Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. (image from Ont Parl)
There will be a spring break this year, but not in March.
Ontario’s Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced today the annual one-week break at the province’s publicly funded schools will be pushed back until the week of April 12.
Lecce says the decision was made on the advice of public health officials, including the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.
He says it is critical at this time to continue to prioritize the health and safety of students, staff and their families.
Lecce says postponing March Break is an important way schools can help limit community transmission.
“We recognize that congregation is a key driver of the spread of Covid-19, something we realized over the winter break,” Lecce explains in a press conference. “And we will not take that risk again with your child, with our staff, with Ontario families.”
Lecce acknowledges this is another change in an already challenging year for staff and students, but one made on the best advice of public health officials.
The spring break was originally scheduled for the week of March 15.
To support public health efforts to limit community transmission & on the advice of Dr. Williams, we’re postponing March Break to April.
We will not take risks when it comes to the safety of kids, staff and families nor jeopardize the reopening of schools. pic.twitter.com/Jss88YQIpc
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) February 12, 2021
Ontario is delaying March break until April 12-16, 2021.
Moving March break will support the public health effort to reduce community transmission. #KeepingKidsSafe
Learn more: https://t.co/UpytGxi6zN pic.twitter.com/maZlOelG4N
— Education Ontario (@ONeducation) February 11, 2021