Tiasha Tabassum: Ontario’s elementary and secondary schools will not reopen before the summer break for the pandemic. Also, overnight summer camping will not be allowed this time. Premier Doug Ford will not take any risk which can expose children to deadly COVID-19.
Ford said that they have decided to put the children’s’ safety first. They have also planned to ensure the continuation of education outside the classroom. He added, “At-home learning will continue. All students from Grades K to 12 will receive their report cards.” He has promised that the government will do anything to make sure the graduation of students this year.
The child-care centers will not open immediately as per the government’s reopening plan. Child-care centers, Private schools and EarlyON programs remain closed during Stage 1.
About the summer camp cancellation Ford said, “Unfortunately, we just can’t have camped with 500 kids living together right now. I know this will be tough for many kids who look forward to their overnight camps.” However, the government intends to allow summer day camping in July and August after considering the future situation and obviously following proper public health measures.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce stated that online education will be continued along with offering new summer programs. “It is obvious that schools will not look the same, that we have reimagined education in some respects in September,” Lecce said. Schools can start teaching in classrooms during the fall after getting approval from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. So, students will return to their classes then after the formulation of the new public health protocol by the government.
