School boards: return to school will be delayed until Feb. 11 ‘at the earliest’

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Public health has extended virtual learning until Feb. 1, but local school boards say the return to class will be delayed at least an additional 10 days.

“At this time we do not expect that schools will resume in-person learning until the end of the provincial emergency orders on [Feb. 11], at the earliest,” states a Jan. 22 update to parents/guardians from the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB)

“This means that all UGDSB schools will continue with our current measures for online learning until further notice.”

The Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) posted a similar message to its website this week following the Jan. 20 public health announcement.

“We have since learned through further communications from the Government of Ontario, that the next possible return to in-person learning is on or about [Feb. 11],” states the WCDSB website.

“We anticipate further clarity from the Ministry of Education on an exact timeline for return.”

Provincial officials stated they would announce by Jan. 20 which public health units could resume in-person learning, based on the latest data.

But as of 3pm on Jan. 22, there was no word from provincial officials.

Editor