School Newsletter

Hospital Homebound Support

 Do you have a son or daughter who is ill or injured and unable to attend school?

School District No. 42 provides support to students who are unable to attend school for medical reasons. The Hospital Homebound teacher works with elementary and secondary students who have not been allocated support teacher time through a special needs designation.  Students may be absent due to a non-contagious illness or they may be recovering from surgery or an injury. Instruction is provided in Ridge-Meadows Hospital or in the student’s home.

How does Hospital Homebound support work?

The Hospital Homebound teacher provides direct instruction and support to students, with the goal of helping them return to class with as little interruption to their education as possible.  The teacher also helps students maintain connections with the people and programs at their school.   While receiving Hospital Homebound support, students continue to be registered at their school and in their classes.  Students work on the core academic subjects.  They often use the same materials and complete many of the same assignments as their classmates, although some adaptations may be necessary depending on the child’s illness.  Students typically receive two to three hours of support each week.

When can a student be referred?

Homebound students qualify for support if they are absent from school for 10 consecutive school days.  Students who are hospitalized can be referred upon admittance to Ridge-Meadows Hospital.

How do I refer my son or daughter?

Contact your child’s teacher, counsellor, or administrator.  He/she will complete the Learning Services referral form.  A physician’s authorization form is also required (available at the school).  For more information contact Natalie Gehm, the Hospital Homebound Teacher, at 467-1101, or by email at ngehm@sd42.ca.