Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario releases back-to-school plan

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario has released its back-to-school plan.

The district, which operates42 schools in eight counties surroundingOttawa, plans to have high school students operate under a 'quadmester structure' with shortened days, whileelementary school students will attend classes five days a week, using a regular schedule.

Elementary school students will also participate in 60 minutes of online learning each day.

According to the board, there may belimits to the number of students allowed in each class or withina school at the same time.

Secondary students using 'quadmester'structure

Secondary schools students will only have in-person classes between 8:10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. each day, but will be subject to a "quadmester" structure. That structureallows students to complete two courseseverynine-week cycle.

The model will allow "classroom cohorts" or bubbles to help keep smaller groups of students apart, the board said.

Each day will include two, two-hour classes with the first periodbetween 8:10and 10:10 a.m., before students switch totheir second period between10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

After the first nine-week quadmester, students will switch subjects, beginning their third period course at 8:10 a.m. and their fourth period course at 10:15 a.m.

High schoolstudents are also expected to learn from home for30 minutes per crediteach afternoonand will have exams after each nine-week cycle.

Students in Grades 7 and8 will also finish school at 12:15 p.m., the board said, adding those studentsare allowed to stay at school after 12:15 p.m., but are expected to have a ride home. The board saidarrangements must be made with the school's principal.

Buses will run near capacity

Buses will operate at close to capacity but have additional health and safety protocols in place, the board said.

Students will also be asked to maintain physical distancing as they walk between classrooms.

Parents can choose to have their children learn remotely, but won't be able to switch their choice beforeNov. 9 for the first half of the school year,or by Feb. 8 for the second half.