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Greetings Blyth Students & Families!
We hope you have all been enjoying your Holiday break! As a result of the recent government announcement, we will be shifting our school to virtual classrooms as of January 4th. While we would all prefer be in the school, we are very excited for the launch of our online learning experience for all of our students! While this may take some time to get used to for our new students, our returning students and families will be familiar with the process from last year. We are committed to continuing to offer strong programs in light of our temporary school closure due to COVID-19.
Important Dates/Information
January 4-8: Grade 5-12 students will be learning virtually
January 11: Grade 5-8 students return to in-person academic and athletic school programming
January 11-22: Grade 9-12 students will continue to learn virtually
January 25: Grade 9-12 students return to in-person academic and athletic school programming
Similar to last school year, we intend on running a program with a combination of live lessons via Zoom video conferencing (https://zoom.us), independent online work via Edsby/Google Classroom, fitness programs, sport-specific skills programs and possibly guest speakers to keep everyone in shape, both physically and mentally!
In order to continue providing everyone with structure, we will be running our academic day from 10AM-3:15PM (Monday-Friday). Students are expected to be online during these times, the same times that they would have been present in school. This will also allow us to run live classes via the Zoom platform. Teachers will be available from 9:00AM-3:15PM for questions via email, Edsby or video conference.
Virtual School Schedule (Monday-Friday)
8:30-9:30AM: Sport-Specific Fitness/Skills Session (except for Fridays) – This schedule with Zoom links will be communicated by January 3rd
10:00-11:00AM: Period 1 Lesson via Zoom – Attendance to be taken via Edsby in the first 15 minutes of the video session.
11:00AM-12:15PM: Period 1 Work Period (task/assignment posted on Edsby for the students to complete). Teachers available via email or Edsby to answer questions during this time.
12:15-1:00PM: Lunch Break
1:00-2:00PM: Period 2 Lesson via Zoom – Attendance to be taken via Edsby in the first 15 minutes of the video session.
2:00-3:15PM: Period 2 Work Period (task/assignment posted on Edsby for the students to complete). Teachers available via email or Edsby to answer questions during this time.
3:15-3:45PM: Teacher Prep/Grading/Extra Help via email or Edsby.
4:00PM: In-Class Work Due
Note: elementary daily schedules might differ slightly but you will receive correspondence from your teacher about this via Edsby/Google Classroom if there are any adjustments
Fitness Training Edsby Group
Paul will be posting weekly workouts in the Fitness Training Edsby Group (https://blyth.edsby.com/p/Place/103697215) that can be completed from the comfort of your own home! Each week there will be a new workout with videos to show you the exercises! We encourage you to post pictures or brief clips of you doing your daily workout to encourage others to do the same! It is very important to stay active during this time as it will benefit you both physically and mentally!
Sport-Specific Skills/Game-Film Analysis Sessions (This schedule with Zoom links will be communicated by January 3rd)
We will continue running the virtual sport-specific training program that we had in place for December to keep all our athletes sharp even when at home and invite you to share any videos the athletes are making at home so we can motivate the greater sports community on social media (IG @blythdownsview, @blythhockey_downsview and @blythsoccer_downsview). We are also trying to schedule some guest speakers via Zoom so please keep an eye on this group for more details!
Student Expectations
Although we have changed to a virtual classroom, our expectations of students do not change. Our student code of conduct must still be followed, students must attend all classes as if they were attending them at the school and students must ensure that they are conducting themselves appropriately while taking part in our virtual classroom and video conferences.
Technology
While we are trying to integrate innovative technology to strengthen our virtual offering, there will inevitably be challenges that occur (internet down, logins not working, changes to the class schedule, etc.) so I please ask your patience and understanding. You will hear from your teachers if there are going to be any changes or if they are having a technical issue. Edsby will be an extremely important communication tool while we are operating our virtual classrooms so please make sure to check it every morning before joining your first class!
While this is definitely a difficult time for everyone we are here to support you and continue to provide your children with a great learning experience! We are very excited to continue to support your children and hope to be back in the school very soon!
We wish you a safe, enjoyable and restful Holiday Break, and will be in touch if there are any more changes over the break.
Adam Hurley
Principal
Blyth Downsview