Lori Wilder, Director of Education with the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB), issued the following letter to parents and guardians Wednesday regarding the announcement from the province that schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As announced Wednesday by the provincial government, schools in Ontario will remain closed for the remainder of the current school year. Click here to view the provincial media release.

In BWDSB, this means that remote learning will continue as both elementary and secondary students will not return to in-person learning at school until September 2021. Exceptions for in-person learning and transportation will continue for intensive special education needs students who cannot be accommodated through remote learning.

Before and after school programs will remain unavailable until the new school year. However, child care centres in schools will stay open for non-school aged children and those children of eligible health care and frontline workers.

With today’s announcement, we recognize that there will be important information to communicate with families in the coming days about retrieving personal belongings from schools, returning school board property, and year-end recognitions.

For students who may be struggling, our mental health staff continue to share several resources and some options for individualized support. Please visit www.bwdsb.on.ca/students/mental_health for more information.

I know that our amazing educators and administrators will continue to do their very best to make these final few weeks of the school year engaging and memorable. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts, collaboration, and patience of all our parents and guardians in supporting your children over this most recent period of remote learning. I know that I speak for many of our staff in expressing deep appreciation for your commitment and cooperation despite many competing family responsibilities. Thank you!

If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out to your child(ren)’s school(s).

Sincerely,
Lori Wilder
Director of Education