Education minister considering extending winter break in schools

Changes could be coming to Ontario schools as the province considers ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Students could get an extended winter break or start classes remotely in the new year.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he’s talking to health officials and “looking at solutions that may include some period out of class” at the beginning of January.

He says he has not yet made a decision.

Lecce says he will announce a plan in the next week or two to allow parents to prepare.

Last Friday, a spokeswoman for the minister said the province was not considering any change to the school year calendar.

That’s after the Council of Ontario Directors of Education said it had proposed starting the new semester with virtual schooling, to allow students and staff to self-isolate after any potential holiday celebrations.

Ontario reported 1,249 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday and 12 new deaths.