The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board is asking permission from the province to reopen elementary schools for in-person classes for the last week of school.
In a public letter to Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, trustees said they were” disappointed” in the decision to continue remote learning for the remainder of the school year and are asking permission to allow them to complete the last five to seven days in person.
MORE: Ontario schools to remain closed for in-person learning until the fall
“By allowing elementary students to return in person for the last week of school, we can provide safe and equitable access to in‐person, end‐of‐year activities that support relationships and routines for our students.” – Board Chair Dawn Danko
— HWDSB (@HWDSB) June 8, 2021
“Ultimately, our goal is to support mental health and well‐being after such a difficult year,” trustees said.
Trustees voted seven to two to make a written request after hearing Premier Doug Ford’s recent call for schools to hold graduation ceremonies for all students by the end of June.
They say it’s almost impossible to accommodate on such short notice.
Trustees say reopening for five to seven days is feasible because the board was already prepared for a return to in-person classes on June 7.
