What's Happening @ DACS?

Yet again, we must pass along the disheartening news that we must carry on with Distance Education for at least one additional week. 

At this point, the Lord willing, we will be able to resume in-class instruction on February 1st.  This is pursuant to a letter received today from Dr. Mercer of the WDGPH unit. 

Staff had prepared for 3 weeks, so we are in reasonably good shape to carry on.  In the event that Distance Learning must carry forward further we will have to reassess late next week and make preparations.  We apologize for the short notice. 

This is all so very disappointing for students, staff and parents and we are tempted to grumble and complain and to get discouraged.  However these emotions, concerns and frustrations are a sign of a good thing – we care!  We care deeply about the education of our children, God’s children!  And so we turn to Him in humble prayer, seeking the strength to carry on with that which He has placed before us.  We are His redeemed people and so we can turn to our Father for strength and comfort; what a blessing!  Isaiah 49:13 “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.”  Let us praise His name for His goodness.  Let us work to God’s glory whether in homework, in lending a helping hand or in our daily job. 

Should you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out to the Board. Stay tuned for another update later next week.

Just a little clarification about the website that will be used for school assignments during distance learning.

For simplicity of setup, the teachers will be using the website that was set up last year for loading daily assignments.  It is located at a separate URL, which can be found in the “Letters to Parents Shutdown 2021” memo that was emailed by the school on Friday.  If you cannot find the memo a copy of it has been loaded in the MyDACS section of this site in the “Distance Education Staff Communication” folder.

Praying that these next few weeks will be both manageable and beneficial for parents, students and staff!  May the Lord bless your efforts!

Applications are now open for children 13+ for the “Safer at Home” Program.

Students aged 13 through Grade 12 will be eligible for funding under the expanded Support for Learners program. Parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of $200 per eligible student to help offset education expenses. Support will be available for those who attend a public or private school or who are homeschooled.

Visit www.ontario.ca/page/get-support-learners for more instructions and details!

Regrettably we must pass along the following update: 

Pursuant to s. 2(2) of Schedule 1 to Ontario Regulation 82/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 1 made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to Covid-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c.17 (the “Reopening Ontario Act”), schools (including private schools) schools have been closed for in-class learning through January 24th, 2021.

As such, this update serves as notice that DACS will be closed for in-class learning until Jan 25th when, the Lord willing, we may resume in-class instruction. 

Staff has been spending a lot of time this week working on developing a framework for distance learning that aims to be structured and organized striking a balance between the needs of students, parents and teachers.  Packages are being prepared over the next couple days with the final details of the framework being worked out tomorrow.  Late Friday there should be a Memo Letter going out to all parents outlining how the education will work this time around.  Items like attendance and assessment will be a key part of the distance learning this time and will need to be worked with.

Next Steps:

• Friday/Saturday – keep an eye out for a Memo Letter from Staff
• Friday/Monday – keep an eye out for the schedule that is being set up for the pick up of books and handouts
• Tuesday – be ready to pick up a package from the school
• Wednesday – Distance Learning at home will commence

A lot has changed in only a few days.  We are thankful for the preparation that has been able to get done this week.  As our concerns, frustrations and anxieties rise, let us turn to our Lord and Saviour seeking His comfort and guidance.