FAQ's
Frequesntly Asked Questions
Peel Board is expecting to delay the start of school. Is OGC scheduled to start as planned?
Yes, our first day of school is scheduled for September 8, as staggered start (Please review our Staggered Start Schedule). Peel board is delaying the start of school due to not being ready and not because of any health or safety concerns. At OGC, we have been working through the summer to prepare ourselves to begin on the scheduled date and we look forward to welcoming our students to a productive year.
What is the DL waitlist? Is it the same as the COVID-19 waitlist?
No, the DL waitlist is separate. Due to a high demand of students wishing to be on DL, we will be putting the surplus students on a waitlist to join the DL model. This is necessary to maintain acceptable class sizes and to avoid any disruption to staff as well as student cohorts in both models.
What happens if I sign up for one model but change my mind a couple of weeks into the school year? Am I allowed to switch between models?
We understand that this decision is difficult for our families due to the uncertainties around the current situation and the health and safety concern for our children. For that reason, we will try our best to accommodate whenever a spot is available. However, we request flexibility and consideration from our families as we are limited in our options as we strive to maintain a healthy class size, along with managing the cohorts.
We have set deadlines in the coming months to allow for a smooth transitioning between models. To withdraw from an online class, parents need to fill in this online form when they choose to reintegrate their children into regular in-class attendance at least one week in advance of the reintegration dates:
November 16, 2020
February 1, 2021
March 22, 2021
With some students moving to DL will the onsite class size be smaller?
Based on the DL registrations, the majority of onsite classes will be smaller, however, very few might be slightly more than the desired cap of 22 as we accommodate the DL/onsite dynamics.
My child is on DL. How can we pick up the school resources?
All DL students will be coming in on a specified date (refer to the staggered entry schedule) to meet their teacher in person and collect any necessary resource material needed.
If an on-site student is sick, can he/she join the DL class for that time?
If a student is absent due to non-COVID related illness, he/she might join the DL class if permitted by the teacher. In case, this option is not available the student is expected to cover the missed lesson asynchronously via Google Classroom.
What is the difference between Distant Learning and Live Stream?
What are synchronous and asynchronous learning?
In a synchronous model the teacher provides live instruction via an online platform like ZOOM whereas, asynchronous model requires the student to utilize the resources posted by the teacher online via Google Classroom to keep up with the curriculum.
If an on-site student is quarantined, does that mean the whole class will need to quarantine?
In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 we have to wait for directions from public health regarding the quarantine protocol for the rest of the student cohort.
If an onsite student is at home due to quarantine, will they be allowed to join the DL class?
A student in quarantine can join the DL class only if the teacher is also taking a DL class and he/she permits the student to do so. If that is not the case, then the student will have to continue via asynchronous learning model for the quarantine period.
Is the school accepting new students on the school enrollment waitlist to fill up available spots in the on-site classes?
No new students are being accepted into either model and class sizes are being maintained at the standard maximum numbers.
If a second wave hits, will OGC be providing DL to all students?
We continue to follow the Ministry's Guidelines pertaining to school opening/closing during the pandemic. In case of a second wave we will likely resume classes on DL following the similar model as we did after March Break to ensure the undisrupted learning of our students.
Does my child need a Chromebook at home for DL or can any device be used? Does the Chromebook need to be provisioned by OGC?
JK - Grade 5 can use any device at home, provided it is in good working condition with functioning mic and speakers. Grade 6 and up will be provided with Chromebooks which are rented/bought from the school. In case the student is using a non-OGC purchased Chromebook, they must have it provisioned by the school for a nominal charge.