Catholic school board’s three new virtual schools an option for students in September

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is already preparing for the 2021-2022 school year in an age of COVID-19 by creating three permanent virtual schools.

The schools will start in September and have their own administration teams and names, an announcement posted to the OCSB website Friday said.

“As a school board, we remain committed to providing safe and engaging classrooms for all our students and staff,” the announcement reads. “We wanted to make sure our parent community is as up-to-date in the planning process as possible.”

While the Ministry of Education has advised all school boards to plan for a typical in-person school year for September, the OCSB says it recognizes a small number of its students learn best in the online environment.

There is currently no new government funding for virtual schools next year.

“We will add these three schools to our existing 83 stand-alone schools,” the OCSB said. “Students attending Virtual Schools will join other virtual students from across the city and form a virtual Catholic School community.”

This is meant to be a permanent change, the board says — not a temporary learning solution before returning to in-person learning.

Parents interested in signing their kids up for the new virtual learning environment are asked to register their children online before February 25.

If parents later find that the environment isn’t the best solution for their child, then they may request a transfer between schools, although it is not guaranteed.

For kids in kindergarten to Grade 6, virtual school will start at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Most regular programming will be available, including virtual extracurricular clubs and activities.

However, the board says their classmates will come from OCSB schools across the board.

The virtual program for kindergarten will offer some French instruction, however, French immersion programming will only be provided in-person.

Grades 7 and 8 students will be consistent with the board’s in-person school. Virtual classes will start at 9:15 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m.

Extracurriculars will also be offered in a virtual environment.

Sports will be via eSports.

For secondary students, they will be offered a full selection of courses in each grade level.

Students will follow a two-semester, four courses per semester model.

Classes begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m.

Course demand will determine which courses run.

Most courses that rely on hands-on experiences, including the specialist high skills major programs, will only be offered in-person.

Grade 9 physical education is a compulsory course and will be delivered virtually for those who choose the virtual school.

Extracurricular sporting activities will be provided through eSports competitions.

For students in special education, however, the only option available will be in-person learning.

“We know this is a difficult decision for families to make at this time,” the OCSB said. “Our schools remain safe and caring places. We will continue to follow Ottawa Public Health’s advice and work with our students to educate them on the importance of social distancing practices, washing their hands and letting their educators know if they feel unwell. Most health authorities believe schools are not only safe but promote mental, emotional and physical well-being.”