As we transition to virtual learning this week at Viola Desmond, we would like to explain the difference between RealTime and FlexTime learning opportunities.

• RealTime Learning - These are learning opportunities where the educators are online at the same time with students to facilitate community circles, teach lessons or lead small group activities. At Viola, our RealTime learning opportunities will take place during Google Meets in the morning and afternoon.

• FlexTime Learning - These are learning opportunities where students have the flexibility to access the work at any time. Educator teams will post activities, tasks, and assignments on Google Classroom.

• Our model for this week has taken into careful consideration of family schedules and the need to share devices between siblings. We are following the Ministry Guides of 180 minutes of RealTime Learning for Kindergarten students and 225 minutes of RealTime Learning for students in Grade 1 to 8. Kindergarten educator teams and teachers have established office hours to support FlexTime learning and to answer parent questions.

We understand that your child may be unable to attend virtual school, similar to in-person learning. As part of the Ministry of Education guidelines, we are still required to complete daily attendance, which may include sending it to our call out system.

Please remember there are 3 ways to report an absence:

1. Go to the SchoolMessenger website;

2. Online or on your smartphone through the SchoolMessenger app

3. Calling 1-844-350-2646

Thank you!

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and political activist who is arguably the most famous leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. King was named Man of the Year by Time Magazine in 1963, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964—then the youngest man ever to have received the award. He turned over the Nobel Prize money to further the Civil Rights Movement. King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had planned to lead a march in sympathy with striking garbage workers. It was only 9 years later, in 1977, when he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter. In the United States, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year. The struggle to have this day recognized as a federal holiday involved Stevie Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday,” and a petition with 6 million signatures—the largest petition in US history. The day was observed first in 1986, and was finally observed in all states in 2000. For his promotion of non-violence and racial equality, King is considered a peacemaker and martyr by many people around the world.

Lincoln MacCauley Alexander was born on Jan. 21, 1922. He practised law for more than 10 years and in 1968 was elected MP of Hamilton West, becoming Canada's first black MP. He held his seat for four terms, but left in 1980 to become chair of Ontario's Worker's Compensation Board. In 1985, he was named Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, the first black man to hold that title. He was also the University of Guelph's longest-serving chancellor from 1991 to 2007. He died in October 2012 at the age of 90.

On June 12, 2012, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario had its first reading of Bill 111, an Act to proclaim the month of January Tamil Heritage Month. People of Tamil heritage have migrated to Ontario since the 1940s. Tamil Canadians have overcome obstacles while making significant contributions to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural tapestry. Tamil Heritage Month presents an opportunity to reinforce the important history and contributions of Canadians of Tamil heritage. The month of January was chosen because the first month of the Tamil calendar – Thai begins in January. This month is also significant as Tamil Canadians recognize many cultural and artistic observances including the Tamil Harvest Festival – Thai Pongal.

The By-Law Officer from the Town of Ajax observed the parking situation during entry and afternoon exit periods, and expressed significant concern due to many safety infractions observed.

• The By-Law Officer has asked the school to remind parents and guardians to safely follow road rules and laws during high peak times of morning drop off and end of day pick up.

• While the parking loops remain closed, parents are encouraged to park on Formosa, Turnerbury or the side streets during these times. You are encouraged to walk your child to school as well.

• Please refrain from stopping in the middle of the side street to pick up your child. This poses a significant safety risk for on-coming traffic.

• It is important to adhere to the reduced driving speeds within a school zone.

• The By-Law Officer will be issuing tickets moving forward to infractions that have been observed.