In-class learning is an essential service for working parents and for our children’s future as contributing adults.

We are deeply concerned about the future of our son’s education and his mental well being.  Also, the decrease in physical activity he has experienced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the fall of 2020, everyone predicted that re-opening of in-class learning would spell disaster. Everyone thought that transmission rates in schools would be extremely high and any parent sending their child back to school is endangering not only their lives but the families they live with.

The truth, thankfully, is that schools are safe.  The transmission rate in schools is low. Lower than they are at home. This is illustrated in the OCDSB COVID-19 Dashboard: https://ocdsb.ca/our_schools/novel_coronavirus_information_for_parents/ocdsb_covid-19_dashboard

The goal of this petition is to ask the Ontario Provincial government to change their policies of school closures.

School closures should be location specific and dependent on the transmission in individual schools.  

The truth of our new reality is: 

• Virtual school is not an effective way to educate many children. The teachers are challenged to keep the children engaged. Most children turn off their cameras and mute their computers as the teacher is speaking and do not pay attention as they would if they were in class. 
• Children need space to learn and be active. Home is not the place for this.
• Parents who work at a work place are not able to provide childcare and often need to quit their job to support their child’s education.
• Parents who work from home have a work schedule that does not allow them to focus entirely on their children for any effective length of time - jeopardizing their employment and the children's education.

                                                     NO ONE WINS!

If you agree that the Ontario Provincial Government needs to change its policies on school closures and reopen our schools immediately, please consider signing below.