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K-12 Schools Extension of Remote Learning (May 12-June 30, 2021)

AdminOffice

June 11, 2021

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update on our current situation.  I appreciate the efforts of families and staff in supporting the students during remote learning.  I realize that you are required to balance already full plates with additional responsibilities related to remote learning.

I am able to provide more information based on our understanding to date:
 

  • Schools within the City of Brandon remain in remote learning until the end of the school year with the ability to reopen to small groups starting on Monday June 14th. École O'Kelly School, Alexander School and Spring Valley Colony School will remain open following the Public Health orders currently in place.
  • Children of Critical Services Workers will continue to be eligible to attend school until June 29th.
  • Additional small groups of students can be scheduled for in-person support, assessments, and transition planning.  This will not look the same between classes due to a number of factors such as the number of children of Critical Services Workers in the class, the age of the students and the nature of the support/assessments and transitioning that is being accessed.
  • Small groups of students scheduled for in-person support may not be eligible for transportation.
  • Parents continue to have the option to not send their child for additional support.
  • June 28th and 29th are scheduled as transitional days to allow for families to return school technology (computers and/or routers). This also provides the opportunity for students to retrieve personal items in their lockers or classrooms.
  • If your family situation requires a change in your plans for June, parents can return equipment or access personal items at earlier times, by making arrangements with their school.
  • All students will receive a report card that reflects the overall assessment of the term or semester.
  • June 30th will remain an Administration Day as originally scheduled in the yearly calendar.


I would also like to provide an overview of the implications for Graduation ceremonies or year-end celebrations such as Kindergarten/Grade 8 ceremonies.  These types of events are not exempt from the Public Health Orders.  As such there are two types of ceremonies that can occur:

  1. Ceremony at the school that follows the current guidance and Public Health orders for schools ensuring that two (2) metres of physical distancing and student mask use (except when posing for a picture).  For schools currently in remote learning, groups of 5-6 students could attend together. Schools not in remote learning could attend in their class cohorts.  However, as guests are not allowed to attend a school, no parents/guests can be present for the event.
     
  1. Ceremony follows the drive-in or drive-up model.  Students attend along with their household members in a vehicle maintaining two (2) metres spacing.  Students are allowed to leave their vehicle to receive a diploma/certificate as long as they are wearing a mask.  Family members must remain beside their vehicle and must also wear a mask.

 

I understand the disappointment that students and families are feeling with the limitations on these ceremonies.  I know that our school teams are trying to make the best environment while supporting the Public Health orders that are currently in place.

Please accept my gratitude for your cooperation and support for our schools in trying to provide the best learning environment for your children.  I understand the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the resulting impact on families.  It is my hope that the efforts by Brandon School Division staff have been supportive to you and your family.

Mathew Gustafson
A/Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer

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