Canada's largest school board is warning parents and students to brace for more changes, as it adjusts to soaring enrolment in online education.
With the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the province in recent weeks, thousands of families have decided to make the switch from in-class to online learning.
As a result, the TDSB plans to reassign about 570 teachers to its "Virtual School" platform, as it tries to ensure all students taking classes online has access to a full-time teacher.
Meantime, our media partner CP24 is reporting that York Catholic District School Board is completely revamping its teaching model for elementary students.
Starting next week, the YCDSB reportedly plans to combine in-person students with those taking virtual classes - into one class - because of ongoing staffing issues.
Interim Director of Education Mary Battista confirmed the new hybrid model in a letter to parents Wednesday.
“Given the various operational and staffing challenges faced in the current remote learning model, and the need to find a solution that is sustainable for the remainder of the school year, a decision has been made in the best interest of all elementary students,” noted Battista.
The change will mean that students physically in the classroom will be joined by online learners through a live stream.
In order to facilitate the transition to the new hybrid model, elementary schools with the York Catholic District School Board, will remain closed on Tuesday, October 13th; a teacher is expected to get in touch with students with login information on that day as well.
“We understand that this is very short notice for parents and apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this may cause. This day will be used by staff to complete the necessary preparations to welcome face to face and remote learners to their classrooms,” said Battista.
The schools are set to reopen on Wednesday, October 14.
With files from CP24 and The Canadian Press