Elementary students in the virtual school will participate in real time, synchronous learning every day. Asynchronous work will also be expected in order to complete work assigned. Classes will be led by Ontario Certified Catholic teachers at scheduled times during the school day. Instructional minutes in the virtual classroom are equal to the minutes spent learning in person (approximately 300 minutes per day). It is expected that students participating in virtual learning are engaged every day; attendance is monitored and recorded.

Each class has its own digital learning platform (myClass page) and instruction will occur online through synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Teachers will provide synchronous learning opportunities through Microsoft TEAMS which may include whole class instruction, individual or small group support, student presentations, mini-lessons and content/skill-based instruction as appropriate. For students in Kindergarten, 180 minutes of the instructional day will be provided synchronously, while 225 minutes of synchronous instruction will be provided for students in grades 1 to 8.

Exemption Process for Synchronous (Real time) Learning

Teachers and administration will work with families who are not able to have their child(ren) participate in scheduled synchronous learning times. Please contact your child’s teacher to discuss the process for exemption.

While virtual learning is taking place at home, the same responsibilities and expectations of students and parents/guardians apply as they do for in-person learning. This includes the existing Code of Student Conduct and Discipline Policy and Internet and Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students Policy . In addition, the followingexpectations and responsibilities have been established for students participating in virtual learning.

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

1. Be a Discerning Believer
- Remember that your online classroom is a part of a Catholic school community. Always show respect for yourself and for others within your online classroom.

2. Be an Effective Communicator
- Be sure your words and actions are appropriate and positively contribute to classroom learning.

3. Be a Reflective, Creative and Holistic Thinker
- Be engaged in your classroom activities.
- Complete all assigned work independently to the best of your ability.
- Respect the ideas and opinions of others.

4. Be a Collaborative Contributor
- Work hard and collaborate to help support and foster your learning, the learning of others and a positive classroom community.

5. Be a Caring Family Member
- Show care, acceptance, respect and understandingtowardsothers.

6. Be a Respectful Citizen
- Follow your online classroom rules.
- Do not share your login information with others. Protect your passwords and personal information.
- Follow copyright rules and board acceptable use standards.

Be engaged in your child’s learning by supporting your child’s attendance and participation in virtual learning. See HWCDSB’s Learning At Home “Live” Online Learning Tips for Parents/Guardians for more information.

Encourage your child to participate positively and remind them of the expectations for students.

Encourage your child to complete their work to the best of their ability, encouraging independence. The independent completion of assigned tasks enables authentic assessment to support the ongoing learning and development of your child’s academic and social-emotional well-being.

Check-in daily with your child/Parent Portal to ensure their work is getting done, and that you are aware of information you may need.

Remember that online class time is meant for your child to explore and learn with the teacher and their classmates.

Parental communication is important. If you would like to communicate with your child’s teacher, set up an appointment outside of class time.

For faith and wellness supports, including but not limited to Prayer, Christian Meditation, Student Mental Health & Wellness and Physical Literacy, please visit our Parent Website at:

Parent Portal provides families with an opportunity to stay updated on what is happening in their child’s classroom. If being used within the classroom, the class’ Activity Feed, Calendar, Assignments and Portfolio feeds can be directly accessed through the Parent Portal.

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