Ministry Announces Postponed March Break

Ministry Announces Postponed March Break
Posted on 02/11/2021
Dear Staff and Families,

The Minister of Education made an announcement this afternoon that March Break, which was originally scheduled for March 15th to 19th has been postponed until April 12th to 16th. This change will be in place for all students and staff in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, including those participating in remote learning. The Ministry has indicated that their decision was based on the advice of public health experts, with the goal of keeping students and staff as safe as possible.

In our region, and across the province, the strict adherence to health and safety protocols in our school environments has actually resulted in the prevention or reduction of the spread of COVID-19. The timing of the March break is a sufficient concern for public health experts because of the recently emerging COVID-19 variants as well as the current vaccine shortage, which has slowed our immunization program. According to public health, the projected modelling numbers for March have necessitated the postponement of the school break to mid-April. The Minister of Education did reiterate that the break is not being cancelled, but rather postponed by one month.

We do recognize that this change will have an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of some of our staff and students. We are concerned about your wellbeing and encourage you to reach out for support if needed - there are resources and support within our Board as well as outside organizations.
Thank you for assisting us with a successful return to in-class learning this week - it means so much to have your support and understanding as we work together to tackle the almost daily challenges that we are facing in education this year. We continue to pray for the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Yours in Faith,
frances signature
Frances Bagley
Director of Education