Appendix O - Voluntary School Attendance for Students

Protocol: Opting Out of In-School Learning

The return to school in the fall of 2020-21 will be voluntary and based on parent choice. For parents who choose not to send their child back to school, school boards should be prepared to offer remote education. This requirement will be in place for as long as public health circumstances require adapted delivery of education.

- Ministry of Education

Introduction

If Parents/Guardians choose to “Opt-Out” of in-school learning at the student’s school in September, 2020, please complete this Opt-Out Form by August 24, 2020. Opting-out of in-school learning will still require students to access daily learning digitally through a distance format.

Protocol

1. If parents are choosing not to send their child(ren) to school due to concerns over COVID-19, parents will complete the Opt-Out Form by August 24, 2020.

2. When comfortable with child(ren) returning to school, parents/guardians may send their child(ren) back to in-school learning on these designated dates:

• Week of Sept. 14

• Week of Sept. 21

• Week of Oct. 5

• After Thanksgiving, please contact the school Principal to make arrangements for your child’s return.

Attendance Procedures/Expectations

It is the expectation that students will engage in online learning each instructional day. Instruction will be provided for all reportable subjects of the Ontario curriculum and according to your child’s secondary school timetable. If a child is unable to participate in distance learning due to illness, appointments, etc. it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the school to report the absence so that attendance can be tracked daily.