Having students head back to school after Labour Day is giving a local school board more time to prep classrooms, according to the director of education.
The Northeastern Catholic District School Board is starting a staggered start for all but one of its elementary schools Sept. 8.
In a news release, director of education Tricia Stefanic Weltz said the board is diligently working to re-open schools.
"Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. Our plan provides all of us with a bit more time to prepare schools and class learning environments for our students. We have missed seeing our schools filled with the joy of learning and the deep curiousity that our students bring into our classrooms and playgrounds. We are excited to welcome them back to school in the safest way possible," she said.
The schedule for elementary students is:
• Tuesday, Sept. 8 - students with the last name A - H
• Wednesday, Sept. 9 - students with the last name I - P
• Thursday, Sept. 10 - students with the last name Q - Z
• Friday, Sept. 11 - all students in school
The only exception is Bishop Belleau School in Moosonee.
According to the school board, the staggered start allows "teachers to work with smaller groups of students over the first few days, reviewing important health and safety protocols and procedures."
"We want to take the time needed to help every student with the transition to in-class learning," reads a news release.
At O'Gorman High School, only Grade 9 and 10 students will attend school Sept. 8 and Sept. 9. All students from Grade 9 to 12 will be in the classroom Sept. 10.
Because of COVID-19 concerns, students can opt for distance learning this year.
NCDSB community relations officer Andrew Marks said just under 20 per cent of the elementary student body has opted for virtual learning. He said that is about 300 learners.
At the local public board — District School Board Ontario North East — about 14 per cent of students are doing distance learning.
