Dear Parents/Guardians, 

We appreciate receiving community feedback on our message to you earlier this week announcing that we would be temporarily moving to a modified semester schedule. Considering the feedback received and that many staff, students and families are concerned with two transition periods, we have decided that we will be moving to a regular semester schedule for the start of Semester 2 on Thursday, February 3. 

We had previously notified families last August and again in December of our intention to move to a semester schedule when it was possible to do so. The Chief Medical Officer of Health has authorized this shift in the learning day and many boards across Ontario are now adopting a semester schedule. We had thought that many would appreciate a transition period to the semester system, but understand based on the feedback received, it is not ideal.  

We recognize that this shift may be challenging for some, but we believe there are significant benefits of moving to a semester schedule. The quadmester schedule was put in place as a temporary solution, and while it was the best solution at the time, we now have the opportunity to increase the time that students learn directly from their classroom teacher while also increasing the time for students to consolidate key learning over a five-month period. We are also continuing to maintain final marks based upon 100% term work and students will not be writing exams or final summative assessment tasks.  

Secondary schools will be sharing timetables with students prior to the start of Semester 2 and the school day will continue to be from 10am to 4pm.  

Thank you once again for the feedback received. We recognize that changes at this time are stressful for many to accept and that with every change there will be those who would prefer another option. In making this adjustment, we are responding to the concerns of the modified semester and transitioning to a semester system which we believe will serve students well. 

Sincerely, 

Norah Marsh

Director of Education