A school year unlike any other: What you need to know about OCSB’s back-to-school plans
Newly appointed director of Education Tom D’Amico has been in the education sector for 30 years, and in that time, he has never seen a school year like 2020. He remains confident school staff will continue to be strong communicators and effective decision-makers — keeping their students’ well-being at the forefront of their back to school planning. D’Amico describes OCSB educators and support staff as innovative, collaborative, student-focused professionals.
“Our schools will look different this year,” says D’Amico. “The main office reception area and learning commons and every classroom will have optional Plexiglas screens. Students will notice directional arrows, signs and posters, to encourage physical distancing. What won’t change is our sense of community built on faith, guided by our Catholic social teachings. Together, we will look out for each other and support student learning and well-being.”
Parents have a personal and challenging decision to make regarding sending their children back to school or continuing with distance learning. D’Amico recognizes this is a family decision — there is no right or wrong answer.
The OCSB has created resources for parents to address everything from the board’s steps to create safer environments for school operations and educator preparation.
Cleaning procedures will be enhanced at all schools. This includes regular touchpoint cleaning of surfaces such as door handles, railings, light switches, buttons, dispensers, faucets and commonly touched school items. Over $1.1 million has been invested in additional caretakers. Each classroom will be equipped with disinfectant spray bottles, paper towels and sanitizing wipes, as needed. Sanitizer will also be stationed at the school entrance and exit points. The board uses hospital-grade cleaning products in all of its schools.
In order to decrease congestion in hallways, students will keep their personal items with them at all times instead of storing them in lockers or cubbies. Desks and tables will face forward rather than in circles and groupings. Carpets and plush items that are difficult to clean have been removed from classrooms. Classrooms will feature privacy dividers that will remind students to physically distance.
“Students will notice other changes such as hygiene signage, directional signage and spray-painted lines two metres apart at entrances,” says D’Amico. “There will be some physical barriers, such as Plexiglas at reception. Every classroom will also have a Plexiglas barrier for multiple functions that may include one-to-one teaching in closer proximity.”
D’Amico says in addition to these precautions, the wearing of masks will play an essential role in the health and safety of students and staff. Personal protective equipment will be provided for all educators and support staff. Students in Grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear a mask at school. The board will continue to adapt their health and safety protocols based on the latest guidance from Ottawa Public Health. Principals will provide families with screening directions to screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms before they head to class each day. Students who are ill must stay home.
Elementary students will return to a traditional fivehour school day, but they will remain in one class cohort. Where needed, teachers will rotate into the classroom instead of students changing classes. The OCSB will implement an adapted model for high school in which half of the students will attend school every other day. Each class will be divided into two cohorts. “We are following the Public Health guidance that a distance of one metre is acceptable in schools when layered with other measures such as screening, wearing masks, cohorting, limiting the mixing of students and continued handwashing and proper hygiene practices,” says D’Amico. “Also, there will be no large group activities such as assemblies, field trips and extracurricular activities until conditions change.”
D’Amico says educators will still be able to provide engaging classes by designing Deep Learning activities that focus on students’ lives and interests. “As a board, we embrace the concept of Deep Learning as it prepares students to be curious, continuous, independent learners and thoughtful, productive, global citizens.
“There will be a sense of the unknown as we return to school. Working together, we will continue to have high academic standards for each child entrusted to our care. Mental health, equity and student learning have always been a focus in our schools. This year, more than ever, we will prioritize student and staff well-being as the school year starts.”
For more information, visit