As you know, the Government of Ontario confirmed yesterday that elementary and secondary students in the region of Northern Ontario will proceed with returning to in-person learning, as scheduled, on January 11, 2021.  This includes students in the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.

We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to our school and system staff for their responsive efforts and focused dedication to ensuring that our students were connected and supported during this school closure period and we thank all of you for your continued support and partnership.  

School principals will be communicating with you regarding scheduling a time for the return of loaned technology in the near future.

When schools reopen on January 11, we wish to assure you that every measure will continue to be taken to maintain safe and healthy school facilities and our students and staff will be adhering to the same health and safety practices prior to the shutdown, as outlined in our school reopening plan.  Our educators will be engaging and focusing students with a refresher on key health and safety protocols and important safety topics.  

As we plan for the safe return to school on January 11, we would like to remind parents to conduct a daily screening of your child for Covid-19 symptoms each morning before leaving for school or childcare or sending your child on the bus.  Please use Ontario’s online school and childcare screening tool. 

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) website has numerous resources for parents and guardians, and can be reached at 1-800-563-2808 option 5, if families have additional Covid-19 related questions.

Practicing ‘Covid Kindness’

With the extension of the provincial shutdown in Northern Ontario communities to January 25, 2021, our local health unit continues to advise all members of the public to continue to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering while out in public, washing or sanitizing hands often and coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, among other best practices. 

While remaining vigilant, practicing ‘Covid Kindness’ also means supporting one another during these difficult times. 

As the situation continues to evolve across the province and in our community, we ask that everyone remain respectful, patient and understanding of one another. We have all been impacted by the pandemic in different ways and treating others with respect and kindness are foundational to our Catholic school communities.

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful weekend and an exciting return to school next week.