OCSTA President Responds to Closing of Schools for the Remainder of the Year

Today Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce announced that Ontario’s schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. This decision was informed by the opinions of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and medical professionals at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Our Catholic school boards across the province keep us informed on the concerns, the questions and the impact of at-home learning on students and families. With this understanding of the various circumstances in different areas of the province, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association works with Ministry of Education staff and officials to ensure that they are aware of these priorities as they update policies and programs to support the continued at-home learning programs of all students, especially the most vulnerable.

The safety and well-being of students and staff is the leading priority for Catholic school boards as we look ahead to the reopening of schools in the new school year. Today’s reference to the government’s work on a plan that will strengthen learning and safety protocols upon the eventual reopening of schools, is very important and we look forward to reviewing that information before the end of June.

This is an unprecedented and challenging time for all, and I commend students, staff, families and our partners in education for their efforts.

Beverley Eckensweiler
President
Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association