Most students in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board have elected to go back to the classroom for the start of a new school year.
Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says more than 2,400 elementary and over 1,480 secondary students across the board have selected “bricks and mortar” learning.
Nineteen per cent of elementary and 17% of high school students have opted for the virtual learning model.
Pharand notes there are some schools, mainly in Sioux Lookout, with a higher number of students taking virtual learning.
Superintendent of Education Shannon Bailey says that’s because there are still challenges and concerns with students from remote northern communities and families need more information before making a decision.
“We’ve allowed them additional time to make the decision that’s right for them because we know they have additional challenges. We haven’t necessarily signed them immediately up for remote learning and not entertaining that until quadmester two. We are leaving it open.”
Bailey notes one challenge is finding boarding homes for students that are able to follow COVID-19 health guidelines.
She stresses they are working closely with all impact families.
The Principal of Sioux North High School was scheduled to visit two communities on Wednesday to meet with kids and parents.
