Given the rise in COVID-19 cases, the Waterloo Region District School Board says it's "proactively" preparing for the possibility of a return to remote learning, when school resumes in January.
The public school board sent out an advisory on Wednesday morning.
The decision is ultimately up to the Ministry of Education, and as the board points out in the news release, it has not received any direction from the ministry regarding a move to distance learning after the winter break.
"However, WRDSB staff have prepared schools to ensure a smooth transition, if required. We ask that families remind their children to bring home their personal belongings. It is also a great time to clean backpacks, lunch bags or any other items that students regularly make use of at school."
The board also points out devices will be sent home with elementary students who need one, in the event schools move to remote learning.
Students who will not be at school on Dec. 17 are being asked to make alternative arrangements with their school principal.
