Online Learning Information - Secondary 2022-23

If you are considering online learning for your child for the 2022-23 school year, the information below can help you determine the model that best suits your child’s needs.

In-Person Learning

Secondary programs will be offered as outlined on the school course selection sheet
Changes to in-person learning courses selections can be done, as usual, through school Guidance offices.

* If your child is in a self-contained classroom, complete this declaration if you are choosing online learning for the 2022-23 school year. The current model for self-contained students in online learning will NOT continue in the 2022-23 school year. Students in self-contained classes who choose online learning will be registered in a designated virtual school self-contained classroom. Your child will no longer remain in their existing self-contained and will be expected to remain in the online learning classroom for the entire 2022-23 school year. In-year return to in-person learning in a self-contained classroom will be dependent on space available. The virtual self-contained program has high expectations for student participation and learning. Students will be expected to be online for the full school day, with breaks built in specific to individual student need.

Online Learning

Limited selection of courses in each grade level and pathway
Courses to be determined based on viability
Grade 9/Grade 10 options may include 225 live online minutes (synchronous) instruction/day.
A full online program may not be available
Grade 11/Grade 12 options will be based on availability
Specialized programs such as: French Immersion/ Extended French, Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) and school specific programs such (i.e. SOAR) are not offered through online learning
Courses such as Dance, Music, Technology, Cooperative Education are not offered through online learning

Note: Attendance is taken and required each day in both in-person and online learning.

Making the Best Decision For Your Child

As families consider the learning model for the 2022-23 school year:

Consider your child’s strengths as a learner.
Consider your child’s needs for interacting with peers. Some students benefit from being in person and connecting with peers at breaks and lunch. Engagement, participation and building relationships with their peers and staff are critical to student success.
Students learning online may not be able to participate in typical in-person opportunities, however, online staff will be encouraged to consider opportunities that may be able to be provided virtually.

Learning Considerations

Online learning requires a greater need for students to be able to work independently due to the virtual nature of the program. Although many aspects of learning can be replicated in an online environment, the social development, peer interactions and informal interactions can look different. It is important to recognize that synchronous (live) meeting times in online learning are established for teacher instruction and as an opportunity for teachers to engage in assessment of students’ knowledge in skills.

Technology

24_cloud server.png Students opting to learn online will need to be comfortable using technology to access and engage in learning and will need access to a device (e.g., laptop, etc.) and internet connectivity. D2L Brightspace and Microsoft Teams will continue to be the primary platforms used for online learning. Families should consider the student’s comfort level using technology for their learning and the capacity to support technology issues during the school day. Students who cannot access a device of their own can request to borrow a laptop and connectivity devices through their home school.

Family Support for Learning

Parent/guardian support is always important but is particularly essential when students do not have in-person connections with school staff. A quiet space to work with minimal distraction is important for success in an online learning environment.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Families should consider their child’s extra-curricular interests and how those needs can be addressed outside of school. It may not be possible for students learning online to participate in extra-curriculars at their home school.

Change of Home School

Students enrolled in the Grand Erie online learning model will be assigned to an online learning program which is connected to one of our Grand Erie schools. Students in online learning will become a student of this school for the year, with all the supports (e.g., Administration, Student Success, Guidance, ESL and Learning Resource Teachers) being provided by this designated school. Students enrolled in eLearning courses will remain in their current school.

Families should consider their connection to the school community and whether that is a factor in their decision about learning for the 2022-23 school year.

Graduating students will have the opportunity to participate in commencement ceremonies and other celebrations with their peers in their home school.

Declaration for the School Year 2022-23

Movement between in-person and online learning can cause considerable disruptions to many students, including those who are not changing learning modes themselves. Therefore, when students choose online, this choice will represent a year-long commitment where courses are available.

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