While most students are now attending school in-person (face-to-face), we recognize that some families may wish for their child to continue online learning. The Government of Ontario requires that school boards continue to offer students virtual learning for the 2022-2023 school year.
For 2022-2023 school year, our plans do not include hybrid learning next year.
Students in Grades 9-12 will receive a daily schedule that follows a typical four-period schedule of four 75-minute periods and a common lunch period. Learning will follow the Ontario curriculum and follow teaching patterns similar to a regular classroom such as small and large group learning opportunities, with students engaging with their teacher and classmates
Each 75-minute period will include a minimum of 60 minutes of live (synchronous) learning.
Program
Compulsory courses are offered from Grades 9-12 and a limited number of elective courses are available from Grades 9-12. It is important to note, like any school, student demand will influence ongoing course planning and some courses may not run. The Secondary Virtual School will follow the same course planning and scheduling timelines as schools with a regular school year calendar.
Families and students are encouraged to review the Secondary Virtual School Course Calendar as optional specialized programming is not available, including Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate, ARTS, SHSM, Cooperative Education and French Immersion. All Special Education Classes are available from Grades 9-12.
Supporting students with special education needs is a priority in both learning models. Special education staff will continue to support students in both models. In September, families of students with IEPs will be contacted by the virtual school for consultation on their child’s IEP. Families of students in Special Education Community Classes will be contacted by their virtual school with the Google Classroom and online meeting details.
Students in Grades 9-12 can further access course information through their MyPathway Planner Account accessed through board login. It is important to note that not all courses will be available and that not all courses are offered in all periods as course offerings depend on a number of variables including student demand.
Students and families with questions about post-secondary options that require specific courses are encouraged to contact their current school’s Guidance staff. All students can make appointments with Guidance staff to discuss any course selection pathway questions.
As outlined by the Ministry, courses taken in virtual schools cannot be used toward the two eLearning credits required for graduation. More information about this requirement will be communicated to all families this spring.
Co-curricular clubs and events will be offered virtually.
Graduating students applying to University or College will do so through the YRDSB’s Secondary Virtual School and the school name “YRDSB Secondary Virtual School” will appear on the diploma. Graduating students will be able to attend the Secondary Virtual School Graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
The two options we are planning will be in-person (face-to-face) in your homeschool or learning remotely in YRDSB Secondary Virtual School (YRDSB-SVS).
The Ministry requires that Boards extend virtual learning for the 2022-2023 school year. At this time, we have no further information on the school years beyond 2022-2023.
No, the eLearning credit required for graduation needs to be in an asynchronous learning environment. YRDSB-SVS will be synchronous.
Students may be able to take eLearning credits depending on course availability.
Students who attend school in-person benefit from:
- developing social/interpersonal skills
- improving in-person communication skills
- building teamwork skills
- wide range of experiential learning opportunities that support different learning styles
- sharing and playing in person
- participating in social activities, extracurricular clubs, teams and athletics
- leadership opportunities provided through co-curricular activities
- student leadership and mentorship
Schools will continue to follow York Region Public Health COVID-19 Guidelines to ensure safety measures for in-person learning.
School Structure
The day will follow the traditional semester model, with 4 periods per day and a common lunch, however specific start and end times have not yet been determined.
Yes, the YRDSB-SVS will be its own school.
YRDSB-SVS will have dedicated teachers.
Any meetings will be held virtually.
The commitment to the YRDSB-SVS is for the full year.
The 75 minute periods are 60 minutes of synchronous learning and 15 minutes of asynchronous learning.
School Registration
Parents received an email with information about YRDSB-SVS from the Board with a link for a google form (Student Transfer Request form) that you can fill out indicating that you would like to register your child for YRDSB-SVS.
If you did not receive this email, please contact your school.
Currently students will register at their local in-person home school and request a transfer to the SVS.
International Students can receive updated information from our International Education Services.
There is a list of courses that will be offered for students that plan to register for SVS for the 2022-2023 school year.
Not all courses that are offered at your home school will be offered in SVS.
The SVS will follow the same school timetabling process as F2F schools. Course conflicts will be resolved through the spring timetabling process. Student timetables will be finalized prior to school beginning in September. Not all offered courses will be available to students.
No, students will not be shared between two schools.
No. If your child is staying in face-to-face learning, you do not need to complete the form.
Complete the form only if you wish to transfer your child to the Secondary Virtual School for the 2022-2023 school year.
Before April 7, you can complete the form a second time. Your most recent response is the one that will be noted.
You will register as you normally would at your home school. When you complete your registration, you will be given an opportunity to request virtual school.
Program
Students with special education needs will be supported according to their IEP, by a Special Education Resource Teacher in virtual learning.
Yes
YRDSB- SVS students will not be able to participate in York Region Athletics.
There will be no specialized programming offered in York Region Virtual Secondary School.
To be determined. If colleges open to in-person learning in Fall, students will be required to follow policies set by the college. Colleges have not yet provided details on how they will proceed for next school year.
A limited number of clubs may be offered virtually at SVS depending on student request and staff availability.
Students will not be able to participate in extracurricular activities running at the previous school.
Yes, students requiring English as a Second Language (ESL) programming will have access to English language supports.
Technology
Students requiring a loan of technology to support remote learning will be provided a Chromebook. More information will be shared by the YRDSB-SVS.
Tips and information on how to use the online learning platforms are also available on our Family Resources page on the Board website, as well as links to IT support for families. If students are having difficulties with technology, they can also contact their teacher.
Graduation
Students who attend the YRDSB-SVS and are graduating in June 2023 will do so from the YRDSB-SVS.
Students attending the virtual school will be removed from their current school and transferred to the YRDSB SVS.
Students will have their own virtual graduation ceremony from the YRDSB-SVS.
There will be no impact.
Students will be graduating from York Region District School Board. It will be the same as applying from any YRDSB Secondary School.
Yes, these are both graduation requirements.
The Procedure for French Immersion includes this statement:
Secondary school students must accumulate at least 10 French Immersion credits to qualify for the French Immersion Certificate upon graduation. The principal may approve a change to this requirement for individual students in extenuating circumstances.
Making an exception in the case where students attend SVS for 2022-2023 falls within the parameters of the Procedure for French Immersion. Also, this would apply to any students currently in grades 8-11 FI and going to SVS and accumulated at least 9 French Immersion credits upon graduation.