Special education students who cannot participate in remote learning, however, were back in physical classrooms on Monday -- a move the government said was recommended by experts.

"Getting overwhelmed would be very easy, but we just need to make sure we don't burden ourselves. So constantly remind ourselves that we are doing the best that we can," he said.

"I keep a good attitude around them, but when I get by myself, it's like, 'what am I supposed to do?' It's really tough."

The announcement comes as thousands of students attend school remotely to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"Returning students to school now with community transmission and positivity rates so high risks losing the hard-fought progress made in keeping schools and students safe."

Premier Doug Ford says he is going to consult with the province's medical experts on whether students should return to schools next week.

The school board says no decision has been made on whether to shift to complete online learning.

Health officials are advising the individual to remain at home.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says that after consulting the province's top doctor and its public health measures table, the government has determined an extended holiday break is "not necessary."

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he's talking to health officials and "looking at solutions that may include some period out of class" at the beginning of January, but has not yet made a decision.