EMSB to launch a Virtual School to accommodate students and families with health conditions

The English Montreal School Board has announced the establishment of a Virtual School for the 2020-21 academic year, which will be available for students from preschool to secondary V who qualify for online learning if they, or a household member, have a health condition that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19.

Presently, approximately 400 students have enrolled, or are in the process of completing enrollment. This accounts for nearly one percent of the EMSB’s total student population. The Virtual School will be led by two Administrators, Jessica Monti, presently the Vice-Principal at East Hill, and Francesca Magliocco, presently the Vice-Principal at Vincent Massey Collegiate. In addition to a teaching staff, there will also be a team of professionals and special needs consultants to support students. 

“As per the recent Ministry directives, students who have a medical note confirming that they, or a household member, have a health condition that makes them vulnerable to Covid-19 may be entitled to online learning from home,” explains EMSB Interim Director General Evelyne Alfonsi. “We recently completed our summer school program under this format and over 2000 virtual learning sessions have already taken place. Our teachers have received appropriate training for online learning so that we are prepared to offer these students a quality pedagogical experience.” 

The Virtual School is expected to commence on Tuesday, September 8. Students will have between 10 and 15 hours a week of online teaching, depending upon their grade level, and 2 to 7.5 hours of individual work provided by the teacher. These teachers will also be available for one-on-one encounters with each student. Virtual School students will be provided with computers and videoconferencing equipment by the EMSB, if it is required.

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 44,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, our network consists of 77 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.