PVNC Catholic seeking parent and guardian feedback on proposed elementary school balanced day schedule

Jan. 16, 2026

PVNC Catholic is seeking parent and guardian feedback as we explore the Balanced School Day Schedule for our elementary schools.

Currently, PVNC Catholic elementary students follow a traditional school day, which includes:

• 300 instructional minutes
• A 60-minute lunch period that includes both indoor and outdoor time (typically 20 minutes eating and 40 minutes outside)
• Two additional recess periods of varying lengths
• Instructional blocks of approximately 40–60 minutes

This schedule has been in place for many years.

In an effort to better meet the learning, wellness, and engagement needs of our students, we are exploring a Balanced School Day Schedule. A balanced day organizes the school day differently while maintaining the same total instructional time. A balanced day includes:

• 300 instructional minutes
• Two longer nutrition/activity breaks that include both indoor and outdoor time (typically 40–45 minutes, depending on the school)
• Longer instructional blocks of approximately 100–120 minutes

There would be no change to the start or end times of the school day as a result of this change.

Balanced Day schedules are currently used in many Ontario Catholic and public school boards, including local area Boards. Research and experience from other boards indicate that this model can reduce transitions, support student focus, promote healthy nutrition and physical activity, and create more consistent instructional time throughout the day.

Please go to engagepvnc.ca/balanced-day-school-schedule to provide your feedback.

The deadline for feedback is: January 30, 2026