Ministry Tells Ontario School Boards to Prepare for Remote School in January

Ministry Tells Ontario School Boards to Prepare for Remote School in January
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce speaks at Queen's Park, in Toronto, on Aug, 13, 2020. (The Canadian Press/ Christopher Katsarov)
The Canadian Press
12/17/2020
Updated:
12/17/2020

TORONTO—Ontario’s education ministry has told school boards to prepare for the possibility of fully remote learning next year.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce has told board chairs they should encourage staff and students to bring essential learning materials home over the holidays.

Lecce says in his Tuesday memo that the precaution will help the education system be ready for “all scenarios.”

He says the government is eyeing an increase in hospitalizations and ICU admissions from COVID-19.

The Toronto District School Board told families last night that classes, schools or the entire system may move online as COVID-19 cases rise in the city.

Families were told in an email to prepare for remote learning, with a working device at home and correct contact information provided to their school.

They are also advised to ensure students bring all of their belongings home before the holiday break this month.