Return to School - 2021/2022 School Year

Posted On Tuesday August 31, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers:

We are looking forward to welcoming your child(ren) back to school in person for the full day! For the second September in a row school is going to look a little different as we prioritize the health and safety of students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Please see below for various updates:

Administration Changes

Please join me in congratulating Julie Mackenzie, who was promoted to Principal at Brooklin High School.  Replacing her is Jolleen Mathews, an experienced administrator who comes to us from the Peel District School Board.   She will be responsible for supporting students whose last name begin with L-Z. Joslynn Dicks will continue to support students whose last names start with A-K.

Class and Schedule Information 

Classes begin on Thursday September 9, 2021. All students should attend on this day, there is no separate grade 9 day this year.

To start the school year students will take 2 courses per Quadmester, we are presently scheduled for Quadmesters the first half of the year (Quads 1 and 2).

On Tuesday September 7, parents/guardians/caregivers will receive an email that will include Quad 1 class information for their child(ren).       

Further information will be coming later in the school year about a potential change back to the more traditional semester format (students taking 4 courses at a time) for the second half of the year, however this will depend on provincial directives.

There is no week one or week two – students attend the same class in the morning and the same class in the afternoon for the whole Quadmester. A reminder that we have changed school hours.

The schedule is below:  

Mainstream Students will have 2 courses/day.

 * Note that period 4 is a regular class not a study hall.

Masks and Return to School Protocols

All students and staff are required to bring and wear a mask indoors while at school, including in hallways and during classes.  

Students, with the help of parents/guardians are also required to complete a self-assessment of their health and must not enter the school if they are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19. We will continue with the procedures we implemented last year including physical distancing measures, increased signage, enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices and each class has a handwashing or hand sanitizing station. 

More information about the DDSB’s return to school plans can be found at the DDSB Return to School page.   School specific details will be shared closer to class start up.  

Lunch

The cafeteria will be open however there will be no cafeteria food service until further notice.  Whenever possible, we encourage students to eat at home or outside (weather permitting).    Further details regarding lunch time procedures will be provided closer to class start up. 

Busing Information 

Pick-up/drop-off information is available at DSTS through their automated phone line 905-666-6979. You must have your child's date of birth as well as their O.E.N. number which you will find on your child's report card. For more information on busing, please visit www.dsts.on.ca 

Extracurricular Activities

Our staff our looking forward to offering extracurricular activities again.   We are awaiting further guidance regarding starting up these activities.   Students should be sure to listen to the announcements for further information.

Special Education Classes 

If families have a child enrolled in our Practical Learning (PLP), Developmental (DEV), School Support (SSP) or Structured Learning (SLC) programs the teacher will contact you to provide more details about the return to school.   

Access to the School – Individual Who Are Not DDSB Staff 

Currently, all individuals who are not DDSB staff wishing to access a building or school site must call the school office directly to schedule an appointment before appearing on site. Unscheduled visitors and family members of child(ren) may not be able to enter DDSB schools or buildings without prior arrangements being made. Wherever possible, telephone meetings with parents/guardians, vendors and outside agencies will be held. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work together to ensure a safe return to school.   If you have any questions you can contact our school by phone 905-985-7337 or through e-mail at PortPerryHS@ddsb.ca.   

Sincerely,
Greg Scotchburn, Principal
Port Perry High School