Revision to secondary learning model

Limestone Learning Foundation
Revision to secondary learning model
Posted on 08/26/2020
Image of secondary students

Previously, the Limestone District School Board had indicated that we would use a quadmester learning model for secondary students in Limestone. This would have seen student contact limited to two classes (cohorts) for 10 weeks followed by another two classes (cohorts) for 10 weeks. This past weekend, we were advised by the Ministry of Education that our model should be revised to ensure we are keeping student contacts to a minimum.

As a result, we are moving to a “blocked timetable” with one class occurring at a time. This model will further reduce the number of direct and indirect student contacts and enhance existing safety protocols at the secondary level.  

The blocked timetable will see students complete one class (period) at a time. Each block will include 300 instructional minutes per day for 23 days (22 instructional days plus one day for culminating activities/exams). Students will still attempt four credits between September and January as they would under a normal semester system in the order: period 1, 2, 3 and 4. Breaks and lunches will be staggered throughout the day, based on school timetables.  

We will still proceed with a staggered entry for secondary schools, but it will be greatly shortened. 

We are currently finalizing our school opening plans as follows:

September 3, 2020

  • The first day of school would be a day of remote learning for all students. They would be encouraged to preview our health and safety protocols through our Minds Online learning portal. These protocols will be reviewed again once they return to school in person.
  • Grade 9 students will be contacted by their period 1 teacher to provide information necessary for their orientation activities on September 4, 2020.
  • Students in School to Community classes will be contacted by their teachers. Schools will make decisions regarding individual timetables that are in the best interest of students receiving S2C supports.

September 4, 2020

  • Grade 9 students attend school for orientation and instruction.
  •  Grade 10 to 12 students will be contacted by their period 1 teacher to provide information necessary for their return to school on September 8, 2020.

September 8, 2020

  • All students in Grade 9 to 12 attend school.

Please note, Granite Ridge Education Centre and North Addington Education Centre will not follow this new model. Due to their smaller student populations, they will cohort all classes by grade level and follow the traditional semester model of four courses per semester.

I know this is an unexpected and late change.  While this is a required adjustment, I assure you that board and school staff are working diligently to respond and adapt to evolving guidance to maximize safety for our students and staff. Secondary schools will be reaching out directly to families to communicate school-specific changes to timetables and school routines.

Krishna Burra
Director of Education


The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.