The Lambton Kent District School Board's director of education says he's worried students might not get a break next month.
John Howitt, on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) with Sue Storr Monday morning, reacted to the education minister saying he's considering cancelling March break this year.
"I'm hearing and I'm understanding the questions about March break and the students being quote, unquote, off again," said Howitt. "But I would remind those who don't have children in school that students were not off in January, they were attending full-day learning, full curriculum expectation, tests, assignments, it's basically been virtual school."
Howitt suggested the pandemic has added a lot of stress and uncertainty for teachers and students alike.
"Getting up in the morning and having to log-in and all those routines. We've talked about our concerns around mental health, I'm really worried that our students aren't going to get a break as well, not to mention the collective agreement implication of the school year calendar and how many days are actually in the school year calendar."
Education Minister Stephen Lecce has said he'll make a final decision as to whether students and teachers will be off March 15 to the 19, based on advice from the province's chief medical officer.
Howitt said they're looking into the possibility of putting together some programs for students to participate in if March break is not cancelled.
"Can we do something around summer camps to support families who would normally be vacationing etcetera? Similar to our summer learning program for example."
-With files from Sue Storr