June Moe

Memo to Sector Seeking Feedback on Draft Re-Opening Plan for 2020-21 School Year
Memorandum To: Directors of Education

School Authorities
From: Nancy Naylor

Deputy Minister
Subject Seeking Feedback on a Draft Approach on Re-Opening

for the 2020-21 School Year
Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting students, both for the rest of
this year and as we plan for a return to in-class instruction for the 2020-21 school year. I
appreciate the flexibility, resourcefulness and creativity boards have shown at this
unprecedented time.
The health, safety and well-being of students and staff remain top priority as the Ministry
considers different approaches to reopen schools for the 2020-21 school year. I would
like to assure you that any re-opening plan will be flexible and responsive to the most
current advice provided by the COVID-19 command table and Ontario’s Chief Medical
Officer of Health.
The purpose of this memo is to seek feedback from school boards and education
partners on elements to inform a provincial re-opening plan, including:
• Voluntary School Attendance
• School Organization and Timetabling
• Ensuring Academic Success
• Online Capacity and Technology Readiness
• Health and Safety
• Communications to Parents
• Student Transportation
• Collaboration with Employee Representatives
• Governance and Administration
• Timelines
Please see further detail on each element at the end of this memo.
The Ministry recognizes that the 72 school boards across Ontario are diverse, and that
a coordinated but differentiated approach may be required to support students, parents
and staff. To that end, we want to hear from you about the approaches that will work
best given your boards’ local circumstances and capacity.
1
To assist with preliminary board planning, the Ministry has developed a draft self-
assessment checklist boards can use to guide their re-opening approach, in alignment
with the elements proposed in this memo. Please note that the Ministry would not
require boards to submit this checklist to the Ministry; rather, it is a voluntary self-
assessment tool that boards may wish to use for their own internal planning.
Please send your feedback via email submission to xyz@ontario.ca by XX. We look
forward to hearing your feedback.
Thank you once again for your flexibility and willingness to work together to support
Ontario’s students.
Sincerely,
Nancy Naylor
Deputy Minister
c: President, Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l'ontario Commented [FS(1]: To be confirmed
(ACÉPO)
Executive Director, Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de
l'ontario (ACÉPO)
President, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques
(AFOCSC)
Executive Director, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires
catholiques (AFOCSC)
President, Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA)
Executive Director, Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA)
President, Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA)
Executive Director, Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA)
Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE)
President, Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens
(AEFO)
Executive Director and Secretary-Treasurer, Association des enseignantes et
des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO)
President, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
General Secretary, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
President, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
General Secretary, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
President, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)
General Secretary, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)
Chair, Ontario Council of Educational Workers (OCEW)
Chair, Education Workers’ Alliance of Ontario (EWAO)
2
President of OSBCU, Canadian Union of Public Employees – Ontario (CUPE-

ON)
Co-ordinator, Canadian Union of Public Employees – Ontario (CUPE-ON)
3
Ministry of Education
For Discussion:
A Draft Approach on Re-Opening for the
2020-21 School Year
4
INTRODUCTION
Lead-in, recognition of covid19, commitment to safety
Reference to school re-opening health and safety protocol + transportation protocol that
form part of this guidance
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE VOLUNTARY
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 online education. This requirement will be in place for as long as
public health circumstances require adapted delivery of education.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND TIMETABLING
The current public health circumstances related to COVID19 will require Ontario school
boards to prepare for a range of delivery circumstances for the 2020-21 school year.
In light of the continuing uncertainty about public health risks, school boards will be
asked to prepare for:
- ongoing online delivery
- adapted delivery based on smaller class sizes, cohorting and alternative day or
week delivery, and
- conventional delivery with a continued focus on enhanced protocols
The ministry expects to stay in close communication with school boards through June
and July, and to provide guidance based on public health advice in early August to
prepare for school opening.
It is anticipated that school boards may need to operate on one or more of these forms
of delivery through the school year, and to move between these forms of delivery based
on public health circumstances.
5
To the greatest extent possible, boards would be encouraged to assign students,

teachers and educational assistants and ECEs to class groupings as they would in a
conventional school year, so that class groupings can be maintained despite the form of
delivery that is in place during the school year.
Online Delivery
Extension of current school closure

Synchronous learning
Use of approved VLEs
Ability to access online courses through TVO/ILC
Adapted/focused curriculum and hours of work?
Adapted Delivery
Should public health conditions allow for the re-opening of schools, it is anticipated that
guidance may be provided to open under adapted conditions that prioritize student and
staff health and safety.
The ministry is drawing on two key aspects of health advice: distancing and cohorting.
Distancing refers to the advice that individuals should avoid close personal
contact, and maintain 2 meters of separation for any prolonged encounters.
Cohorting refers to minimizing the number of students and teachers any

individual comes in contact with, and to maintaining consistency in those
contacts as much as possible.
Together, these approaches lead to the advice that school boards should adopt adapted
delivery models that:
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- maintain class sizes of no more than 15 students in a typical classroom
- adopt timetabling that would allow, to the greatest extent practical, for students to
remain in contact with only their classmates and a single teacher for as much of
the school day as possible
This approach has a number of implications:
- maintaining a class size of 15 or fewer students will require alternate day or week
delivery to a segment of the class at one time
- students not in class for a day or days would need to be assigned curriculum
linked work; where possible, students not in class could participate in
synchronous learning with their classmates for a period of the school day
- teachers and educational assistants would need to prepare lesson plans that
could be delivered through alternate day or week timetables, where part of a
student’s timetable would be in school learning and part would be remote
learning
- a range of timetabling models could be developed to support local circumstances
- the need to limit rotating teachers would require adaptation to the delivery of
subjects such as French or Anglais, art, music, and physical education
- students and teachers would be encouraged to remain in their classroom and to

move as a cohort to entrances, exits, bathrooms or other spaces within the
school
- teachers would be encouraged to establish virtual staff rooms and not

congregate before arriving in, or returning to their classrooms
- where a large class size would not permit alternate day delivery even with
cohorts of 15, boards would be encouraged to form additional classes led by
specialist or untimetabled teachers.
At the secondary level, additional adaptations may be required to minimize the

circulation of students and the mixing of students outside of a class cohort.
7
The ministry anticipates that schools and boards will identify a range of timetabling and
delivery approaches that reflect the goals of distancing and cohorting, and is willing to
review and discuss all reasonable adaptations.
Special Education Classes
Where schools have smaller classes, such as for special education, boards are
encouraged to offer regular, every day timetabling. Where these classes involve close
physical contact between teachers, educational assistants and students, guidance of
provided in the appended Health and Safety protocol for appropriate use of PPE.
Labs, Technical Education, Co-Op and Experiential Learning
It is recognized that schools and boards provide a wide range of educational

experiences, and that many classes and programs are offered in specialized
classrooms and in workplaces. Schools and boards are asked to consider how these
classes could continue to occur while respecting distancing and cohorting approaches.
In some cases, cleaning protocols may need to be aligned with the use of specialized
classrooms and equipment.
Where students are engaged in experiential education, such as students in SHSM,

OYAP or SCWI programs, schools should take into consideration the work environment
that the student will be learning and working in. Virtual and online options for these
programs may be available as well as options to continue these programs in
workplaces, training and college locations. Where needed, public health guidance
should be sought.
Adaptations for the School Environment
Other preparations that boards and schools would be asked to undertake include:
• Develop procedures that support general physical distancing, such as spreading

students into different areas, using visual cues such as tape on the floor,
8
corridors, bathrooms and outside areas, scheduling recess in small groups and
holding physical education or other classes outdoors.
• Limit parents and visitors inside the school
• Consider using signage/marking to direct students through the steps for entry
and exit of the school building
• Minimize the number of personal belongings (e.g., backpack, clothing,

sunscreen, etc.) and, if brought, asking that belongings be labeled and kept in
the child’s designated area.
• Develop guidance for lunches and lunch room or cafeteria areas, as well as other
shared areas of schools such as libraries and gyms.
ENSURING ACADEMIC SUCCESS
While the 2020-21 school year may look and feel different in many ways, the Ministry
remains committed to doing everything it can to support students’ learning, growth and
development. This section discusses options for Refresher Learning, Curriculum and
Assessment Adaptations, Support for Students with Special Needs, and Celebrations,
Sports and Extracurriculars.
Refresher Learning
The goal of refresher learning is to recognize what students have learned from their
experience during the school closure period and to ensure students are well supported
for their ongoing learning in the next year or course. The Ministry is supportive of
various components for Refresher Learning, including:
• A PA Day at the start of the 2020-21 school year, focusing on health protocols,
remote learning, and strategies for gap analysis and content review and
approaches to creating a mentally healthy classroom.
• Focusing on mental health and well-being during the first few days of school, in
addition to throughout the school year, by providing resources for educators on
how to support student well-being.
9
• Providing content review for students integrated throughout the school year at
key instructional times to ensure students have fundamental building
blocks before each new unit.
Some students, such as those with special educations needs and students with learning
disabilities may require additional time and supports to close the gaps in their learning.
Boards could consider planning for early transition visits for students with special
education needs to help refamiliarize them with the school environment and routine.
Adapted Curriculum
The primary focus of instruction will be on the achievement of overall expectations

across all subjects and grades. Curriculum delivery may depend on the adapted school
environment model that is implemented in each school. Aligned with adaptations made
to the school environment, proposed approaches to adapting curriculum delivery could
include, for example:
In Elementary:
• One teacher staying with a group of children all day, teaching all areas of the
curriculum
• Remote curriculum delivery while students are at home
• Scheduling one period per day where a teacher links a class in school to
classmates at home via synchronous learning
• Rotary and specialist teachers joining classrooms via remote or smartboard
devices
In Secondary:
• Shortened periods of in-person instruction in the morning with blended online and
independent learning in the afternoons.
• A block schedule, with one course taught in a 6-7 week block in-person and one
full-semester online course
• Cohorted Grade 9 and 10 compulsory courses in-person with elective courses
and Grade 11 and 12 courses taught online
Adapted Assessment
The Ministry recommends that, to the extent possible, assessment, evaluation and
reporting activities would proceed as usual, with focus on the achievement of overall
expectations and the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation being to improve
student learning.
10
Report cards should be provided for all students, including those who may plan to only
participate through remote learning.
Where assessment approaches have relied on exams and EQAO assessments to form
part of a student’s grade, teachers should plan to focus assessment on assignments
and capstone activities (Yael, a little help here with vocabulary….)
With regard to EQAO and other assessments, the Ministry is considering adaptations
for 2020-21, including the possibility of an online Ontario Secondary School Literacy
Test.
Requirements for Graduation
Boards must ensure that course options allow students to earn compulsory credits
required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), as well as providing
access to types of elective courses that support all postsecondary pathway destinations.
To that end, unless otherwise directed by the Ministry based on advice by public health
authorities, at this time the Ministry is considering:
• Students would be required to earn 40 hours of community involvement hours to
graduate in 2020-21. Students should continue to seek out and accumulate
community involvement hours as per PPM124 and their respective board’s
policies and procedures, keeping in mind local public health unit
recommendations and the possibility of virtual community involvement.
• Secondary students would be required to complete the literacy graduation
requirement to graduate in the 2020-21 school year
Support for Students with Special Needs
The Ministry recognizes the unique challenges experienced by students with special
education needs during this time, and that additional supports will be required to help
these students learn and thrive as schools re-open. Guidance to support students with
special education needs should include:
• Considering changes in the school environment and/or remote learning needs
when reviewing and updating IEPs.
• Considering additional planning and transition time for students with special
education needs to support a smoother transition to school.
• Safely supporting the return of medically fragile students by consulting with local
public health authorities on options for personal protective equipment, staff
training, and potential continued remote learning where return is not possible.
• Accommodating the needs of students who require significant personal support,
including considering options for personal protective equipment.
• Providing guidance relating to assistive technology.
11
• Working with partners to develop local protocols for the access of non-school
based providers, such as rehabilitation therapists and nursing staff.
Celebrations, Sports and Extracurriculars
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation or delays of milestones to

recognize student achievement, such as proms and graduation ceremonies, and will
impact the kinds of sports and extracurricular activities that can safely be offered.
Recognizing that these events and activities are an integral part of the school
experience for many students, boards are advised to reschedule or restage these
events when possible (either in-person or through online options), and resume sports
and extracurricular activities that can safely continue based on input from local medical
officers of health.
ONLINE CAPACITY AND TECHNOLOGY READINESS
To meet the needs of students during this time, Ontario’s education system needs to be
prepared to fluidly transition between online and in-person modes of learning. Boards
will need to give careful consideration to students who are not able to attend school in-
person based on a variety of reasons, such as parent choice or health considerations.
To increase board preparedness for remote learning, boards should consider:
• Extending arrangements that provided devices and internet connectivity to

students who would otherwise not be able to access remote learning.
• Ensuring platforms are accessible to students with disabilities
• Standardizing the choice of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and providing
training to all educators, to ensure their familiarity and fluency with the LMS, and
with board policies on appropriate use, including issues related to cyber security
and privacy
• Ensuring teachers in elementary and secondary are prepared with subject/course
specific content, lessons, activities and assignments in the LMS should there be
a need to transition at any time from in-person instruction to remote learning
• Ensuring that teachers and other educators are prepared to offer synchronous
learning opportunities to students as a consistent and regular part of their remote
learning plan
The Ministry recognizes that students living in areas with low internet connectivity may
continue to experience challenges in accessing online learning. The Ministry will
continue to work with school boards to extend the availability of devices and
connectivity throughout the province, and to identify options for students and staff where
internet availability is limited. The ministry would also work with school boards to
develop guidance on remote learning for students with special education needs.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Physical Health
To support the reopening of schools in Ontario, schools will need to implement

protocols to provide for the health and safety of students, families and staff. Guidance
will be provided based on the advice of public health and the Ministry of Labour related
to hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced environmental cleaning, strategies
to support physical distancing as well as screening and testing and management of
individuals with suspected COVID-19.
Schools must follow any further direction given by local medical officers of health.
Relationships between schools and local public health units will be crucial to navigate
the complex and evolving COVID-19 outbreak environment, planning and reopening
schools, and addressing other child health issues that emerge. The ministry recognizes
that this may result in regional differences in these protocols, but given the different
context in different communities it is important to follow the advice of local public health
officials to keep children and families safe in their respective communities.
Please refer to Appendix #1 for further guidance.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Student mental health and well-being should be a core element of the re-entry to school
plan. It is foundational in ensuring a return to a welcoming environment that supports
learning.
Supports for student mental health and well-being could include the following
components:
• Professional learning for system leaders, educators and mental health

professionals to support a trauma informed approach to school re-entry, as well
as throughout the school year.
• A tiered approach for mental health supports that will capture all students and
target intensive help to those who have been most affected by the COVID 19
pandemic.
• Collaboration with child and youth mental health agencies to support stronger
connections and make the best use of mental health resources and supports
across the integrated system of care.
Prior to school starting, School Mental Health Ontario will provide school boards with a
professional learning framework and toolkit to support the mental health of all students
that can be tailored at the board and school level for different audiences. The
professional learning will have a strong focus on building students’ social-emotional
13
learning skills so that they can build resilience, manage their stress and build positive
relationships.
Cleaning Schools
Additional cleaning protocols will need to be implemented. These could include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared resources at
least twice a day as they are most likely to become contaminated. These
surfaces include doorknobs, water fountain knobs, light switches, toilet and
faucet handles, electronic devices, students’ chairs and desks/tabletops.
• Where possible, following public health advice regarding the best cleaning and
disinfectant products to use.
• Checking expiry dates of cleaning and disinfectant products used and always
following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the products used are
compatible with the item to be cleaned and disinfected.
• Referring to Public Health Ontario’s Environmental Cleaning fact sheet for more
information on cleaning.should we attach this if it’s relevant?
Staff Screening and Self-Assessment
Self-assessment tools should be made available to staff to ensure awareness of

possible symptoms of COVID 19. Staff who suspect they may have symptoms should
stay home and seek testing.
Some staff may need to self-identify a health concern or a health concern of a family
member that may prefer an assignment that does not regularly bring them into contact
with students. School boards should follow their normal human resource practices in
these circumstances, with a heightened awareness of the context of COVID 19.
Testing and Contact Tracing
TBD: Premier’s commitment that all teachers get tested before the school year starts-
still a requirement?
Schools and school boards should be prepared for the event of a student or staff
member having a positive test for COVID 19. Schools should have a protocol based on
local public health advice that includes:
- A clear notification protocol to public health in the event of a positive test result.
- The readiness to provide contact information for other students or staff who
would be considered close contacts. Typically this would mean that schools
should be able to quickly provide contact information to public health for class
cohorts and school bus cohorts of a student or staff member who receives a
14
positive test result. This may require enhanced attention to collecting contact
information for students and adaptation to student and staff information system
so that contact information is readily available.
- Schools should maintain a close relationship with public health so that the testing
centre that contacts would be directed to is easily identifiable.
- Public health will provide guidance on the range of contacts who should be
advised to seek testing.
COMMUNICATIONS TO PARENTS
The Ministry recognizes that the success of the school re-opening plan will depend in
part on parents being informed about new protocols and confident that the approach will
keep their children safe. To that end, boards should clearly communicate expectations
and provide guidelines to parents and students well before in-class instruction resumes,
and ongoing throughout the year. Communication strategies could include:
• Prioritizing digital communications, such as fact sheets explaining new protocols

and links to helpful information, as well as detailed instructions regarding
screening and pick-up/drop-off procedures and protocols if a child or staff person
becomes ill.
• Considering alternative delivery models for activities such as parent-teacher
conferences and school assemblies
• Providing clear guidelines and procedures for drop-off and pick-up to support
physical distancing
• Providing information for students related to school hours, physical distancing,
hand hygience, remote learning, and resources to support learning and well-
being at home.
STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
As a result of physical distancing expectations, the ministry acknowledges that

transportation planning will be challenging due to the reduction in vehicle capacity to
accommodate students, which may result in school boards and consortia transporting
fewer students. Given local circumstances differ across the province, school boards in
partnership with their local health units should determine what protocols are required as
well as any subsequent impacts to service levels. The ministry encourages school
boards, together with their consortia, to refer to Transport Canada’s recently issued
Federal Guidance for School Bus Operations and to consider the following:
15
• Encouraging active forms of travel or private transportation by parents and

caregivers where possible to decrease density on school vehicles.
• Reviewing walk distances and courtesy rider policies to focus available
transportation capacity on students who would be unable to reach school without
it
• Surveying parent intentions to assess transportation service needs.
• Supporting physical distancing between students on school vehicles and at
school loading zones. Where physical distancing is not possible, consider the
use of non-medical face coverings or masks for students.
• Reviewing planning parameters such as limiting transfers and the number of
students at a bus stop, to reduce exposure.
• Enhancing cleaning protocols for frequently touched surfaces (e.g., handrails,
seatbacks) at least twice daily.
• Making available alcohol-based hand sanitizer on vehicles.
• Assessing whether the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., non-medical
masks and gloves) for school bus drivers, school bus monitors, and student
aides is necessary when transporting students who are unable to maintain
physical distancing.
COLLABORATION WITH EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES
The Ministry recognizes that school re-opening will require continued flexibility on the
part of school boards and education staff as they adjust to adapted delivery models.
Schools and school boards represent the workplace of almost 200,000 staff. The health
and safety of school board staff must be a priority for school boards as employers. The
health and safety protocol document offers significant guidance to ensure that schools
and boards as workplaces remain safe.
The significant adaptations that may be necessary in the next school year will require
careful communication and collaboration with teacher federations, education worker
unions and employee representatives. School boards are encouraged to work closely
with these partners as they undertake planning for the next school year.
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Board meetings
16
School boards should plan to continue to convene board meetings in online formats,
with provision for public participation.
Board Administration
Boards should plan for a gradual return to work for board staff who work in board
administration offices, based on local public health guidance for workplaces.
Funding and Reporting Adaptations
The ministry will continue to assess where funding and reporting arrangements need to
be adapted to reflect school boards and public health circumstances.
Enrolment Recording and Reporting
School boards and the ministry have well established methodologies for counting and
reporting enrolment, based on count dates as established in local collective
agreements. Given the need for adapted timetables and maintaining class cohorts,
school boards and their unions are encouraged to come to agreements that would limit
class reorganizations. The ministry will develop adapted enrolment reporting to ensure
that school boards are not impacted by constraints in reporting enrolment, including
recognizing enrolment for students who choose to participate in online schooling only.
Andrew-is there more we should say here in terms of GSN adaptation?
Pre-Registration
Given the requirement to carefully assign students to classes, and to cohorts with
alternating schedules, the typical ability of schools to accommodate late registrations
will not be viable for the coming school year.
School boards maintain robust registration processes throughout the summer, although
many students and families do register at the very beginning of the school year. This
can lead to walk-in timetabling and irregular class sizes up until the September count
date.
For the upcoming school year, the ministry will support firm cutoff dates for school
registration, to support boards in achieving a safe and predictable school year startup.
Students and families seeking to register past these cutoff dates will have to wait to be
assigned to a school, class and timetable.
Pre-registration would need to be widely communicated to parents for awareness and

could require declaration of whether parents wish in school instruction or remote
learning.
17
TIMELINES AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
To support school boards in preparing to re-open, the Ministry suggests that boards
formulate their plan for reopening by late July. The Ministry contemplates requesting
guidance from public health, or public health units, by early August in order to confirm
the form of delivery supportable for the beginning of the school year.
The ministry will arrange for an opportunity to discuss board plans with senior board
staff in late July, and where necessary, to arrange for key operating requirements to be
guided by public health and pediatric health advice.
FEEDBACK
As noted, this document is currently in draft form. Feedback is welcome, through

discussions with ministry staff or through written submissions to xxx@xxxx.
18
Memorandum To: Directors of Education

School Authorities
From: Nancy Naylor

Deputy Minister
Subject Seeking Feedback on a Draft Approach on Re-Opening

for the 2020-21 School Year
Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting students, both for the rest of
this year and as we plan for a return to in-class instruction for the 2020-21 school year. I
appreciate the flexibility, resourcefulness and creativity boards have shown at this
unprecedented time.
considers different approaches to reopen schools for the 2020-21 school year. I would
like to assure you that any re-opening plan will be flexible and responsive to the most
current advice provided by the COVID-19 command table and Ontario’s Chief Medical
Officer of Health.
The purpose of this memo is to seek feedback from school boards and education
partners on elements to inform a provincial re-opening plan, including:
• Voluntary School Attendance
• School Organization and Timetabling
• Ensuring Academic Success
• Online Capacity and Technology Readiness
• Health and Safety
• Communications to Parents
• Student Transportation
• Collaboration with Employee Representatives
• Governance and Administration
• Timelines
Please see further detail on each element at the end of this memo.
The Ministry recognizes that the 72 school boards across Ontario are diverse, and that
a coordinated but differentiated approach may be required to support students, parents
and staff. To that end, we want to hear from you about the approaches that will work
best given your boards’ local circumstances and capacity.
1
To assist with preliminary board planning, the Ministry has developed a draft self-
assessment checklist boards can use to guide their re-opening approach, in alignment
with the elements proposed in this memo. Please note that the Ministry would not
require boards to submit this checklist to the Ministry; rather, it is a voluntary self-
assessment tool that boards may wish to use for their own internal planning.
Please send your feedback via email submission to xyz@ontario.ca by XX. We look
forward to hearing your feedback.
Thank you once again for your flexibility and willingness to work together to support
Ontario’s students.
Sincerely,
Nancy Naylor
Deputy Minister
c: President, Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l'ontario Commented [FS(1]: To be confirmed
(ACÉPO)
Executive Director, Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de
l'ontario (ACÉPO)
President, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques
(AFOCSC)
Executive Director, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires
catholiques (AFOCSC)
President, Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA)
Executive Director, Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA)
President, Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA)
Executive Director, Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA)
Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE)
President, Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens
(AEFO)
Executive Director and Secretary-Treasurer, Association des enseignantes et
des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO)
President, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
General Secretary, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
President, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
General Secretary, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
President, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)
General Secretary, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)
Chair, Ontario Council of Educational Workers (OCEW)
Chair, Education Workers’ Alliance of Ontario (EWAO)
2
President of OSBCU, Canadian Union of Public Employees – Ontario (CUPE-

ON)
Co-ordinator, Canadian Union of Public Employees – Ontario (CUPE-ON)
3
Ministry of Education
For Discussion:
A Draft Approach on Re-Opening for the
2020-21 School Year
4
INTRODUCTION
Lead-in, recognition of covid19, commitment to safety
Reference to school re-opening health and safety protocol + transportation protocol that
form part of this guidance
Formatted: Plain Text
considers different approaches to reopen schools for the 2020-21 school year.
In planning for the resumption of in-class instruction in schools, it is critical to balance

the risk of direct infection and transmission of COVID-19 in children with the impact of
school closure on their physical and mental health. Current evidence and experience
support the concept that children can return to school in a carefully structured manner
that maximizes children’s health and minimizes risks from a public health perspective.
the complex and evolving COVID-19 pandemic environment, planning and reopening
schools, and addressing other child health issues that emerge.
Specific guidance to support the development of health and safety protocols in the
school and student transportation settings is attached in appendices to this memo.
Formatted: Font: Not Italic
VOLUNTARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE VOLUNTARY
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 online remote education. This requirement will be in place for as long
as public health circumstances require adapted delivery of education.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND TIMETABLING
The current public health circumstances related to COVID19 will require Ontario school
boards to prepare for a range of delivery circumstances for the 2020-21 school year.
In light of the continuing uncertainty about public health risks, school boards will be
asked to prepare for:
- ongoing enhanced online remote delivery
5
- adapted delivery based on smaller class sizes, cohorting and alternative day or
week delivery, and
- conventional delivery with a continued focus on enhanced health and safety

protocols
The ministry expects to stay in close communication with school boards through June
and July, and to provide guidance based on public health advice in early August to
prepare for school opening.
It is anticipated that school boards may need to operate on one or more of these forms
of delivery through the school year, and to move between these forms of delivery based
on public health circumstances.
To the greatest extent possible, boards would be encouraged to assign students,

teachers and educational assistants and ECEs to class groupings as they would in a
conventional school year, so that class groupings can be maintained despite the form of
delivery that is in place during the school year.
Online Remote Delivery

Should the school closure be extended, or should some parents choose not to send
their child back to school, school boards should be prepared to offer remote education.
Remote education should be delivered online to the greatest extent possible, including
the establishment of minimum expectations for students to have direct synchronous
contact with their teacher on a regular basis. Synchronous learning be used as part of
whole class instruction, in smaller groups of students, and/or in a one-on-one context.
Boards should continue to extend arrangements that provide devices and internet
connectivity to students who would otherwise not be able to access remote learning and
ensure platforms are accessible for persons with disabilities. Boards should also
consider standardizing the choice of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and
providing training to all educators, to ensure their familiarity and fluency with the LMS,
and with board policies on appropriate use, including issues related to cyber security
and privacy.
School boards can continue to enroll interested students in TVO’s Independent

Learning Centre (ILC). Students and families seeking to take ILC courses should be
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encouraged to connect with their guidance department and/or school principal to

discuss next steps.
The primary focus of instruction through remote learning will be on the achievement of
overall expectations across all subjects and grades. Students participating in remote
learning should be timetabled and provided with a schedule of classes that are teacher-
facilitated and support all areas of curriculum, as they normally would in school
instruction.
Lessons and assigned work should reflect the five-hour instructional day (with adapted
timetabling and curriculum delivery as described below). The Ministry recommends that,
to the extent possible, assessment, evaluation and reporting activities would proceed as
usual, with focus on the achievement of overall expectations and the primary purpose of
assessment and evaluation being to improve student learning.
Where assessment approaches have relied on exams, culminating activities, such as

performance tasks, demonstrations, projects, and essays can be used instead to
determine students’ grades or marks.
Extension of current school closure

Synchronous learning
Use of approved VLEs
Ability to access online courses through TVO/ILC
Adapted/focused curriculum and hours of work?
Adapted Delivery
Should public health conditions allow for the re-opening of schools, it is anticipated that
guidance may be provided to open under adapted conditions that prioritize student and
staff health and safety.
The ministry is drawing on two key aspects of health advice: distancing and cohorting.
Distancing refers to the advice that individuals should avoid close personal
contact, and maintain 2 meters of separation for any prolonged encounters.
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Cohorting refers to minimizing the number of students and teachers any

individual comes in contact with, and to maintaining consistency in those
contacts as much as possible.
Together, these approaches lead to the advice that school boards should adopt adapted
delivery models that:
- maintain class sizes of no more than 30 with a maximum of no more than 15

students in a typical classroom
- adopt timetabling that would allow, to the greatest extent practical, for students to
remain in contact with only their classmates and a single teacher for as much of
the school day as possible
This approach has a number of implications:
- maintaining a class size of 15 or fewer students will require alternate day or week
delivery to a segment of the class at one time
- students not in class for a day or days would need to be assigned curriculum
linked work; where possible, students not in class could participate in
synchronous learning with their classmates for a period of the school day
- teachers and educational assistants would need to prepare lesson plans that
could be delivered through alternate day or week timetables, where part of a
student’s timetable would be in school learning and part would be remote
learning
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", Space After: 10 pt, No
bullets or numbering
- boards would need to consider providing students with a high level of special
education needs for whom remote learning may be challenging the option of
attending school every day
s. 65 (6)
- a range of timetabling models could be developed to support local circumstances
- the need to limit rotating teachers would require adaptation to the delivery of
subjects such as French or Anglais, art, music, and physical education
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- students and teachers would be encouraged to remain in their classroom and to

move as a cohort to entrances, exits, bathrooms or other spaces within the Commented [SF3]: Bathroom policies can cause significant
emotional stress on students. Needs caution.
school
- teachers would be encouraged to establish virtual staff rooms and not

congregate before arriving in, or returning to their classrooms
s. 65 (6)
- where a large class size would not permit alternate day delivery even with
cohorts of 15, boards would be encouraged to form additional classes led by
specialist or untimetabled teachers.
At the secondary level, additional adaptations may be required to minimize the

circulation of students and the mixing of students outside of a class cohort.
The ministry anticipates that schools and boards will identify a range of timetabling and
delivery approaches that reflect the goals of distancing and cohorting, and is willing to
review and discuss all reasonable adaptations.
Special Education Classes
Where schools have smaller classes, such as congregated classrooms for students
special education needs, boards are encouraged to offer regular, every day timetabling.
Where these classes involve close physical contact between teachers, educational
assistants and students, guidance isof provided in the appended Health and Safety
protocol for appropriate use of PPE.
Labs, Technical Education, Co-Op and Experiential Learning
It is recognized that schools and boards provide a wide range of educational

experiences, and that many classes and programs are offered in specialized
classrooms and in workplaces. Schools and boards are asked to consider how these
classes could continue to occur while respecting distancing and cohorting approaches.
In some cases, cleaning protocols may need to be aligned with the use of specialized
classrooms and equipment.
9
Where students are engaged in experiential education, such as students in SHSM,

OYAP or SCWI programs, schools should take into consideration the work environment
that the student will be learning and working in. Virtual and online options for these
programs may be available as well as options to continue these programs in
workplaces, training and college locations. Where needed, public health guidance
should be sought.
Adaptations for the School Environment
Other preparations that boards and schools would be asked to undertake include:
• Develop procedures that support general physical distancing, such as spreading

students into different areas, using visual cues such as tape on the floor,
corridors, bathrooms and outside areas, scheduling recess in small groups and
holding physical education or other classes outdoors.
• Limit parents and visitors inside the school
• Consider using signage/marking to direct students through the steps for entry
and exit of the school building
• Minimize the number of personal belongings (e.g., backpack, clothing,

sunscreen, etc.) and, if brought, asking that belongings be labeled and kept in
the child’s designated area.
• Develop guidance for lunches and lunch room or cafeteria areas, as well as other
shared areas of schools such as libraries and gyms.
Child Care and Before and After School Programs Formatted: Font: Bold, Underline
Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0.19", No bullets or
• School Boards would be required to work with their Service System Managers, numbering
Child Care Operators and Authorized Recreation providers to ensure that child
care and before and after school programming are available to support children
and families.
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• The Board plan would include protection of designated child care centre space
for child care centres in schools and an approach to supporting shared spaces
including cleaning protocols.
ENSURING ACADEMIC SUCCESS
While the 2020-21 school year may look and feel different in many ways, the Ministry
remains committed to doing everything it can to support students’ learning, growth and
development. This section discusses options for Refresher Learning, Curriculum and
Assessment Adaptations, Support for Students with Special Education Needs, and
Celebrations, Sports and Extracurriculars.
Refresher Learning
s. 65 (6)
The goal of refresher learning is to recognize what students have learned from their
experience during the school closure period and to ensure students are well supported
for their ongoing learning in the next year or course. The Ministry is supportive of
various components for Refresher Learning, including:
• A PA Day at the start of the 2020-21 school year, focusing on health protocols,
remote learning, and strategies for gap analysis and content review and
approaches to creating a mentally healthy classroom.
• Focusing on mental health and well-being during the first few days of school, in
addition to throughout the school year, by providing resources for educators on
how to support student well-being.
• Providing content review for students integrated throughout the school year at
key instructional times to ensure students have fundamental building
blocks before each new unit.
Some students, such as those with special educations needs and students with learning
disabilities, may require additional time and supports to close the gaps in their learning.
Boards could consider planning for early transition visits for students with special
education needs and mental health needs to help refamiliarize them with the school
environment and establish routines.
Adapted Curriculum Delivery
The primary focus of instruction will be on the achievement of overall expectations

across all subjects and grades. Curriculum delivery may depend on the adapted school
environment model that is implemented in each school. Aligned with adaptations made
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to the school environment, proposed approaches to adapting curriculum delivery could

include, for example:
In Elementary:
• One teacher staying with a group of children all day, teaching all areas of the
curriculum
• Remote curriculum delivery while students are at home
• Scheduling one period per day where a teacher links a class in school to
classmates at home via synchronous learning
• Rotary and specialist teachers joining classrooms via remote or smartboard
devices
In Secondary:
• Shortened periods of in-person instruction in the morning with blended online and
independent learning in the afternoons.
• A block schedule, with one course taught in a 6-7 week block in-person and one
full-semester online course
• Cohorted Grade 9 and 10 compulsory courses in-person with elective courses
and Grade 11 and 12 courses taught online
Adapted Assessment
The Ministry recommends that, to the extent possible, assessment, evaluation and
reporting activities would proceed as usual, with focus on the achievement of overall
expectations and the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation being to improve
student learning.
Report cards , including Progress Reports and the Kindergarten Initial Observation and
Communication of Learning should be provided for all students, including those who
may plan to only participate through remote learning.
Where assessment approaches have relied on exams , culminating activities, such as

performance tasks, demonstrations, projects, and essays can be used instead to
determine students’ grades or marks. and EQAO assessments to form part of a
student’s grade, teachers should plan to focus assessment on assignments and
capstone activities (Yael, a little help here with vocabulary….)
With regard to EQAO and other assessments, the Ministry is considering adaptations
for 2020-21, including the possibility of an online Ontario Secondary School Literacy
Test.
Requirements for Graduation
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Boards must ensure that course options allow students to earn compulsory credits
required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), as well as providing
access to types of elective courses that support all postsecondary pathway destinations.
To that end, unless otherwise directed by the Ministry based on advice by public health
authorities, at this time the Ministry is considering:
• Students would be required to earn 40 hours of community involvement hours to
graduate in 2020-21. Students should continue to seek out and accumulate
community involvement hours as per PPM124 and their respective board’s
policies and procedures, keeping in mind local public health unit
recommendations and the possibility of virtual community involvement.
• Secondary students would be required to complete the literacy graduation
requirement to graduate in the 2020-21 school year
Support for Students with Special Needs
The Ministry recognizes the unique challenges experienced by students with special
education needs during this time, and that additional supports will be required to help
these students learn and thrive as schools re-open. Guidance to support students with
special education needs should include:
• Considering changes in the school environment and/or remote learning needs
when reviewing and updating IEPs.
• Considering additional planning and transition time for students with special
education needs to support a smoother transition to school.
• Safely supporting the return of medically fragile students by consulting with local
public health authorities on options for personal protective equipment, staff
training, and potential continued remote learning where return is not possible.
• Accommodating the needs of students who require significant personal support,
including considering options for personal protective equipment for both staff and
students.
• Providing guidance relating to assistive technology.
• Considering alternate attendance options for students depending on their needs
• Working with partners to develop local protocols for the access of non-school
based providers, such as rehabilitation therapists and nursing staff, and
supporting remote delivery of these services where in-school delivery is not
possible.
Celebrations, Sports and Extracurriculars
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation or delays of milestones to

recognize student achievement, such as proms and graduation ceremonies, and will
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impact the kinds of sports and extracurricular activities that can safely be offered.
Recognizing that these events and activities are an integral part of the school
experience for many students, boards are advised to reschedule or restage these
events when possible (either in-person or through online options), and resume sports
and extracurricular activities that can safely continue based on input from local medical
officers of health.
ONLINE CAPACITY AND TECHNOLOGY READINESS
To meet the needs of students during this time, Ontario’s education system needs to be
prepared to fluidly transition between online and in-person modes of learning. Boards
will need to give careful consideration to students who are not able to attend school in-
person based on a variety of reasons, such as parent choice or health considerations.
To increase board preparedness for remote learning, boards should consider:
• Extending arrangements that provided devices and internet connectivity to

students who would otherwise not be able to access remote learning.
• Ensuring platforms are accessible to studentsfor persons with disabilities
• Standardizing the choice of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and providing
training to all educators, to ensure their familiarity and fluency with the LMS, and
with board policies on appropriate use, including issues related to cyber security
and privacy
• Ensuring teachers in elementary and secondary are prepared with subject/course
specific content, lessons, activities and assignments in the LMS should there be
a need to transition at any time from in-person instruction to remote learning
• Ensuring that teachers and other educators are prepared to offer synchronous
learning opportunities to students as a consistent and regular part of their remote
learning plan
The Ministry recognizes that students living in areas with low internet connectivity may
continue to experience challenges in accessing online learning. The Ministry will
continue to work with school boards to extend the availability of devices and
connectivity throughout the province, and to identify options for students and staff where
internet availability is limited. The ministry would also work with school boards to
develop guidance on remote learning for students with special education needs.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Physical Health
To support the reopening of schools in Ontario, schools will need to implement

protocols to provide for the health and safety of students, staff and families and staff.
Guidance will beis provided based on the advice of public health and the Ministriesy of
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Health and Labour Training and Skills Development, as well as the Hospital for Sick
Children. related to hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced environmental
cleaning, strategies to support physical distancing as well as screening and testing and
management of individuals with suspected COVID-19.
To maximize safety, schools should use a "layered" approach with multiple measures to
reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread, including decreasing the number of interactions
with others and increasing the safety of interactions. Layering of multiple mitigation
measures strengthens the risk mitigation potential overall. Protocols should consider
measures related to:
• Modifying behaviours that reduce the spread, including hand hygiene and
respiratory etiquette, as well as use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
where recommended;
• Maintaining healthy environments, including environmental cleaning, cohorting
and physical distancing; and
• Maintaining healthy operations, including mitigating risks for students at higher
risk of infection, protecting staff and at-risk persons or families, screening and
management of individuals with suspected COVID-19, cases and outbreaks.
Schools must follow any further direction given by local medical officers of health.
the complex and evolving COVID-19 outbreak environment, planning and reopening
schools, and addressing other child health issues that emerge. The ministry recognizes
that this may result in regional differences in these protocols, but given the different
context in different communities it is important to follow the advice of local public health
officials to keep children and families safe in their respective communities.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Student mental health and well-being should be a core element of the re-entry to school
plan. It is foundational in ensuring a return to a welcoming environment that supports
learning.
Supports for student mental health and well-being could include the following
components:
• Professional learning for system leaders, educators and mental health

professionals to support a trauma informed approach to school re-entry, as well
as throughout the school year.
• A tiered approach for mental health supports that will capture all students and
target intensive help to those who have been most affected by the COVID 19
pandemic.
15
• Collaboration with child and youth mental health agencies to support stronger
connections and make the best use of mental health resources and supports
across the integrated system of care.
Prior to school starting, School Mental Health Ontario will provide school boards with a
professional learning framework and toolkit to support the mental health of all students
that can be tailored at the board and school level for different audiences. The
professional learning will have a strong focus on building students’ social-emotional
learning skills so that they can build resilience, manage their stress and build positive
relationships.
Cleaning Schools
Additional cleaning protocols will need to be implemented. These could include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and shared resources at
least twice a day as they are most likely to become contaminated. These
surfaces include doorknobs, water fountain knobs, light switches, toilet and
faucet handles, electronic devices, students’ chairs and desks/tabletops.
• FWhere possible, following public health advice regarding the best cleaning and
disinfectant products to use.
• Checking expiry dates of cleaning and disinfectant products used and always
Ffollowing the manufacturer’s instructions including with respect to use of PPE..
Ensure that the products used are compatible with the item to be cleaned and
disinfected.
• Referring to Public Health Ontario’s Environmental Cleaning fact sheet for more
information on cleaning.should we attach this if it’s relevant? Formatted: Font: Not Bold, Not Italic
Please refer to Appendix #2 for Public Health Ontario’s Environmental Cleaning Fact
Sheet.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering
Staff Screening and Self-Assessment
Self-assessment tools should be made available to staff to ensure awareness of

possible symptoms of COVID 19. Staff who suspect they may have symptoms should
stay home and seek testing.
Some staff may need to self-identify a health concern or a health concern of a family
member that may prefer an assignment that does not regularly bring them into contact
with students. School boards should follow their normal human resource practices in
these circumstances, with a heightened awareness of the context of COVID 19.
Testing and Contact Tracing
16
TBD: Premier’s commitment that all teachers get tested before the school year starts-
still a requirement?
Schools and school boards should be prepared for the event of a student or staff
member having a positive test for COVID 19. Schools should have a protocol based on
local public health advice that includes:
- A clear notification protocol to public health in the event of a suspected case and
positive test result.
- The readiness to provide contact information for other students or staff who
would be considered close contacts. Typically this would mean that schools
should be able to quickly provide contact information to public health for class
cohorts and school bus cohorts of a student or staff member who receives a
positive test result. This may require enhanced attention to collecting contact
information for students and adaptation to student and staff information system
so that contact information is readily available.
- Schools should maintain a close relationship with their local public health units so
that the testing centre that contacts would be directed to is easily identifiable.
- Public health will provide guidance on the range of contacts who should be
advised to seek testing.
COMMUNICATIONS TO PARENTS
The Ministry recognizes that the success of the school re-opening plan will depend in
part on parents being informed about new protocols and confident that the approach will
keep their children safe. To that end, boards should clearly communicate expectations
and provide guidelines to parents and students well before in-class instruction resumes,
and ongoing throughout the year. Communication strategies could include:
• Prioritizing digital communications, such as fact sheets explaining new protocols

and links to helpful information, as well as detailed instructions regarding
screening and pick-up/drop-off procedures and protocols if a child or staff person
becomes ill.
• Considering alternative delivery models for activities such as parent-teacher
conferences and school assemblies
• Providing clear guidelines and procedures for drop-off and pick-up to support
physical distancing
• Providing information for students related to school hours, physical distancing,
hand hygience, remote learning, and resources to support learning and well-
being at home.
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STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
As a result of physical distancing expectations, the ministry acknowledges that

transportation planning will be challenging due to the reduction in vehicle capacity to
accommodate students, which may result in school boards and consortia transporting
fewer students. Given local circumstances differ across the province, school boards in
partnership with their local health units should determine what protocols are required as
well as any subsequent impacts to service levels. The ministry encourages school
boards, together with their consortia, to refer to Transport Canada’s recently issued
Federal Guidance for School Bus Operations and to consider the following:
• Encouraging active forms of travel or private transportation by parents and

caregivers where possible to ease pressure on transportation demand and to
decrease density on school vehicles.
• Reviewing transportation eligibility policies (e.g., walk distances, and courtesy
rider) policies to focus available transportation capacity on students who would
be unable to reach school without it
• Surveying parent intentions to assess transportation service needs.
• Supporting physical distancing between students on school vehicles and at
school loading zones. Where physical distancing is not possible, consider the
use of non-medical face coverings or masks for students.
• Reviewing planning parameters such as limiting transfers and the number of
students at a bus stop, to reduce exposure.
• Enhancing cleaning protocols for frequently touched surfaces (e.g., handrails,
seatbacks) at least twice daily.
• Making available alcohol-based hand sanitizer on vehicles.
• Assessing whether the use of personal protective equipment (e.g., non-medical
masks and gloves) for school bus drivers, school bus monitors, and student
aides is necessary when transporting students who are unable to maintain
physical distancing.
COLLABORATION WITH EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES
The Ministry recognizes that school re-opening will require continued flexibility on the
part of school boards and education staff as they adjust to adapted delivery models.
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Schools and school boards represent the workplace of almost 200,000 staff. The health
and safety of school board staff must be a priority for school boards as employers. The
health and safety protocol document offers significant guidance to ensure that schools
and boards as workplaces remain safe.
The significant adaptations that may be necessary in the next school year will require
careful communication and collaboration with teacher federations, education worker
unions and employee representatives. School boards are encouraged to work closely
with these partners as they undertake planning for the next school year.
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Board meetings
School boards should plan to continue to convene board meetings in online formats,
with provision for public participation.
Board Administration
Boards should plan for a gradual return to work for board staff who work in board
administration offices, based on local public health guidance for workplaces.
Funding and Reporting Adaptations
The ministry will continue to assess where funding and reporting arrangements need to
be adapted to reflect school boards and public health circumstances.
Enrolment Recording and Reporting
School boards and the ministry have well established methodologies for counting and s. 65 (6)
reporting enrolment, based on count dates as established in local collective
agreementswhich remain unchanged. Given the need for adapted timetables and
maintaining class cohorts, class size compliance requirements will be based on the pre-
registration enrolment to school boards and their unions are encouraged to come to
agreements that would limit class reorganizations (further information below). The
ministry will monitor and work with school boards to avoid any develop adapted
enrolment reporting to ensure that school boards are not impactsed by or constraints in
reporting enrolment, including such as recognizing enrolment for students who choose
to participate in online schooling only. s. 65 (6)
Andrew-is there more we should say here in terms of GSN adaptation?
Pre-Registration
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Given the requirement to carefully assign students to classes, and to cohorts with
alternating schedules, the typical ability of schools to accommodate late registrations
will not be viable for the coming school year.
School boards maintain robust registration processes throughout the summer, although
many students and families do register at the very beginning of the school year. This
can lead to walk-in timetabling and irregular class sizes up until the September
reorganization count datecompliance date.
For the upcoming school year, the ministry will support firm cutoff dates for school
registration, to support boards in achieving a safe and predictable school year startup.
Students and families seeking to register past these cutoff dates will have to wait to be
assigned to a school, class and timetable.
Pre-registration would need to be widely communicated to parents for awareness and

could require declaration of whether parents wish in school instruction or remote
learning.
School Year Calendars
School boards will have the opportunity to indicate whether they would like to proceed
with previously-submitted school year calendars, or to submit new school year
calendars, and have to have them approved by the Minister of Education.
For schools using modified calendars, including “balanced calendars” that typically start
in early August, boards should not plan for any in-school instruction prior to September
1st. Boards should plan for any instruction prior to September 1st, other than summer
transition programs for students with special education and/or mental health needs in
the two weeks prior to school entry, to be delivered remotely.
TIMELINES AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
To support school boards in preparing to re-open, the Ministry suggests that boards
formulate their plan for reopening by late July. The Ministry contemplates requesting
guidance from public health, or public health units, by early August in order to confirm
the form of delivery supportable for the beginning of the school year.
The ministry will arrange for an opportunity to discuss board plans with senior board
staff in late July, and where necessary, to arrange for key operating requirements to be
guided by public health and pediatric health advice.
FEEDBACK
20
As noted, this document is currently in draft form. Feedback is welcome, through

discussions with ministry staff or through written submissions to xxx@xxxx.
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Confidential Draft for Discussion_June 8, 2020
COVID-19 Guidance: Schools

This guidance document provides information only. It is not intended to take the place of medical
advice, diagnosis, treatment or legal advice. In the event of any conflict between this guidance
document and any orders or directive issued by the Minister of Health or the Chief Medical Officer of
Health (CMOH), the order or directive prevails.
Please check the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 website regularly for COVID-19 Reference Document
for Symptoms, mental health resources, and other information.
• In planning for the resumption of in-class instruction in schools, it is critical to balance the risk of
direct infection and transmission of COVID-19 in children with the impact of school closure on their
physical and mental health. Current evidence and experience support the concept that children
can return to school in a carefully structured manner that maximizes children’s health and
minimizes risks from a public health perspective.
• It can be anticipated that children and youth may experience increased stress and anxiety related
to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the physical health and safety guidance provided below,
it will be critical to provide mental health support services adapted for diverse groups and
populations.
• To support the reopening of schools for in-class in Ontario, schools should implement protocols to
provide for the health and safety of students, families and staff:
• Schools are required to follow all existing worker health and safety requirements as outlined in
the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.
• Schools must follow any further direction given by the local medical officer of health.
• Relationships between schools and local public health units will be crucial to navigate the
complex and evolving COVID-19 pandemic environment, planning and reopening schools, and
addressing other child health issues that emerge.
• Schools should also engage with First Nation partners/communities to plan and support the
safe return of First Nation students on reserve who normally attend provincial schools.
• To maximize safety, schools should use a "layered" approach with multiple measures to reduce the
risk of COVID-19 spread, including decreasing the number of interactions with others and
increasing the safety of interactions. Layering of multiple mitigation measures strengthens the risk
mitigation potential overall.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada has technical guidance on COVID-19 for schools and
community settings:
• Risk mitigation tool for child and youth settings operating during the COVID-19 pandemic:
English French
• Risk mitigation tool for outdoor recreation spaces and activities operating during the COVID-19
pandemic: English French
• Training/refresher learning of school staff should include health and safety protocols.
• Clear, age-appropriate communication about COVID-19 and what to expect when students return
to school should be provided to children, youth and parents/caregivers in advance of school
reopening.
1
• Parents/caregivers will be a major source of comfort and reassurance to their children.
• It will be important for schools to keep parents/caregivers informed of what the school is doing
to protect their children including how they are preventing the spread of respiratory infections
and what parents can do at home (e.g. reinforce hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette,
physical distancing, environmental cleaning and increased reassurance).
• Parents/caregivers will be the ones who will make decisions about keeping their children home
if they are sick and as such, open and frequent communication to parents will be important in
ensuring sick children are not sent to school.
• Protocols should consider measures in the following areas, as detailed further in this document.
Modifying
Behaviours that
Reduce the
Spread
Maintaining Maintaining
Healthy Healthy
Environments Operations
Modifying Behaviours that Reduce the Spread

Staying Home When Appropriate
Refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms.
• In order to prevent the spread of infection, students and staff who have signs/symptoms of COVID-
19 should stay home and decisions about testing and return to school should be guided by local
public health protocols.
• In addition, return to school for those who have had an exposure to COVID-19 should be done after
communication with local public health authorities.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

Refer to Public Health Ontario’s How to Wash Your Hands fact sheet.
2
Refer to Health Canada’s Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19): List of hand
sanitizers authorized by Health Canada, including which sanitizers may be appropriate for different
groups of staff and students.
• Hand hygiene refers to hand washing or hand sanitizing to remove or kill the virus and is the most
effective way to reduce the transmission of organisms.
• Respiratory etiquette aims to reduce the risk of transmitting droplets that may contain the virus
directly onto other or onto surfaces where they may be picked up by others.
• Education: Staff and students should be provided with targeted, age-appropriate education in
proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Local public health units can provide additional
guidance. Age-appropriate posters or signage should be placed around the school.
• Supplies: Staff and students should have the supplies they need to conduct appropriate hand
hygiene and respiratory etiquette and these supplies should be easily accessible.
• Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR) with a minimum 60% alcohol concentration (60-90%
recommended in community settings) throughout the school (including ideally at the entry
point to each classroom) AND/OR plain liquid soap in dispensers, sinks and paper towels in
dispensers.
• Soap and water are preferred as it is the most effective method and least likely to cause
harm if accidentally ingested.
• ABHR can be used by children. It is most effective when hands are not visibly soiled.
• For any dirt, blood, body fluids (urine/feces), it is preferred that hands be washed with
soap and water to remove this “organic material”.
• Safe placement of the ABHR to avoid consumption is important, especially for young
children.
• Tissues and lined, no-touch waste baskets (i.e., foot pedal-operated, hand sensor, open
basket).
• Support or modifications allowing students with special needs to regularly perform hand
hygiene as independently as possible.
• Hand hygiene should be conducted by anyone entering the school and incorporated into the daily
schedule at regular intervals during the day, above and beyond what is usually recommended (e.g.,
before eating food, after using the washroom).
• Possible options would be to have regular scheduled hand hygiene breaks based on a pre-
specified schedule.
• Students may need assistance or supervision.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face Coverings

In addition to usual vendors that school boards may use, including those through the Ontario
Education Collaborative Marketplace, the Ontario Together Portal has a Workplace PPE Supplier
Directory that lists Ontario businesses that provide personal protective equipment.
Refer to Public Health Ontario resources, including related to non-medical masks/face coverings and
instructions on putting on and taking off of PPE.
3
• The routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings by staff and students
within school settings is not recommended for COVID-19, as the adapted delivery models follow
public health measures (distancing and/or cohorting).
• In school settings, the expectation is that staff and students do not come into the school if they are
unwell. Close, prolonged contact with others can be avoided if other strategies, such as physical
distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and cleaning are implemented and adhered to.
• Recommendations for specific reasons in school settings:
• When physical distancing of at least 2-metres cannot be maintained: face coverings (non-
medical masks), e.g., during the course of work of Educational Assistants or specialized staff
supporting students with special needs.
• When there is potential contact with bodily fluids: non-medical masks, disposable gloves, e.g.,
during the course of work of custodial and caretaker staff.
• When cleaning (where no potential contact with bodily fluids): e.g., disposable gloves , during
the course of work of custodial and caretaker staff, if required
• A ‘kit’ should be available in case a student, staff or essential visitor becomes ill while at the school
for use by the ill individual and staff member attending to them; the kit should contain alcohol-
based hand rub, disposable gloves, surgical/procedural masks, eye protection, and a gown.
Instructions on proper use of PPE should be available on the outside of the kit.
• Face coverings (non-medical masks):
• May not be tolerated by everyone based on underlying health behaviour issues or beliefs.
Consideration should be given to mitigating any possible physical or psychological injuries that
may inadvertently be caused by wearing a face covering (e.g., interfering with the ability to see
or speak clearly).
• Not recommended for children, particularly those under the age of two.
• Should be changed if visibly soiled, damp or damaged.
• If worn or disposed of incorrectly, could lead to increased risk of infection.
• It is recognized that parents may choose to send a cloth mask to school for their children to wear.
In such cases, parents would be responsible for the safe use/compliance during the school day and
ensuring cleanliness of the mask.
• Staff and essential visitors may also choose to wear a mask and would be responsible for safe use
and cleanliness of the mask and proper disposal, is required.
Maintaining Healthy Environments

Environmental Cleaning
Refer to Public Health Ontario’s Environmental Cleaning fact sheet.
Refer to Health Canada’s Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) for approved
products.
4
• Cleaning Products: Products that provide both the cleaning and disinfection action are preferable
due to ease of use (e.g., hydrogen peroxide products). Only use cleaning and disinfectant products
that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). These should be used according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• Cleaning Program: School boards should develop a program for cleaning and disinfection of
schools, including reviews of:
• Existing practices to determine where enhancements might be made, including frequency and
timing of cleaning and disinfection, areas to clean and/or disinfect, choice of cleaning products,
child safety, staffing, signage, and PPE for cleaning staff.
• Inventory to determine items to be stored, moved, or removed altogether to reduce handling
or the challenges associated with cleaning them (e.g., porous or soft items such as stuffed toys,
area rugs, fabric upholstered seating).
• High touch surfaces: Cleaning plus disinfection twice daily is suggested at a minimum, however
more frequent cleaning and disinfection may be necessary depending on use and soiling.
• Includes washrooms (e.g. toilet fixtures, faucets), eating areas (e.g. tables, sinks, countertops),
doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, touch screens, push buttons,
handrails, computers, photocopiers, sports equipment.
• Outdoor surfaces: Surfaces on playgrounds need routine cleaning with soap and water but not
disinfectant, including high touch surfaces made of plastic or metal. Cleaning of wooden surfaces is
not recommended.
• Shared objects: Use of shared objects (e.g., gym or physical education equipment, art supplies, toys,
games) should be limited when possible, or cleaned between use.
• Where an individual is suspected of having COVID-19 at school:
• Establish a protocol for identification and communication of a suspected/confirmed cases to
administration and relevant staff to determine contaminated areas and carry out cleaning and
disinfection, including timing, return to use, methods, PPE, waste disposal.
• Identify areas that may require cleaning plus disinfection (items used by the individual and all
surfaces within 2-metres of the ill person) versus cleaning alone (such as a hallway or room
where the individual has passed through).
• Use disposable cleaning equipment such as disposable wipes, where possible.
• All items that cannot be cleaned (paper, books, etc.) should be removed and stored in a sealed
container for a minimum of 10 days.
Cohorting
• The purpose of cohorting is to limit the mixing of students so that if a child or employee develops
infection, the number of exposures would be reduced.
• To the extent possible, cohorting classes could be considered, particularly for the younger age
groups, so that students stay with the same class group and there is less mixing between classes
and years. This model recognizes that for younger children, close interaction, such as playing and
socializing, is central to child development.
5
• While close contact may be unavoidable between members of a cohort, general infection
prevention and control practices, and, for older students, physical distancing, should still be
encouraged where possible.
• Where possible the same teacher should remain with the class, or if different teachers are
required, having staff come to the classroom so students do not have to change rooms
• Limit use of supplies and equipment to one cohort at a time and clean and disinfect between use.
• Cohorts that utilize a room/space that is shared by cohorts or has other user groups must ensure
the room/space is cleaned and disinfected before and after using the space. Consider posting a
cleaning log to track cleaning.
• In shared outdoor space, 2-metres should be maintained between cohorts and any other
individuals outside of the cohort.
• Play structures can only be used by one cohort at a time and must be cleaned and disinfected
before and after used by each cohort.
• Plans should be made to prevent mixing of cohorts in washrooms/changerooms and to frequently
clean and disinfect shared surfaces in washrooms/ changerooms.
Physical Distancing
• Encourage physical distancing of at least 2-metres between students or cohorts, staff and essential
visitors. Re-orienting the school physical environment to support physical distancing may reduce
the reliance on individual-level behavioural measures that may be impractical, particularly for
younger students.
• Outside of cohort arrangements, younger children and children with special needs will have a
harder time following advice for physical distancing which may require other strategies (e.g.
smaller class sizes for younger children). Information should be presented to students in an age-
and developmentally-appropriate way.
• Classrooms
• When children are in the classroom, to the extent possible, efforts should be made to arrange
the classroom furniture to leave as much space as possible between students.
• Smaller class sizes, if feasible, will aid in physical distancing.
• If weather permits, consideration could be given to having classes outside.
• Adjustments to movement throughout the school
• Create designated routes for students to get to and from classrooms, including different and
separate entrance points for students in different grades.
• Provide visual cues/physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs/posters on
walls, to guide appropriate distances in lines/queues and at other times (e.g., guides for
creating “one-way routes” in hallways).
• Stagger periods of student movement around the school, and discourage students congregating
in the hallways.
6
• Drop-off/Pick-up
• Develop procedures that support physical distancing and separate cohorts as best as possible,
e.g., staggering times, using signage/marking on the ground to direct students through the
entry/exit steps.
• Pick-up and drop-off of students should happen outside the school unless it is determined that
there is a need for the parent/guradian to enter the setting.
• Parents should be educated on the role they play in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 through
physical distancing at school, e.g., they should be provided with guidance on drop-off and pick-
up procedures to discourage congregating at school entrances.
• Personal belongings brought to school should be minimized. If brought to school, personal
items (e.g. backpack, clothing, sun protection, water bottles, food, etc.) should be labeled and
stored separately, e.g. cubbies/designated areas, lockers.
• Shared spaces
• Close communal use spaces such as cafeterias, if possible; otherwise, stagger use, ensuring
physical distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting between use.
• Staff to Staff contact
• Assign staff to dedicated work areas as much as possible. Discourage staff from sharing phones,
desks, offices and other tools and equipment.
• Consider alternative approaches, e.g., virtual staff room.
• Large gatherings/assembly
• Large gatherings/assemblies should be cancelled for the immediate future.
• Choir practices and band practices pose a higher level of risk and special consideration should
be given to how they are held, the room ventilation and the distance between performers.
Instruments should not be shared between students.
• Outdoor activities
• During outdoor activities, such as recess, physical distancing should not be required.
• Children should perform hand hygiene prior to outdoor play / playground use. There should be
a low threshold to close the play structures if there are cases in the school.
• Sports and physical education classes should be encouraged and continue according to
available protocols. There should be special consideration as to whether re-starting sports with
a high degree of physical contact (i.e. rugby, football and wrestling) should be postponed or
modified for the present time.
• Lunch breaks
• To the extent possible, students are encouraged to eat lunch in their classroom with their
cohort to ensure chances of contact and transmission are minimized.
• Stagger break and lunch times to allow students to wash hands before eating, without creating
congestion in washrooms or handwashing stations.
• If weather permits, consideration could be given to having lunch breaks outside.
• With respect to eating and drinking at school:
• Ensure students and staff perform proper hand hygiene before and after eating.
7
• Ensure each student has their own drink bottle that is labeled, kept with them during the day,
and not shared.
• Fill water bottles rather than drinking directly from the mouthpiece of water fountains.
• Ensure each student has their own individual meal or snack with no common food items.
• Remove self-serving food items.
• Mutli-use utensils must be cleaned after each use.
• Reinforce ‘no food sharing’ policies.
• Do not plan activities that involve students in preparing or serving of food.
• Physical distancing should be maintained while eating.
• Third party food services, including nutrition programs, must be delivered in a way that any student
who wishes to participate can do so in non-stigmatizing manner. Grab and Go format preferred. All
surfaces, bins and containers for food must be disinfected prior to and after each use.
• Prohibiting non-essential visitors.
• Limit parents, volunteers for classrooms, guests and others inside the school.
• Use of video and telephone should be used to interact with families where possible, rather than
in person.
Physical Infrastructure
• It is expected that environmental conditions and airflow influence the transmissibility of COVID-19.
• Adequately ventilated classroom environments are expected to be associated with less likelihood
of transmission compared with poorly ventilated settings.
• Avoid recirculation of air as far as practically possible and ensure clean filters.
• In general, ventilating indoor environments with fresh air, whether by increasing the outdoor
air ratio of the HVAC system settings as much as possible or by opening windows, and avoiding
or reducing recirculation, will dilute the air exhaled by the occupants including any infectious
particles. Even if this is not feasible for the whole facility, consider for higher risk areas e.g.,
where crowding may be an issue.
• Recommended maintenance measures for air handling systems (including inspection and
replacement of filters, if applicable) are essential to follow.
• There may be instances of bladed and bladeless fan and portable air conditioner use in schools
which also generate air currents that could affect respiratory droplets.
• Minimizing their use as much as possible (e.g., lowest setting), and making adjustments to
direct the airflow upwards, away from surfaces and occupants may help gradually mix exhaled
respiratory droplets while minimizing turbulence.
• These devices also require regular maintenance (e.g., surface cleaning including the blades;
following manufacturer’s directions for maintenance and removing any moisture or water
collected from the portable air conditioners).
• Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling,
triggering asthma symptoms, risk of bees/wasps) to students and staff and ensure that COVID-19
measures do not introduce new occupational hazards to the setting (e.g., do not prop open fire
doors to increase ventilation/reduce exposure to frequently touched door handles).
8
Maintaining Healthy Operations
Risk mitigation for students at higher risk of infection
• Some children may be at higher risk of adverse outcome from COVID-19 infections due to
underlying medical conditions such as immunocompromised states or chronic medical conditions
such as cardiac and lung disorders.
• Children with underlying conditions may attend school as they would per usual. However, it is
important for parents to work with their child's healthcare providers so that an informed
decision can be made in this regard. This is particularly relevant for children with newly
diagnosed illnesses requiring the first-time use of new or augmented immunosuppression.
• In the event that such children have a documented exposure to the virus, it is recommended
that their care providers be contacted for further management.
Protection of staff and at-risk persons or families

• Risk mitigation for teachers and other staff should be similar to those recommended for other
public settings as restrictions are eased and taken into account the appropriate institutional
guidance relating to at-risk staff.
• Physical distancing of school staff from children and other staff should be emphasized.
• In general, masks should not be required for school staff if physical distancing is practiced
appropriately. If close contact with others cannot be avoided the option of using a mask may be
reasonable. However, if used in the classroom the teacher should explain the rationale to the
children.
• Public health guidance should be followed to mitigate risks in situations where children and at-risk
siblings or older adults reside within the same home.
Screening/Self-Assessment
Refer to the COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms on on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19
website
• It is essential that strict exclusion policies are in place for symptomatic students and staff.
• Staff and students should be educated not to come to school if they are symptomatic or ill or if
someone they have come in close contact with, including within their household, is ill with
suspected or positive COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
• School boards should consider developing protocols for supporting ongoing learning for
students who may be required to remain home for a period, through online or other means.
• Student screening: Parents/caregivers should be provided a checklist to perform daily screening of
their children before arriving at school.
• Staff screening: Self-assessment tools should be made available to staff to ensure awareness of
possible symptoms of COVID 19. Staff who suspect they may have symptoms should stay home
and seek testing.
9
• Signs should be posted at entrances to the school to remind students, staff, parents/caregivers, and
essential visitors.
• Teachers and other staff members should be provided with information on signs and symptoms of
COVID-19 in children so that appropriate action can be taken if children develop symptoms during
the day. Students, in particular, should be monitored for atypical symptoms and signs of COVID-19.
Due to the wide range of symptoms for COVID-19 and evolving understanding of the disease, a low
threshold for symptoms is advised.
• Teach children/youth in age-appropriate and non-stigmatizing language how to identify symptoms
of COVID-19 and instruct them to speak to a staff member immediately if they are experiencing
symptoms.
• Schools must keep daily records of anyone (e.g. students, parents/caregivers, staff and essential
visitors) entering the school setting who stays for 15 minutes or longer.
• Records (e.g., name, contact information, time of arrival/departure, screening completion, etc.)
must be kept up to date and available to facilitate contact tracing in the event of a confirmed
COVID-19 case or outbreak.
Management of Individuals with Suspected COVID-19, Cases and Outbreaks

Refer to the COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms on on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19
website as well as Local public health units.
• Case and contact management are part of a broader plan to limit exposure to COVID-19 in schools.
• A close contact is a person with close, prolonged contact with a probable or confirmed case while
the case was ill.
• Records (e.g., name, contact information, time of arrival/departure, etc.) must be kept up to date
and available to facilitate contact tracing.
• School principals are mandatory reporters of infectious diseases under the Health Protection and
Promotion Act. Principals inform local public health units (PHUs) and PHUs recommend closure,
provide notices, or make other recommendations, e.g., additional testing, self-isolation, cleaning
advice.
Suspected Cases
• Schools must have protocols in place:
• With the local PHU around steps to take where COVID-19 is suspected, e.g., identifying close
contacts.
• To notify parents/caregivers if their child begins to show symptoms of COVID-19 while at
school, including the need for immediate pick-up and an area to isolate the student until pick-
up.
• If a student begins to experience symptoms of COVID-19 while attending school, it is recommended
that they be immediately separated from others in a separate room until they can be picked-up. In
addition, where possible, anyone who is providing care to the individual should maintain a distance
of at least 2-metres.
10
• If a staff member develops COVID-19 symptoms, they should return home and self-isolate
immediately. If they cannot leave immediately, the staff member should be isolated in a specific
place until they are able to leave.
• A ‘kit’ should be available in case a student, staff or essential visitor becomes ill while at the school
for use by the ill individual and staff member attending to them; the kit should contain alcohol-
based hand rub, gloves, surgical/procedural masks, eye protection, and a gown. Instructions on
proper use of PPE should be available on the outside of the kit.
• Tissues should be provided to the individual to support proper respiratory etiquette, along with
proper disposal of the tissues.
• Environmental cleaning/disinfection is required of the space and items used by the individual.
Testing
• Schools should follow current provincial testing guidance.
• The local PHU will provide guidance on steps to take where an individual tests positive for COVID-
19. This could include being exluded from the school for 14 days after the onset of symptoms.
• If the staff member’s illness is determined to be work-related, in accordance with the Occupational
Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, the employer must provide a written notice
within four days of being advised that a staff member has an occupational illness, including an
occupationally-acquired infection, or if a claim has been made to the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board (WSIB) by or on behalf of the staff member with respect to an occupational illness,
including an occupational infection to the:
• Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development;
• Joint health and safety committee (or health and safety representative); and
• Trade union, if any.
Contact Tracing
• When a positive case is identified, PHUs conduct contact identification and follow-up with
identified contacts. PHUs will require support from the school, e.g. student attendance records,
contact information.
• Schools must keep daily records of anyone (e.g. students, parents/caregivers, staff and essential
visitors) entering the school setting who stays for 15 minutes or longer.
• Records (e.g., name, contact information, time of arrival/departure, screening completion, etc.)
must be kept up to date and available to facilitate contact tracing in the event of a confirmed
COVID-19 case or outbreak.
• Contacts are informed that they have been exposed and are provided with public health guidance.
Contact tracing should occur within the first 48 hours of a new positive case.
11
• To support successful case and contact management, schools should:
• Keep up-to-date contact lists, including support staff and essential visitors
• Educate parents around contact tracing strategies
• Develop rapid response capability.
Outbreak Considerations for Schools

• Additional guidance to be provided.
• Principles:
• Rapid response based on well understood roles and responsibilities and defined processes
across ministries, local school boards & schools, local public health and other key stakeholders.
• A consistent provincial policy approach, with variability as appropriate.
• Proactive approach to case and outbreak management, with low thresholds for action.
• Early identification of cases to local public health enabled by surveillance activities.
• A scaled, adaptable and measured approach to outbreak interventions.
• Consideration of case numbers, confidence in cohorting implementation, number of
cohorts impacted, local epidemiology and consideration of the needs of vulnerable
student populations.
• Closures and/or cohort quarantining to allow for case and contact management and
investigations, environmental cleaning and/ or to interrupt transmission.
• Consistent and coordinated communication to all stakeholders.
12

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Memo to Sector Seeking Feedback on Draft Re-Opening Plan for 2020-21 School Year

Memorandum To: Directors of Education

From: Nancy Naylor

Subject Seeking Feedback on a Draft Approach on Re-Opening

President of OSBCU, Canadian Union of Public Employees – Ontario (CUPE-

Lead-in, recognition of covid19, commitment to safety

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE VOLUNTARY

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND TIMETABLING

- ongoing online delivery

- conventional delivery with a continued focus on enhanced protocols

To the greatest extent possible, boards would be encouraged to assign students,

Extension of current school closure

Cohorting refers to minimizing the number of students and teachers any

- maintain class sizes of no more than 15 students in a typical classroom

This approach has a number of implications:

- a range of timetabling models could be developed to support local circumstances

- students and teachers would be encouraged to remain in their classroom and to

- teachers would be encouraged to establish virtual staff rooms and not

At the secondary level, additional adaptations may be required to minimize the

Special Education Classes

Labs, Technical Education, Co-Op and Experiential Learning

It is recognized that schools and boards provide a wide range of educational

Where students are engaged in experiential education, such as students in SHSM,

Adaptations for the School Environment

• Develop procedures that support general physical distancing, such as spreading

• Limit parents and visitors inside the school

• Minimize the number of personal belongings (e.g., backpack, clothing,

ENSURING ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The primary focus of instruction will be on the achievement of overall expectations

Requirements for Graduation

Support for Students with Special Needs

Celebrations, Sports and Extracurriculars

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation or delays of milestones to

ONLINE CAPACITY AND TECHNOLOGY READINESS

To increase board preparedness for remote learning, boards should consider:

• Extending arrangements that provided devices and internet connectivity to

HEALTH AND SAFETY

To support the reopening of schools in Ontario, schools will need to implement

Please refer to Appendix #1 for further guidance.

Mental Health and Well-Being

• Professional learning for system leaders, educators and mental health

Additional cleaning protocols will need to be implemented. These could include:

Staff Screening and Self-Assessment

Self-assessment tools should be made available to staff to ensure awareness of

Testing and Contact Tracing

• Prioritizing digital communications, such as fact sheets explaining new protocols

As a result of physical distancing expectations, the ministry acknowledges that

• Encouraging active forms of travel or private transportation by parents and

COLLABORATION WITH EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES

GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Funding and Reporting Adaptations

Enrolment Recording and Reporting

Andrew-is there more we should say here in terms of GSN adaptation?

Pre-registration would need to be widely communicated to parents for awareness and

TIMELINES AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

As noted, this document is currently in draft form. Feedback is welcome, through

Memorandum To: Directors of Education

From: Nancy Naylor

Subject Seeking Feedback on a Draft Approach on Re-Opening