Ontario schools will remain open, April Break will proceed, Lecce says

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says in-class instruction and April Break will go on as planned.

This comes after speculation classes would move online if the province increases COVID-19 regulations.

A letter from the York Catholic District School Board was sent out Wednesday advising parents online learning would begin April 6. Government sources told 680 NEWS Thursday morning that information was inaccurate.

#BREAKING – A government source tells me the York Catholic letter that was sent saying schools may close is inaccurate. I’m told the plan is to open schools as usual after the Monday holiday next week, as per my reporting last night.

— Richard Southern (@RichardCityNews) April 1, 2021

In a statement Thursday, Lecce said new protocols will also be introduced at schools to ensure student and staff safety following the April Break.

“Schools will remain open — critical for students’ mental health & learning,” he tweeted.

“The Chief Medical Officer of Health has said schools remain safe. Against third wave & VOCs, strong protocols have kept 98.7 per cent of schools open and 74 per cent without any cases. Students deserve to be in class.”

Schools will remain open — critical for students’ mental health & learning.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has said schools remain safe.

Against third wave & VOCs, strong protocols have kept 98.7% of schools open and 74% without any cases.

Students deserve to be in class.

— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) April 1, 2021

Following Lecce’s statement, the YCDSB sent another letter to parents apologizing for the confusion.

“The York Catholic District School Board apologizes for any confusion with regards to potential school closures,” the letter reads.

“As of this morning we are under every impression that students will continue in-class learning.”