Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy says unless things change drastically, schools across the province of New Brunswick will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
He adds the school year won’t be extended in any way, unless the pandemic situation improves drastically, “If that information does become available and there is a miracle cure suddenly that is found proven to work, of course we will look at that. But at this point we have no reason to believe that the situation will be recoverable for the school year.”
Dominic Cardy said Thursday plans are being developed for home learning online options, that will feature between one and two and a half hours of learning each day.
Cardy says, “In addition to completing suggested home learning options, students and families are encouraged to read for a minimum of 30 minutes daily and to engage in 30 minutes of physical acclivity to promote physical health and mental well-being.”
All home learning options have not been released yet, but he says classes will be done virtually.
“In the days to come, schools in both sectors will be in contact with families to share home learning options and activities to guide in the development of age appropriate life skills along with activities to support physical and mental well-being.” Cardy says.
Educational resources for students in the anglophone sector will also be shared on the newly-established New Brunswick Family Resources website. Francophone school districts are in the process of developing their own website and more information will be available in the coming days. Educators will be contacting families weekly and teachers will participate in the development of home learning options, as well as preparing for the eventual return of students to the classroom.
Cardy says students in a position to move forward to the next grade level will do so. Grade 12 students who were on track to graduate will receive their diploma.
He add, decisions on graduation ceremonies and other graduation events will be made in the coming weeks, based on direction from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
The government will also be working with post-secondary institutions to ensure this crisis does not prevent students from being eligible for admission to post-secondary studies in the upcoming school year.
More information on assessments, report cards and delivery plan outlines are available in the continuity of learning plans for the anglophone and francophone sectors.
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