Prior to the Winter Break, we asked all elementary school families to indicate if they wanted their child(ren) to be considered for a switch from in-person (in-school) to virtual learning (at home) or from virtual learning (at home) to in-person (in-school) learning. This information helped us plan the last opportunity to switch for the 2020-21 school year.

With the help of this survey information, the lessons learned from previous switching experiences and following Toronto Public Health (TPH) guidelines, we have decided to proceed with a final switching opportunity, where space is available, in February 2021 for those families who indicated interest in the December switching survey.

We are committed to completing as many requests as possible, with priority given to students who live in neighbourhoods which are at higher risk for COVID-19 based on recent data from TPH. Schools will be working to find appropriate classroom spaces for students who requested a switch, however it is important for families to understand that it will not be possible to accommodate all requests. Additionally, we know that families need stability and we want to ensure as little disruption to learning as possible, including for those students who have not requested a switch.

We wanted to provide families with this important update today, but we ask for your continued patience while we finalize the process to complete this complex transition. We know that families have questions and we are aiming to provide more information next week to those who requested a switch.

Please be assured that if you indicated interest in making a switch in the December survey, we have this information and you will be contacted to confirm. No further action is required at this time.

While we recognize the changing circumstances with regard to COVID-19, families who indicated interest in a switch for their child in the December survey will be prioritized, if space is available. At this time, it is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate any additional switch requests. For more information, please speak directly to your child’s current school principal (Elementary Virtual School or at their in-person school).

Visit the switching web page for more information.