Hamilton public schools plans to use new ‘quadmester’ model for full school year

As the end of a turbulent school year approaches, Hamilton families are wondering what learning will look like for kids in September.

The majority of students are currently learning remotely indefinitely under a provincewide stay-at-home order in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. But Hamilton school boards are hopeful for in-person learning in the fall, and planning is underway for both classroom and at-home learning.

HWDSB adopts quadmester' learning model for secondary students

In a May 11 letter to parents, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board said it would be switching to the quadmester learning model - which divides the school year into four quarters or sections, with each ... offering two face-to-face classes" - a change from the existing two-semester model.

This means students will take two classes - instead of four - at a time, and each day will consist of two, 150-minute periods with a lunch break in between.

In an email to The Spectator, spokesperson Shawn McKillop said the decision was made by the Ministry of Education to align all secondary schools in Ontario and to limit schedules to two in-person classes."

The province has directed school boards to use the quadmester model for at least the first semester," the letter reads.

We are planning for quadmester for the full year," McKillop said. However, we could reassess after half the year."

Families can opt in to remote learning for upcoming school year

Starting on Thursday, HWDSB families can opt in to virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year. The portal will be open until June 1.

In a May 11 letter to families, education director Manny Figueiredo said the board is asking families to commit to remote learning for the entire 2021-22 school year."

We appreciate that making this decision may be difficult for families given the current health situation in Ontario," he said.

McKillop said there will be at least one opportunity to transition between in-person and remote learning in late September or early October.

For the upcoming school year, remote learning classes will be separate, but remote students will share the school's teachers, principals and bell times.

For high school students, remote learning will continue to be offered through the existing eLearning program.

Catholic board seeking consultation prior to announcing 2021-22 plans

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board expects to finalize its plans for the upcoming school year in the next few weeks" after reviewing parent and staff feedback from a survey, chair Pat Daly said in an email to The Spectator.

Once plans are announced, families will have the opportunity to choose between in person and remote.

While we strongly recommend in-person learning, we will be operating a virtual school for those parents who want full-time virtual learning for their child," he said. If (families) request virtual learning, they will be committing to that model of learning for the entire school year."

The Catholic board has not said whether it will be using the quadmester system. Daly said the ministry has given boards the option to request a different model.

I'm not suggesting we will," he said. But we are awaiting the results of the consultation ... before a recommendation goes to the board."

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Her work is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com