On March 31, 2020, the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education announced that, following the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, schools across the province will remain closed until May 4, 2020, at the earliest.

Dear Parents, I am writing to you today exactly two weeks since our government declared a State of Emergency in the province. I know this period has not been easy for you or your children, especially as the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak begin to have increasing effects on your day-to-day lives and livelihoods.

Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce have announced that all schools in Ontario will be closed until at least May 4, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will communicate more information, as it becomes available.

Please be advised that in light of the recommendations made by the provincial government as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Health, effective immediately and until further notice all access to Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board outdoor recreational amenities, including sports fields and outdoor play structures, is strictly prohibited. These measures have been put into effect to protect the health and safety of our community by reducing potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

On Friday, March 20, 2020 the Ministry of Education launched the first phase of a new online portal called Learn at Home that will provide resources for families so students can continue their education while schools are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. For more information visit the Learn at Home page at www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home

Families who benefit from the Breakfast Program offered in schools, are advised there will now be two hubs set up in North Bay to pick up breakfast items. The Gathering Place at 1181 Cassells St. from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays Home Style Cafe at 741 Wallace Rd. from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Interested families are required to register with their name, address, postal code, telephone number, number of children and school they attend. Requests can be sent to studentnutrition@communitylivingnorthbay.org or by telephone at 705-476-3288, ext. 1611.

As a result of the emergence of COVID-19 in Canada and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone our PIC Speaker Event with Dr. Greg Wells previously scheduled for April 14, 2020. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.