Online Courses (Distance Learning)

 Distance learning can be a good option for some senior students who are absent from school for large periods of time or who would like to take courses that we cannot offer in a classroom setting.  

 Online courses require full participation in completing learning guides, lessons, and exams. In most cases, online courses are in addition to the full course load taken at WSS.

Students who wish to take an online course should consider the following:

1. Students who take online courses through Sea to Sky Online School ONLY receive distance support from their online teachers as opposed to teachers from Whistler Secondary. There are no Sea to Sky Online teachers working out of Whistler Secondary.

2. Sea-to-Sky Online School, which is part of School District 48, offers online courses in Grades 10, 11, and 12.  Online courses follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum (same as classroom courses). 

3. Characteristics that lend themselves to successful online learning include self-regulation, planning, and independence (requiring little to no support).  

4. If students are considering a career in science or planning to go to university to study science, they may want to consider a classroom setting for the purpose of accessing labs while benefiting from in-class support of peers and their teacher.

5. Students often require letters of recommendation for University programs and scholarships.  Working with teachers in classrooms allow the teachers to get to know students and speak to their accomplishments.  Online teachers are not able to have these same experiences and complete recommendations.

6.  Any student wishing to register in an online course are to meet with their counselor AND parents prior to enrolling in an online course. This is to ensure understanding and that the course is a viable learning option for a student. In our experience, some students often find it very challenging to complete online courses and we do not recommend that students take more than one at a time unless there is prior evidence that it is an effective learning method for that student.

7. Grade 8 and 9 students are part of our middle school program which is designed to support competency and interpersonal development in a social context.  We encourage Grade 8 and 9 students to participate fully in all 8 classes.

8. Many students who are athletes inquire about taking PHE online.  We recommend these students meet with their teachers and discuss their training schedules.  Our teachers are familiar with balancing the needs of student athletes, and plan accordingly.   PHE in class also offers the opportunity to discuss and learn from guest speakers from the school and community for many aspects of the health curriculum, including sexual development, healthy decision making, drugs and alcohol use and maintaining positive mental health.  

Please read on for additional procedures and expectations from the online school.  

Sea to Sky Online School  (SSOS) Procedures around Online Support Blocks

If a student is requesting an Online Support Block inside their schedule, we would request the following questions be taken into consideration when discussing with a student:

• Why do they want an Online Support Block?

• Are they already registered through the SSOS for an online learning class?

• If not, what class are they planning on registering for?

• In order to proceed, we would ask that parents be informed of the request for an online learning block and provide consent, which can be done verbally or via email.

• Ideally, if time allows, students will register during their counsellor appointment for their online class, if they are not already registered in one. They can register online by visiting the Sea to Sky Online School website HERE.

• If a student has previously taken a SSOS course, they will need to register for additional courses by emailing Elise Lambert at elambert@sd48.bc.ca and asking to be enrolled in the course of their choosing.

EXPECTATIONS

• Students will report to the teacher librarian in the library at the start of their online support block for daily attendance.

• Parents may contact the school to excuse an absence if a student knows they will be absent for an out-of-school commitment.

• The school’s Code of Conduct shall apply in all situations while a student is in their Online Support Block. Any concerns related to behaviour will be conveyed to the school administration.

• It is recommended that students check in regularly with the Online School teacher regularly, as they can provide support and advice.  Students can learn more information about the Sea to Sky Online School by visiting the website at www.seatoskyonline.com.