4 out of 5 Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon students will be in the classroom when school starts

Mississauga | Brampton | Caledon | Ontario | Education | Latest News |

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Published August 23, 2021 at 4:06 pm

More than 80 per cent of Peel elementary and secondary students will attend class in person in September, according to the results of the Family Learning Choice Survey conducted over the summer.

The full survey results will be presented at the board’s meeting on Wednesday.

Families in Peel were asked to commit to a full term or semester either in-school or remotely. Students can change their mind in late January, if they so choose.

Last year, at the elementary level, 50.7 per cent of students attended classes in person. Based on the survey results, in which no response was taken to mean in-class learning, 82.3 per cent of students will be attending classes beginning in two weeks.

At the secondary level, the in-class percentage jumps from 73.7 per cent to 80.1 per cent.

The report also outlines several COVID-19 safety measures that will be observed this year, mostly based on provincial guidelines and regulations.

Everyone going into a school will have to confirm passing of a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms including teachers, students and any visitors.

Masks will be mandatory for both teachers and students while indoors, except when eating or drinking.

At the elementary level, students will attend classes five-days-a-week, remaining in their class cohort for the full day, including recess and lunch. Even when outside, students will be encouraged to maintain physical distancing and stay within their cohorts. This will limit spread of COVID-19 from class to class should a case present.

The use of shared objects/materials will be permitted. Examples include toys, books, art supplies, phys-ed equipment and computers.

Extra curricular sports and clubs are permitted, with no fans allowed.

The report indicates improving air quality has been an on-going process within schools and the board has accessed funding from both the provincial and federal levels of government.

“PDSB is hopeful that with continued enhanced safety protocols and access to vaccinations, staff and students will be welcomed back to in-person learning in September,” said the report’s conclusion.

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