Elementary F.A.Q.s
When am I going to hear from our child’s teacher?
Is it true that you need to hire a lot more teaching staff?
What equipment and supplies are needed for Remote School?
An Internet connected device with a webcam, speakers/headphones, and microphone will be required to participate in Synchronous Learning. A desktop computer, laptop, or Chromebook will all work. The Chrome internet browser will be needed on whichever device you have. https://www.google.com/intl/en_ca/chrome/
A designated learning space where your child can be productive. Ideally with limited distractions (away from a TV or video game system).
Each classroom teacher may have additional recommended supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, markers, ruler, etc. Please wait to hear from your child’s teacher before purchasing materials.
What happens if we do not have the required technology at home?
When your child’s teacher contacts you, they will be double checking to see if you need a loaner device. If you need a device, we will arrange for you to pick one up from your child’s homeschool. Please do not contact your homeschool now.
Where do we go to get started?
www.wellingtoncdsb.ca is the “homepage” for students. They will be able to access D2L, email, and numerous other online learning tools. Your child’s homeroom teacher will be contacting you to see if they can login.
Is the Elementary Remote School going to be reorganized in September?
Yes, just like our Brick-and-Mortar schools, our school may need to adjust the number of teachers we hire based on how many students we have registered. We are working hard to make sure that our classes fall within the provincially mandated class sizes. This means your child may be moved into a different class. Where possible, we will do our very best to keep students from the same homeschool together.
What time does Remote School start each day?
9:00 - 3:00 is the timeline. Information on ‘live’ synchronous learning can be found here:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/164.html Daily Schedule (300 minutes of learning each day).
When does Remote School start?
We have a ‘soft start’ from September 14 - 16 with our anticipated whole classroom launch on Thursday, September 16. This is when we hope to have all students at Remote School every day. But...we will NOT be having a normal first week of School.
How can parents help with Remote School?
Check-in with your child and see how they are doing both academically and emotionally.
Your child is learning more than just reading, writing, and math, they are also learning how to be independent and responsible. Check-in with them but do not rush in to solve every little problem. Communicate with their teacher. We are all on the same team and we want Remote School to be successful. If you have concerns, contact the teacher and let them know.
What is Synchronous Learning and Asynchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning: Learning that happens in real time. Synchronous learning involves using text, video, or voice communication in a way that enables educators and other members of the school to instruct and connect with students in real time. Synchronous learning supports the well-being and academic achievement of all students, including students with special education needs, by providing educators and students with an interactive and engaging way to learn. It helps teachers provide immediate feedback to students and enables students to interact with one another.
Asynchronous learning: Learning that is not delivered in real time. Asynchronous learning may involve students watching pre-recorded video lessons, completing assigned tasks, or contributing to online discussion boards.
Online Learning did not work for our family/child in the Spring. What will be different this fall?
As per the Ministry of Education direction, during remote learning this fall, students and parents will be provided with a daily schedule that includes 300 minutes of learning opportunities, with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Teaching will be based on the full Ontario curriculum and include opportunities for guided instruction, large- and small-group learning, synchronous check-ins, and asynchronous independent work.
Teachers will be available to students throughout the day, as per the teaching timetables, as they would be if they were face-to-face in a classroom setting. The Ministry expectation is that students receive 225 minutes of synchronous instruction for Grades 1-8 and 180 minutes of synchronous instruction for JK/SK each day.
What if we do not want our child participating in synchronous learning?
Parents can “opt-out” of synchronous learning. The student will be exempted from all synchronous learning. We will contact these families to determine if they would like an online Asynchronous program or offline “paper based” program. Families that choose the off-line paper-based program receive paper copies of assignments through the mail. We expect this will be like a correspondence course. We are still working out how this will run.
What if we are struggling with the cost of internet service?
The WCDSB is continuing to offer support for internet service for families that need this. Please inform the school should this be the case.
How are students being grouped into classes?
We have developed a process with the following priorities:
- Our class sizes are dictated by the Ministry of Education guidelines.
- Students from the same brick-and-mortar and in the same grade school will be kept together as much as possible.
- If there are too many students from a single school, we will need to split the group up.
- Balance the classes according to academic needs, gender, and ESL students.
What if we have additional questions?
Since we have close to 1000 students, we are going to be asking for your patience as we get our elementary and secondary remote schools set-up. We are trying our best to respond to parent emails and phone calls.