Frequently Asked Questions
Apr 9, 2020
Are all childcare centres, Before-and After-School Programs and Extended Day Programs located in Lakehead Public Schools closed?
Child care centres and Extended Day Programs will remain closed until April 13, according to the province’s Declaration of Emergency, which only allows closures to be extended for one 14-day period at a time.
Are EarlyON and Child and Family Learning Centres located in Lakehead Public Schools closed?
Yes. EarlyON programs will remain closed until April 13, according to the province’s Declaration of Emergency, which only allows closures to be extended for one 14-day period at a time.
Can parents pick up their child’s belongs from the school including shoes, clothing, text books and other items?
No. The Ministry of Education has closed all schools until Monday, May 4. We are unable to open the schools for families to collect personal items.
Will students be provided with online learning opportunities during the closure?
Yes. Lakehead Public Schools staff are connecting with all students and families as we prepare to re-establish teacher-led learning during the week of Monday, April 6, 2020. Students requiring paper learning packages will receive them during the week of April 13.
Can I still get a loaned device for my child to participate in the Learning at Home Program?
Yes. Please call your child’s school and leave a message.
Can I get a paper package for my child to participate in the Learning at Home Program?
If you have not been contacted by your child’s school, please call the school and leave a message.
I am having difficulty with applying for the Support for Families Program. Where can I get help?
We have been advised by the Ministry of Education that questions or concerns with this program should be directed to the Support for Families Hotline at 888-444-3770. The hotline is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. TTY (for the hearing impaired) 1-800-268-7095
Are Lakehead Public Schools playgrounds and structures still available for use during the school closure?
No. All Lakehead Public Schools playgrounds and structures are closed and not available for use. We ask the public to observe this closure.
Will the school year be extended into the summer months?
The decision to extend the school year would be made by the Ministry of Education and at this time, we have not received this direction.
Will the cancellation of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) negatively impact a student’s ability to graduate?
For students who are graduating in the 2019-20 school year, the literacy graduation requirement as set out in Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements, 2016 has been waived. Students who are not graduating this school year will have the opportunity to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in the upcoming 2020-21 school year.
Will students be at risk of not graduating?
The Government of Ontario has made very clear that no student will have their graduation compromised by COVID-19 and the Ministry of Education continues to work with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to ensure that there will be no barriers to accessing postsecondary education.
Will Co-op placements continue during this time?
No. These placements are suspended during this time.
Will Student Discipline Hearings continue?
No. All student discipline hearings will be rescheduled.
Will Home Instruction continue?
No. All Home Instruction will be suspended.
Will special education IPRC meetings continue?
No. Special education IPRC meetings that were scheduled to take place between March 14 to April 5, 2020 are postponed.
Will Adult and Continuing Education classes and programs continue?
Yes. The Lakehead Adult Education Centre building is closed but classes are being offered online. Visit our website at https://www.lakeheadschools.ca/adult-education/ for online program details.
Will community use permits for be cancelled?
Yes. All permits are cancelled during the closure.
Can I still contact my child’s Vice Principal, Principal or Superintendent?
Yes. While schools are closed, Vice Principals, Principals and Superintendents will still be available by phone or email should you have any urgent questions or concerns.
Will co-op placements continue during the closure of schools?
No. Co-op placements are postponed during the closure.
Will students continue to participate in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs (OYAP)?
No. OYAP programs are postponed during the closure.
Will students continue to participate in Dual Credit programs?
No. Dual Credit programs are postponed during the closure.
