Students with Special Education Needs

The BHNCDSB recognizes that each student is unique, and needs will differ amongst them. We are committed to following Public Health guidelines to deliver a safe environment, while ensuring individual needs are meeting met. Special Education programs and services will continue to be available to students in an online format through the Brightspace and Teams platforms. 

The Board is also prepared to deploy Special Education Amount equipment for home use should be need to temporarily pivot to online learning. Students who require equipment to access the curriculum while learning remotely will be contacted with specific instructions for pick-up by the Special Education Department. If a SEA device is essential for you to learn over the temporary remote learning period and have not been contacted, please email speced@bhncdsb.ca.

Kindergarten Classrooms

• Play-based learning remains the program philosophy in our kindergarten classrooms.
• Student items from home should be placed in a designated area in the classroom which allows for physical distancing to access, where possible.
• It is the expectation that both the classroom teacher and ECE will provide high quality instruction to students in small and large groups considering physical distancing.
• See Health and Safety section for toys and class material information.

EQAO and Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

• EQAO and OSSLT schedules have returned to normal.

Technology, Cooperative Education, Dual Credit, SHSM, OYAP and Classes at Secondary (Cosmetology, Construction, Auto Shop)​

• All programs have returned to normal.

Physical Education, Sports & Inter-School Sports

See Athletics (During COVID-19)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will students be able to use libraries and computer labs?

Students will be able to use common spaces.

What will recess look like for my child?

Recess has returned to normal.

What will the classroom space look like?

Physical distancing remains encouraged where possible.

What will arrival and departure look like at school?

Each school will develop arrival and departure protocols that reduce congregation and allow for physical distancing as much as possible.

Can pizza days and other special lunches happen this year?

Yes. Nutrition and third-party food programs like pizza days or sub days may happen with food companies using safe food handling and safety practices and adhering to our COVID-19 Guidelines.

Can liturgies and assemblies happen?

Yes, gatherings to celebrate together are permitted virtually. Outside celebrations are encouraged as much as possible.

Will after school and Saturday international languages programs for elementary students be available this year?

Yes. International languages for elementary students will be offered this year. 

Can students use lockers and change rooms?

Students can use lockers and change rooms limiting congregation, being physically distant when possible. Students should not congregate at lockers.