into our classrooms and schools. My sincere thanks to that team for all their great work! 

Volunteer Asymptomatic Testing Clinics 
After taking a break this weekend, voluntary asymptomatic testing by LifeLabs will resume for students, families and staff who have no COVID-19 symptoms. Clinics are being held on a rotating basis around KPR, and all schools will be offered a testing opportunity at some point. When testing is scheduled for your school community, your school will send home detailed information.  

Thursday, April 1, 2021

To All KPR Families,

This note follows up yesterday’s message regarding the possibility of Ontario schools being closed to in-person learning beyond the Easter weekend.

This afternoon, the provincial government announced that schools will remain open next week, April 6-9. Both online and in-person classes will continue as usual from Tuesday, April 6, to Friday, April 9. 

In addition, Spring Break will go ahead as scheduled, April 12-16.

The government indicated they continue to monitor this situation. We will share any information on possible future provincial decisions regarding schools, as soon as we’re able.  

Current COVID-19 protocols will remain in place when schools are open next week. We remind everyone that the following requirements will continue next week:

• Before going to school each morning, please self-screen for signs of illness at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. The screening questions also are posted in 19 languages at Download COVID-19 screenings | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario 
• Stay home if you have even one new or worsening symptom listed in the screening tool. You can return to school once you receive a negative test result or alternative diagnosis from a health care provider, or 10 days after your symptoms began, if you feel better.
• All adults and siblings in the same household with someone who has COVID-19 symptoms must self-quarantine. They cannot return to school until the person with symptoms receives either a negative COVID-19 test result or alternative diagnosis.

As more information becomes available, we will continue to keep everyone informed.

In the meantime, I wish you a happy, healthy and restful long weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Friday, April 9, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As we begin a much needed and deserved break in the school year for our students and families, I want to share, once again, how much we truly recognize and appreciate everyone’s resiliency and dedication in supporting our students in these unprecedented times.

We remain hopeful that, with the arrival of the spring sunshine and the growing promise of vaccinations, brighter days are on the horizon for us all.

Provincially, the government has indicated they continue to monitor the ongoing status of our schools. Should any decision be made next week that changes our school operations, we will share that information with you as soon as we are able.

We also are moving forward with our enrolment planning for the 2021-2022 school year. At KPR, we believe in-person learning is the best option for student well-being and academic success. We also know that, given the pandemic, families value the option to choose between in-person and virtual learning.

To assist with our planning, we are asking students and families interested in virtual learning for 2021-22 to indicate their initial commitment now. Further details can be found in our KPR NEWS below. 

Meanwhile, in light of the provincial stay-at-home order, it is more vital than ever to follow public health advice over Spring Break, for a safe return April 19. The following public health measures are crucial to curb the spread of COVID-19:

• Socialize only with your own household.
• Stay home and get tested if you feel ill.
• Participate in asymptomatic testing opportunities available in COVID assessment centres and select pharmacies over Spring Break, and when testing comes to schools in your area.
• Screen your child every day during Spring Break for COVID symptoms before attending child care, using the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool
• Practice good hand hygiene, masking and physical distancing.
• Refrain from travelling.
• Visit ca/covidresponseto learn about public health measures.

The provincial government has indicated that pharmacies currently offering asymptomatic testing and COVID assessment centres will accept testing appointments for April 12-18 for students, education staff, and children and staff in child care centres. Please see KPR NEWS below for further information.

I wish everyone a healthy, refreshing and restoring Spring Break. Take care and stay well.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

 KPR NEWS

Opting for Online Learning
With vaccinations continuing, we hope to once again provide rich, varied educational experiences for all students in our schools in 2021-22. We also will provide virtual learning options for elementary and secondary students. While final details are being confirmed, online programs for next year will be based largely on current virtual school structures.

Elementary

• Virtual students will participate in synchronous learning (live, real-time instruction with the teacher) and asynchronous learning (work posted online for students to complete at any time).
• Entry to or exit from full-time virtual learning will occur at three designated times in the school year: September 1, Fall Progress Report, Spring 2022.

Secondary

• Virtual high school also will include synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• Our virtual learning opt-in portal includes a list of available courses to help students and families make a decision on virtual learning. You will be able to confirm your participation in virtual learning before the 2021-22 school year. Please note we cannot offer courses virtually if they have an in-person component.
• Entry/Exit from virtual learning will occur at the start of each semester (September 2021/February 2022).

Elementary and secondary families wishing to opt-in to virtual learning for 2021-22 should visit https://optin.kprdsb.ca

Asymptomatic Testing
To support safe return to school after the break, voluntary asymptomatic testing has been expanded. 

• Staff and students will be able to access asymptomatic testing at select pharmacies and assessment centres April 12-18, by booking an appointment online. Visit the Covid-19 Testing Locations website for a location near you.
• Shoppers Drug Mart will be offering Rapid Antigen Screening for students and staff starting April 14. Please see the attached list of participating stores; those located within KPR are highlighted. To book an appointment, contact the store directly.

KPR has two Asymptomatic Testing Clinics during the break for students, staff and families from specific schools: Saturday, April 10 at East Northumberland SS (ENSS) for ENSS and its feeder schools; and Saturday, April 17 at Thomas A. Stewart SS (TAS) for TAS, Adam Scott CVI and their feeder schools. More information has been shared with the invited school communities. Pre-registration is not available.

Critical Need for Self-Screening
When classes resume, we ask everyone to be especially vigilant in completing the daily self-screening for illness every morning before heading to school. We stress again that staff and students should not come to school if they have any symptoms of illness.

The provincial screening tool is available here:  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Monday, April 12, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Today, the provincial government announced elementary and secondary students will return to virtual learning following the April Break. Therefore, KPR elementary and secondary students will pivot to online learning only when classes resume April 19. Schools will remain closed to in-person learning.

The government also stated it will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 to determine when students will be able return to in-person learning safely. Families will be informed once a safe return date is set for in-person learning.

Students currently in KPR’s Virtual Elementary School and Virtual High School will continue learning online, as usual, when classes resume virtually April 19.  Learning and Life Skills (LLS) students (elementary and secondary) will be engaged in face-to-face learning at their home school with their teachers and support staff as of Monday, April 19.

Day care centres will remain open, but before- and after-school programs will close as long as schools are closed to in-person learning.

Should the Ministry of Education announce further details, we will share them with students, families and staff as soon as we are able. In the meantime, both elementary and secondary students should prepare for an online-only return to classes April 19.

Online learning will follow the same model used when schools in Ontario were closed to in-person learning in January. Teachers will once again use their regular communication platforms, such as Edsby, Google Classroom or D2L, in working with students.

In addition, online learning for all grades will involve a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students will spend part of each school day linked to their teacher live online, and complete the rest of their learning independently using resources posted online by teachers.

With today’s announcement of short-term school closures, we are, once again, gathering information about student technology needs to support remote learning. If your child or teen does not have a tablet, laptop or other electronic device for online learning, please let us know. If you are in need of a Chromebook, please complete this Google Form by Wednesday, April 14 at 9 p.m. Please note:  The OEN (Ontario Education Number) required for the technology request form can be found on any of the student’s report cards.

If you have any issues with the Google Form, please email KPR_Technology@kprdsb.ca . Families without access to technology can call 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3003; they will be asked to leave the parent’s/caregiver's name, phone number, student name, home school, Ontario Education Number and technology need.

As always, we offer our sincere thanks to students, families and staff for their continued efforts and support in these very challenging times.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Thursday, April 15, 2021

To All KPR Families,

This note follows up my message from Monday, when the provincial government announced elementary and secondary students would be returning to online learning only this Monday, April 19.

What Students & Families Can Expect As We Pivot to Remote Learning

As we pivot to remote learning after the April Break, we ask that you exercise patience on Monday, April 19, as our educators may require time to access their technology kits and get their remote learning classrooms up and running. This will be a Pivot Day where you can expect teachers to welcome students back to school in the morning and provide students and families with detailed instructions on what to expect as classrooms move to remote learning.

On Day 2, Tuesday, April 20, students and families can expect full remote learning classroom instruction similar to what you experienced in January 2021. This online learning for all grades will involve a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students will spend part of each school day linked to their teacher live online, and complete the rest of their learning independently using resources posted online by teachers.

Families who requested technology support can expect to hear from the school about pick-up instructions on Monday. If your child does not have a tablet, laptop or other electronic device for online learning, and you have not yet requested one, please let us know. If you are in need of a Chromebook, please complete this Google Form. The OEN (Ontario Education Number) required for the technology request form can be found on any of the student’s report cards.

If you have any issues with the Google Form, please email KPR_Technology@kprdsb.ca. Families without access to technology can call 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3003; they will be asked to leave the parent’s/caregiver’s name, phone number, student name, home school, Ontario Education Number and technology need.

I also want to remind you that we are asking everyone interested in virtual learning for 2021-22 to indicate your initial commitment now. Please see KPR News below for details.

I hope your family is able to enjoy the coming weekend in advance of the return to online learning. Please stay well and continue to follow the public health guidelines established for the safety of all.

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Opting for Online Learning

KPR is planning once again to provide rich, varied in-person learning in the 2021-22 school year. We also are offering families the ability to opt for online learning for 2021-22. While final details are still being confirmed, our online programs will continue to follow the same basic structure students have followed this year.  

Elementary virtual learning

• Virtual students will continue to participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning, following the same general schedule for the school day.
• Students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at three designated times in the school year: September 1, Progress Report time later in the fall, and spring 2022.

Secondary virtual learning

• Virtual high school also will include synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• Our virtual learning opt-in portal includes a list of available courses to help you make a decision on virtual learning. You also will be able to reconfirm your participation in virtual learning before the 2021-22 school year begins. Please note we cannot offer courses virtually if they have an in-person component.
• Entry to and exit from virtual learning will occur at the start of each semester (September 2021 and February 2022).

Elementary and secondary families wishing to opt-in to virtual learning for 2021-22 should visit https://optin.kprdsb.ca

Emergency Child Care for School Age Children of Health Care and Frontline Essential Workers
Beginning April 19, emergency child care will be provided at no cost to school-aged children of eligible health care and other frontline workers during the remote learning period. The service is intended for workers performing critical duties in the province's continued fight against COVID-19, who cannot work remotely and have elementary school-aged children. The list of eligibility for emergency child care has been expanded. The updated list will be available by Friday, April 16, and can be found at this link (please refer to schedule 5).

For details on eligibility, how to apply for emergency child care and for the list of approved emergency child care providers, please visit your region’s website by clicking on the name of the region.  

Northumberland Region

Durham Region

Peterborough Region

Earth Day 2021: #TakeCareOfThePlanet

Once again this year, KPR is participating in an important day focusing on the importance of protecting and restoring our planet. Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day.

In Canada, earthday.ca chose #TakeCareOfThePlanet as the theme for 2021. It’s a fitting theme for everyone involved in education as well, as we focus on each individual’s responsibility for ensuring our planet is healthy today and for future generations.

Traditionally, our schools have done community clean-ups, hosted special presentations, focused student work on protecting the natural environment, and more. While this year’s activities look different as students learn from home, we continue to encourage personal commitment and positive actions to care for our natural environment.

Please join us in recognizing Earth Day, today and every day throughout the year.

Friday, April 23, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As we end the first week of all schools’ return to virtual learning, we know many people are wondering when our elementary and secondary schools will reopen to in-person learning. Unfortunately, we do not know the answer to that as yet.

As you likely are aware, the provincial government decides when schools across Ontario are open or closed to in-person learning. We have not received any information yet as to a possible reopening date. Rest assured that, as soon as we are given a date when students can return to our bricks-and-mortar schools, we will share that information with students, families and staff.

In the meantime, we do have another important date to share with you. Over the past two weeks, we have been letting families know about the opportunity for full-time virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year. While we feel in-person learning is the best option for students, given the current pandemic realities, we are giving families the option of “opting-in” or choosing online learning.

If you would like your child or teen to learn online next year, please visit the online portal at https://optin.kprdsb.ca by Friday, April 30.

Opt-in Portal Closes April 30

The online portal for families to opt-in to full-time virtual learning for 2021-22 will close at midnight on Friday, April 30. The portal is at https://optin.kprdsb.ca

You will be able to review your decision and confirm your commitment to online learning again in late August/early September, before school begins.

While final details are still being confirmed, we expect online learning will follow the same basic structure as this year. Both elementary and secondary virtual learning will involve synchronous (live, online contact with the teacher) and asynchronous learning.

Here are some additional points you may find helpful in considering your choice:

• Elementary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the following designated times in the school year: beginning of September, Fall Progress Report (around mid-November), Term 1 Final Report (around early February), and spring 2022.
• Secondary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the start of each semester (September 2021 and February 2022). The virtual learning opt-in portal includes a list of anticipated online courses. Courses that have an in-person component cannot be offered virtually.

Elementary and secondary families wishing to opt-in to virtual learning for 2021-22 should visit https://optin.kprdsb.ca before midnight on Friday, April 30.

I wish you all a safe, healthy and enjoyable weekend.

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

Friday, April 30, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As I write this update on the last day of April, I find myself reflecting on several important dates.

On April 28, KPR lowered our flags to half-mast in honour of the National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace. We pay tribute to all those who have been made ill, injured or killed at their workplace, and renew our resolve to protect the well-being of everyone in our schools.

April 28 also marked Administrative Professionals’ Day. I can’t imagine our schools and offices operating successfully without these key employees. They are the first contact for countless parents, caregivers and students, and often the first people we turn to for help or information. Thank you, office professionals, for all that you do!

This Saturday, May 1, we celebrate Principals’ Day. The work of principals and vice-principals has become increasingly complex and demanding, particularly over the past year of constant change and pivots in learning modes. Principals set the tone for their school, deftly manage challenges, and maintain positive relationships, while never losing sight of their core purpose: helping every student succeed. We offer them our sincere appreciation.

In addition, next week – the first full week of May – is Education Week, Mental Health Week, and Children’s Mental Health Week.  Although we can’t be together to mark these events, we acknowledge the toll the past year has taken on our children’s, and one another’s, mental health. If you have concerns for your child’s or teen’s mental health, please reach out to your principal or vice-principal to access help from our mental health clinicians. You also will find supportive resources at Mental Health Resources (kprschools.ca). More mental health resources will be added in the coming week.

Finally, one question that remains top-of-mind is when students will be able to return to in-person learning. We don’t know the answer to that as yet. We continue to await provincial decisions on reopening of schools, and we will share that information with you as soon as we have it.

In the meantime, we have other updates for families in KPR News below.

Stay safe, everyone.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Opt-in Portal Closes Tonight
The online portal for families to opt-in to full-time virtual learning for 2021-22 will close at midnight tonight, Friday, April 30. Families interested in online learning for next year should visit https://optin.kprdsb.ca today.

KPR believes in-person learning is best for students; we also know some families wish to continue virtual learning next year. To help ensure resources and staff are in place for September for both modes of learning, we are asking those interested in virtual learning to indicate their initial commitment now.

Families will be able to review their decision and confirm their commitment to online learning in late August/early September, before school begins.

OSSLT Cancelled
As a result of the extended closure period, KPR students will not be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) this school year, as originally planned. Successful completion of the OSSLT is NOT a requirement for students graduating in June 2021, but remains a requirement for all other students.  Students who were able to write the OSSLT before April 19, and were successful, will have met this diploma requirement.

 Plans to support students in meeting the literacy requirement during the 2021-2022 school year are being developed and will be shared with families as soon as possible.

Free Online Mental Health Workshop
In recognition of Children's Mental Health Week, KPR is offering a free parenting workshop on understanding stress and promoting resiliency in children. The goal of this interactive online presentation is to explore the signs of stress and to encourage healthy coping skills. Details and registration are available at https://bit.ly/3eurFW9

Virtual Skilled Trades Event
Is your family interested in learning more about skilled trades careers available to students? KPR is participating in Build a Dream Trades Week, May 19 and 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. This free online event will introduce Grades 9-12 students to careers in the industrial, construction, motive power and service sectors. Students and families also will learn about OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) and pre-apprenticeship options in high school. For information and registration, please visit https://bit.ly/3eI6vnC . You will need to enter the password TheFutureIsTrades.

Friday, May 7, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As we wrap up Education Week in this time of COVID, it’s particularly appropriate that this annual event coincides with Mental Health Week and Children’s Mental Health Week.

The data on mental health are staggering. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), by the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 will have experienced a mental illness.  Adults aren’t the only ones affected. CAMH reports about 70% of mental illnesses begin in childhood or adolescence, and youth aged 15-24 are more likely to experience mental illness or substance use disorders than any other age group.

COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem. The longer the pandemic has continued, the more people of all ages have been struggling. Given this concerning trend, our mental health professionals have added more resources for students, families and staff at Mental Health Resources (kprschools.ca)

In particular, please see the attached letter to families. With the overwhelming interest in this week’s virtual workshop on Parenting Resilient Kids, we have added a second session on May 13. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3tngrZ1

If you have concerns for your child’s or teen’s mental health, please reach out to your principal or vice-principal. They can help you access the services of our outstanding mental health professionals.

Please don’t struggle in isolation. Reach out for the help that is available.

While we remain hopeful that students can return to in-person learning this spring, we do not know yet whether that will happen. Like you, we are eagerly awaiting news from provincial authorities as to when school buildings can reopen.

KPR NEWS below has more updates for families.

Stay safe.

Rita Russo
Director of Education

 KPR NEWS

Summer School, Summer Start!
Registration is open for KPR’s Summer School and Summer Start! Programs, which will run July 5-30. Both programs will be offered through eLearning, with face-to-face learning as an option if approved by public health. Summer school courses for Grades 9-12 are listed at Summer School (kprschools.ca); final course offerings will depend on enrolment.

Summer Start! serves students entering Grade 9. It focuses on literacy, math, organizational and interpersonal skills, and includes building a Muskoka chair in a high school wood shop. Participating students earn a high school credit. Registration is available at Summer School (kprschools.ca)

Please check the summer school web page often, as any provincial announcements could affect summer programs. 

Opting-in to Virtual Learning
The online portal for families to opt-in to online learning for September has closed; however, families will have another opportunity in late August to opt-in to virtual learning for 2021-22. We will communicate with families directly when the opt-in portal reopens in August.

Student Census Advisory Groups
KPR is seeking volunteers to sit on eight Student Census Advisory Groups. Each group will help us further explore and interpret the results of our 2018 Student Census, and better understand how specific groups are experiencing the education system. By sharing lived experiences, the advisory groups will help us better understand all of those we serve, and identify any potential gaps or barriers to student success.

KPR is seeking members for the following advisory groups: Indigenous, Black, South Asian, Racialized, Jewish, Sikh, Muslim and 2SLGBTQ+ Students. For details, please visit www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/StudentCensus.html Everyone interested in joining an advisory group should contact diane_findlater@kprdsb.ca by May 17.

Friday, May 14, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Throughout Canada, the month of May honours several groups whose contributions have helped to build the strong, welcoming place we call home.

Jewish Heritage Month and Asian Heritage Month recognize the pivotal roles Asian Canadians and Jewish Canadians have played in our communities, nationwide and globally. Not only does the month spotlight their outstanding contributions and achievements, it also celebrates the strength, perseverance and diversity that Canada represents.

KPR also recognizes the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on Monday, May 17. The day was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people and all others with gender and sexual diversities.

All three observances are an important reminder that we all must stand together in opposing hate.

Educators and families can access resources online at Asian Heritage Month - Canada.ca , Jewish Heritage Month | FSWC (friendsofsimonwiesenthalcenter.com) , and What is May 17? ~ May17.org . These sites offer information on steps we all can take to fight hate and honour the dignity and humanity of all. The following advice, in particular, resonates with me:

• Learn about the unique identities and peoples who have enriched Canadian society.  
• Challenge stereotypes and consider how they are rooted in hate and oppression.
• Be an ally by calling out acts of racism, discrimination and micro aggression, and actively support those victimized by hate.
• Interrupt unconscious biases and honestly reflect upon how they can affect our own behaviour.

I offer sincere thanks to all members of the diverse communities that make up KPR for their rich contributions to our schools and to our lives.

We do not know yet when students and staff will be able to return to school in person. We do know, however, that we miss all of you! On Thursday, the premier announced the current stay-at-home order will continue until at least June 2, and online learning will continue for elementary and secondary schools. As soon as we hear further from the province, we will let you know.

We were pleased to hear that, starting the week of May 31, youth aged 12-17 and their family members who have not been vaccinated will be eligible to book appointments for their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. We will be working with our local health units to confirm details locally, and will share those details as well.

In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine, take good care of yourselves and one another.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Graduation ceremonies
We know many people are anxious for news on graduations. Due to continuing public health directives and physical distancing, all Grade 12 graduation ceremonies in KPR have been postponed until fall 2021. We know that graduations are momentous occasions, and secondary principals will provide details about each school’s events to their school communities in the fall.

Elementary schools will celebrate Grade 8 graduations and Grade 6 leaving ceremonies virtually in June, based on health directives. Watch for details from your school.

We understand this may be disappointing news. We hope that, with ongoing vaccinations, we will soon be able to return to the rich and varied experiences that make education memorable.

Virtual Skilled Trades Event
Don’t forget about Build a Dream Trades Week May 19 and 20, when you can learn about skilled trades, OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) and pre-apprenticeship options available in high school. The free, online event for Grades 9-12 students will run from 6-8:30 p.m. both evenings. For information and registration, please visit https://bit.ly/3eI6vnC . You will need to enter the password TheFutureIsTrades.

Dial 211
Finally, we want everyone in the KPR family to be aware of the 211 phone service available in KPR and throughout Canada. This free, confidential service connects residents to government, health, community and social services available in their communities. Whether you need help finding food, housing, financial assistance, mental health support and more, dialing 211 will connect you to the services you need. 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 150 languages. You can  dial or text 211, email gethelp@211ontario.ca or visit www.211ontario.ca

Friday, May 21, 2021

To All KPR Families,                 

It’s easier to feel optimistic as this week’s summer-like days lead us to a much-needed long weekend. It also is heartening to hear that the incidence of COVID-19 in Ontario is slowly moving downward, while the number of vaccinated Ontarians continues to rise.

Throughout these days, we do miss the energy and smiles of our students in schools, and the question of when schools can reopen for in-person learning remains top-of-mind for all of us. Like you, we are anxiously awaiting word from the provincial government as to when we can return safely to our school buildings. The province has not given us a reopening date as yet. We certainly look forward to the day when we can once again experience the joyful “noise” of a busy school.

In the meantime, we look forward to recognizing National AccessAbility Week, May 30-June 5. National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) offers us the opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities, and to recognize the efforts of those actively involved in removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

As a public education system, we are truly fortunate to be able to serve students of all abilities. We all benefit from a society that makes inclusion a priority. When all Canadians can participate fully in all aspects of society and share their unique perspectives, experiences and abilities, we learn a great deal from one another, and our lives are enriched. Whether individuals’ disabilities are visible or invisible, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and inclusion.  

Finally, it gives me great pleasure to conclude this update with some exciting news. Early this morning, we learned the following four KPR students helped our region to win an unprecedented number of awards at the virtual Canada-Wide Science Fair, including the top overall prize:

• Calvin Karthik, a Grade 9 student at Kenner Collegiate, took home four major medals including Best Project Award – the top prize of the entire Canada-Wide Science Fair; you can see his project at https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/a-mighty-mushroom-and-the-power-of-poop-testing-biogas-production-using-spent-mushroom-substrate-eoxgn 

• Shaun Plassery, also from Kenner, earned three major awards for the following project: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/phytoremediation-of-crude-oil-effect-of-rhizobium-and-kelp-on-soybean-wheat-under-oil-stress-v2
• Rowan Sutcliffe Dummitt, from Adam Scott Intermediate School, won a silver medal for https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/impact-of-covid-19-public-health-messaging-techniques-on-adolescents-nqzrm
• Jessica Livingstone, of East Northumberland Secondary School, received two major awards for https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/a-mountain-of-technofossils-is-this-the-hill-we-want-to-die-on-wmrxe

Calvin’s win means he will compete and represent Canada at the virtual European Union Contest for Young Scientists to be hosted in Spain this September. I offer my sincere congratulations to all of the students, and to the staff and family members who supported them in their educational journey.

I hope you have a wonderful Victoria Day weekend, as we all continue to follow the advice of our public health officials. Please stay safe and stay well as you enjoy the sunshine.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Summer School, Summer Start!
A quick reminder: registration is open for KPR’s Summer School and Summer Start! Programs, which will run July 5-30. Both programs will be offered through eLearning, with face-to-face learning as an option if approved by public health. To see a list of available summer school courses for Grades 9-12 and to register for summer school, please visit Summer School (kprschools.ca) . Final course offerings will depend on enrolment.

Summer Start! serves students entering Grade 9. It focuses on literacy, math, organizational and interpersonal skills, and includes building a Muskoka chair in a high school wood shop. Participating students earn a high school credit. Registration and information are available at Summer School (kprschools.ca)

Please check the summer school web page often, as any provincial announcements could affect summer programs. 

Mentorship Program for Black, Indigenous Students
York University’s Schulich School of Business is introducing a new, virtual summer business education/mentorship program for Black and Indigenous students in Grades 10 and up. The program will introduce students to the many career paths available, support students in strengthening their “soft skills”, and empower students along their education journeys. Registration closes this Sunday, May 23, at https://schulich.tfaforms.net/42 For further information, please visit https://schulich.yorku.ca/future-students/business-excellence-academy/

Friday, May 28, 2021

To All KPR Families,

What a pleasure it was to enjoy a long weekend filled with beautiful weather! I hope you had a relaxing, refreshing break before returning to what was, for most of us, a shorter work week. Today’s reminder of winter weather was a bit of a shock and I sure hope it passes soon!

You may have heard reports that the government would be announcing a date “very soon” for students’ return to in-person learning. While we are aware of these reports, we have not received any information from the Ministry of Education on a date for schools to reopen.

When provincial education and health authorities direct schools to reopen, KPR will be ready and able to do so; however, we have not received any information to that effect. As soon as we receive news on the matter, we will share it with everyone. 

In the month of June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. Both support our core belief that all students and staff need to feel a sense of belonging in our schools and workplaces. All individuals must be treated with respect and dignity and celebrated for the unique and intersecting identities that make them who they are. All are welcome here.

KPR is fortunate to serve students from Alderville, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, as well as individuals from other Indigenous communities. We work with Indigenous partners to support Indigenous student achievement and well-being, and to increase all students’ understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples’ perspectives and contributions. We also strive to ensure Indigenous students and staff see themselves mirrored in their learning resources and working environments.   

In addition, all KPR schools will fly the Pride flag in June, to recognize Pride Month. Schools also have the option of flying the Pride flag at other times of the year to demonstrate that ALL students and staff are welcome here. The Pride flag is a universal symbol of acceptance, hope and diversity, and we are proud to fly it. There is no place for hate at KPR.

In addition, two important updates included in the KPR News section are related to student vaccination and the secondary school instructional model of quadmesters for next year. Please see the details on these two items below.

In closing, I applaud students and staff participating this week in the 2021 Environmental Symposium. We work with the local Catholic school board to host this two-day event on the theme of Inspiring Hope. Many students in more than 200 classes joined community partners in engaging, reflective activities centered on the land. We thank everyone involved for exploring and encouraging positive environmental action and appreciation of the land.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Youth Vaccinations For 12 and Up
Health Canada has authorized use of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up. Ontarians aged 12-17 are now able to book an appointment for a first dose of the vaccine. Some local health units also will hold special “youth and families” clinics. Details on booking vaccinations in our public health regions are available here.  

To help you make informed decisions, the province has developed the attached fact sheet, based on expert medical advice and scientific data. It covers key areas including vaccine safety and effectiveness for youth, and the importance of vaccination.

The government also has a dedicated webpage outlining how to book and prepare for a  vaccination appointment. It outlines the province’s plan for youth vaccinations, answers questions about safety and effectiveness, and provides links to external sites for more information.

Secondary Quadmesters in 2021-22
The quadmester system will continue in KPR high schools for the coming school year, as directed by the Ministry of Education, to limit the number of student-to-student contacts.

The 2021-22 school year will be divided into four quadmesters, with high school students taking two courses at a time: one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. This differs from the current quadmester model, which has students taking each of two courses one week at a time, on alternating weeks. The change to two classes a day follows consultation with students and staff.

This schedule will apply to all KPR high schools, including the Virtual High School. If required by public health officials to further reduce student contacts, schools will be able to adapt this model, or even pivot to other modes of learning.

The Ministry of Education will communicate further with school boards in the summer regarding back-to-school safety measures such as masking, handwashing, cohorting for school clubs and extra-curricular activities, and screening. KPR will share any further direction received from the province with students, families and staff, as soon as possible. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

To All KPR Families:

This update is being sent to you to address two important matters: today’s announcement by the provincial government regarding schools remaining closed for the rest of the school year, and what we know remains in all our thoughts this week: the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Provincial Announcement – Remainder of School Year

Today, the provincial government announced that students will not be returning to in-person learning for the rest of the school year. As a result, elementary and secondary students will continue with virtual learning only, for the rest of June. Daily schedules and learning modes, including existing in-person special education programming, will continue as they are now.

This announcement will be disappointing to many students and families, and we know that supporting students with learning at home is difficult. We sincerely thank our families for their hard work and dedication in supporting our students, and we remain hopeful that the continued roll-out of vaccines within our communities will bring brighter days in the new school year.

While we appreciate the necessity of virtual learning for our students as a public health measure, we remain mindful of the impacts of school closures on our children’s physical health, developmental health, mental health and learning. If you are concerned about your child’s or teen’s mental health, please contact your principal or vice-principal to access support from KPR’s mental health clinicians. I also encourage you to take advantage of the wealth of links and resources available at Mental Health Resources (kprschools.ca)  

The premier also stated today that school boards will be able to hold short, outdoor graduation celebrations where physical distancing is possible. We will await and review any further information coming from the province, and consult with our four local health units, to determine our next steps with respect to this announcement. We will share information with you as soon as it is confirmed.  

We also will share details, as they become available, on the collection of student belongings in June and on arrangements for the next school year.

Tragedy at Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia

As parents and caregivers, I know you share our deep sorrow for the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. While our thoughts and hearts are with the people of the Tk’emlups te Secwepmc First Nation as they prepare their community for the return of their lost children, we are also very mindful that survivors of the Residential School System, and those impacted by the generational trauma imposed by that system, walk alongside us and among us. 

We have been conscious of supporting our students, with special care and attention to Indigenous students, staff and families within the KPR community, in their grief at this time, and in the trauma that continued discoveries such as this may generate. To that end, we have shared culturally relevant, local and national learning resources and supports, for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, directly with all staff. These resources continue to be available through the main carousel banner of our board website at www.kprschools.ca

This tragedy serves as a difficult reminder of the impact of the residential school system and the thousands of children whose lives were lost and whose families were broken. Regrettably, this is but one story in the continuing narrative of the horrible implications and generational harm of the Canadian Residential School System.  This discovery, like so many others, is the mandate for action towards Reconciliation.  As Canadians, and as an education system, we have a role to play – today and every day – to educate ourselves and others in raising awareness of the tragic history and creation of the residential school system and its ongoing legacy.

As part of that commitment, we encourage everyone in our communities to use the empathy and grief in these moments to become informed agents of change. Information and resources are available from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and through grade appropriate Canadian Residential School System teacher resources, supported by www.orangeshirtday.org. 

Thank you for your continued support and caring for our students, staff and communities.                    

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As this school year gradually draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on latest news with profound sadness. As you likely are aware, four members of a Muslim family were killed on Sunday in London, Ontario, and another seriously injured, when they were deliberately struck by a speeding truck. The family, ranging in age from 9 to 74, was simply out for an evening walk at the time. 

London Police have stated this horrific event was an intentional, “hate-motivated” killing; the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith. We extend our sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the victims, family and community members affected by this senseless act of violence.

Tragic events such as these also cause us, as educators, to ask ourselves how we can continue to confront Islamophobia and hate. How can we educate students to ensure our schools and communities remain safe places to learn and to live, regardless of one’s ethnicity or faith?

We also are conscious of supporting students and families in their grief. We must reassure students that acts such as these are rare, and that schools are safe places to receive support, a calm environment and connection to caring adults and peers. Please contact your principal or vice-principal if you wish to access assistance from our mental health professionals for your child or teen. Resources also are available on our website.

With this update, I also wanted to share with you some important KPR News related to graduations and end-of-year matters. Regrettably, in consideration of ongoing health measures and after discussion with our local public health units, we will not be able to hold in-person graduation ceremonies at our schools this June.

Graduations are momentous milestones, and we regret that we are unable to provide the opportunities we wish for all students. With ongoing vaccinations, we hope to return in September to all the rich and varied experiences that make education memorable.

For further information, please see KPR News below.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Graduations and year-end activities
Last week, the provincial government announced school boards may consider limited, outdoor end-of-year events. Based on ongoing public health restrictions, however, schools have spent months planning and creating meaningful virtual graduation ceremonies. Given the ongoing health directives and the risks posed by large gatherings, we remain concerned for the safety of students, families and staff. We also know from experience that it simply is not possible to organize large, in-person events in the last couple of weeks of school.

In light of the safety concerns for students, staff and community, we are regretfully confirming that:

• all Grade 12 graduation ceremonies in KPR remain postponed until Fall 2021
• elementary schools will celebrate Grade 8 graduations and Grade 6 leaving ceremonies virtually in June.

We also recognize that schools must arrange for students to be able to pick up any belongings left behind, and to drop off electronic devices and materials. Principals will be scheduling different times for students to come and pick up their belongings, on either Monday, June 28 or Tuesday, June 29 in most cases. Where possible, schools may arrange that process, by grade or cohort, so that students can have an outdoor opportunity to say goodbye to staff and classmates as an end-of-the-year farewell. 

Please watch for details from your school regarding graduation or school leaving ceremonies, and for pick-up of your child’s or teen’s belongings from school.

Youth Vaccinations
Ontarians aged 12-17 are now able to book an appointment for a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Details on booking vaccinations in our public health regions, including updated information on youth only clinics are available here.

The government also has a dedicated webpage on booking and preparing for vaccination appointments. It outlines the province’s plan for youth vaccinations, answers questions about safety and effectiveness, and provides links to external sites for more information.