In-school classes are suspended at all schools under the jurisdiction of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board, effective Monday, Feb. 15 until at least Friday, Feb. 26, inclusive. This decision was made in consultation with the Provincial Government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health, as part of province-wide efforts to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. All in-school classes in the Avalon Region were suspended last week.

During this two-week “circuit breaker”, school administrators will only be allowing the retrieval of a student’s personal technology device left at the school, or essential items required for health and safety (e.g., medications, medical equipment). Other personal items cannot be retrieved at this time. 

Central, Western and Labrador teaching staff will begin online instruction as follows:

• High School and Intermediate grades begin online classes no later than Wednesday, Feb. 17.
• Primary and Elementary grades begin online classes no later than Thursday, Feb. 18. 

For the Avalon Region, excluding St. John’s Metro, as previously communicated:

• High School and Intermediate online classes begin no later than Monday, Feb. 15.
• Primary and Elementary classes begin no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16. 

For St. John’s Metro schools:

• High School and Intermediate schools have already begun implementing online classes. 
• Primary and Elementary grades begin online classes no later than Monday, Feb. 15. 

All sessions will adhere to the Scenario 3 Protocols for Online Learning for different grade groupings. 

Students and families are reminded that most personal laptops, tablets, desktop computers and smartphones can be used for online learning. You do not need a Chromebook for online learning. If you have a compatible device, please do not request a Chromebook from the school at this time.

Please note, this is not the complete text of the News Release. The complete document is available at the link listed below.