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Important Update from the Director of Education

Dear WCDSB Community,

We hope that you continue to be well and that you are enjoying some of the beauty that the fall season affords us.  We are pleased that, for the moment, cases seem to be slowing provincially and in the region, and in general, currently we are seeing fewer cases in our schools.

This letter brings a few important updates of which we would like you to be aware as they are important to your understanding as to how things are unfolding and precautions we wish to continue to enforce, so that we may continue on a safe, healthy and positive path as a community.

Screening

As we have shared before, please know that one of the most important things you do each and every day is to complete the screening tool before you as a staff member or student (or parent of a student) arrive at school.  Any individual who fails the screener or who is symptomatic in any way should not be reporting to school.  That is part of our collective responsibility to one another.

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Vaccination

We have started our conversations with Region of Waterloo Public Health about vaccination for our 5-11 year old but at this point, things are still in the planning and approval stage.  As updates become available and we have specifics to share, we will be in touch as promptly as possible.

Testing

On October 28th, the government did share additional updates in relation to program with PCR testing and rapid antigen testing (“Test to Stay”).  In both cases these programs feed from pilot programs in the province,  and will be utilized when deemed necessary.  Both are in relation to when there are positive cases being experienced in a given school community.  There are specific criteria tied to their use and are not general surveillance/screening tools.

Sports / Athletics

As reported in my last letter, we have been pleased to see the return of athletics and sport to our schools and for inter-scholastic play to have returned for those age 12 and older.  The criteria to play is full vaccination and/or proof of a negative test.  This strategy is being used in a very targeted way for students who are not able to use our other usual strategies to ensure their safety – that is – they are unable to ensure masking and social distancing.  We have been heartened by how well received the return to athletics has gone, and remain enormously grateful to our (coaching) staff for supporting this “return to play/competition”.  The tests we were able to provide, through the support of a local partner, are no longer available to us.  At a provincial level, informed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, they have indicated we are no longer able to access or provide the tests.  We are disappointed by this decision as we did feel it was a safe and equitable way to deliver sports.  Our policy that a player /athlete must be fully vaccinated or provide evidence of a negative test has not changed.  Families will now have to source the tests.  Below we provide some links where those purchases may be made.  Of course, vaccination remains an option.

https://rapidtestcanada.ca/shop-covid-19-tests/

https://rapidtestandtrace.ca/

Inclement Weather Protocol

Every year at this time we like to share some reminders about protocols for snow days.  As you know – there are sometimes days in the winter when we have to cancel bussing due to the weather and unsafe driving conditions for our buses.  In the past, if roads were still passable, we would leave schools open.  On those days however, we often pooled classes based on the number of staff who fully attended and the number of students.  This year, as was the case last year, that is not possible due to our COVID-19 cohort – related restrictions.  In consultation with the public board, with whom we share bussing, when we cancel buses, we will close schools and have a remote learning day.  Your teacher will communicate with you in advance so you know where to look for school work for the day and protocols on such days, but in broad terms, the teachers will post work in the morning, no later than 9:30 a.m. and students will work on their own timing in their home.  It will allow all students to access some learning and we will be continuing to keep one and all safe.  We realize it may not be a perfect solution and learning day, but bus snow days rarely were.  We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and hope that we are not in this situation too often.

Potential Travel

A reminder that students under 12, travelling with vaccinated parents do not have to quarantine per se, but they are not allowed to return to school until 14 days from return have passed.  This guidance is found on our webpage.  This is federal policy we are sharing.

https://www.wcdsb.ca/covid-19-student-screening-and-testing/

Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are continuing to ensure a safe and happy school experience for all.

We are grateful for your support and partnership as we navigate this unique year.

Sincerely,

Loretta Notten

Director of Education

October 29th, 2021|

WCDSB Board Meeting Bulletin — October 2021

Meetings

Committee Of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, October 4, 2021 – Meeting Agenda Package

Public Board Meeting

Monday, October 25, 2021 — Meeting Agenda Package

Highlights

Information Technology Services Update — Summer 2021

The Information Technology Services (ITS) department had a very busy Summer preparing for the 2021/22 school year. Continued COVID-19 preparations, restrictions and technology requirements have presented a level of complexity and unique work, making an ongoing high level of service an incredible challenge. ITS successfully completed many technology-related projects and initiatives that align with the Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

The report addresses the following key priority areas and accomplishments:

  • Classroom Educator Devices, Hybrid Sit-Stand Desks, and Headsets (MYSP 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.iii)
  • WCDSB Goes Virtual (MYSP 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.i, 3.a.iii)
  • Safe Applications for Educators and Students (MYSP 1.a.iii, 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.i, 3.a.iii)
  • Aspen Parent Portal (MYSP 1.a.iii, 1.b.ii)
  • Distribution of Learning Devices and Internet Hotspots to Students in Need (MYSP 1.b.ii, 3.a.iii)
  • Human Resources System Workflow Integration (MYSP 1.b.ii)
  • Summer Preparations for the New School Year (MYSP 1.b.ii, 3.a.iii)
  • Rural School Grant Project (MYSP 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.i, 3.a.iii)
  • Refresh Classroom Data Projectors (MYSP 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.iii)
  • Wireless Backend Upgrades (MYSP 1.b.ii, 3.a.iii)
  • Bring Your Own Device (MYSP 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.iii)
  • Centralized Security Optimization (MYSP 1.b.ii)
  • Web Resources and Social Media (MYSP 1.a.iii, 1.b.ii, 2.a.i, 3.a.i, 3.a.iii)

Work completed in Summer 2021 includes:

  • Approximately 300 new Special Education student devices were imaged and prepared for distribution
  • More than 200 learning devices were repaired
  • 2,998 learning devices were refreshed with new devices replacing broken and out-of-date devices no longer capable of running required instructional apps or accepting security updates
  • Created 1,489 classes in Google and D2L
  • Purchased and allocated 2,500 WeVideo school accounts for elementary video editing projects and 2,500 Adobe Creative Cloud licenses for secondary design related classes
  • St Boniface CES (new school) security, network, wireless, projector, phones and technology setup
  • Construction projects which involved removal and installing of technology at St. Louis Adult Learning, St. Kateri CES, St. Daniel CES and St. Teresa (Kitchener) CES
  • Network replacement and security optimization at Resurrection CSS
  • 30 new portables and classrooms were configured for data projectors, phones, network, computers and wireless.

The report is available beginning on page 8 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Summer Transition Programs

In the summer of 2021, WCDSB provided a variety of programs to support the needs of students across the system. In July, a Summer Reading Intervention Program was provided for targeted Gr. 1&2 students for three weeks to support phonological awareness, phonics instruction and to support student wellbeing. During the last two weeks of August — in collaboration with Special Education Teachers at each school site — we implemented a Student Transition to Fall Program to meet the needs of a variety of students who were identified by each school team. Furthermore, during the summer months the Mental Health Lead and Social Workers were on call to support students in respect to their mental health and well-being.

The Summer Transition Program initiatives addressed the following MYSP Key Performance Indicators (KPI) regarding student achievement, student attendance, student well-being and parent engagement:

  • Increase in achievement for “marker students”
  • Decrease the gap in achievement between those students on an IEP and those who are not
  • Improved student attendance

As we move into the 2021-22 school year, now, more than ever we see the importance of continued investment in well-being. Our guiding principles provided by School Mental Health Ontario that shape our work include:

  • We prioritize mental health and well-being as a key condition for students to learn and flourish.
  • We lead with compassion and empathy and take action to address equity within mental health and well-being.
  • We protect and promote student mental health with caring learning environments.
  • We have strong mental health foundations to recognize and build on the learning and experiences of the pandemic.
  • We make our way together; schools are part of a wider circle of support

The report is available beginning on page 22 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Student Re-engagement Strategy: 2021-22

The 2020-21 school year was like no other. Students were impacted by many school closures and the transition to online learning. Across the province many more students than in years past disengaged from their learning — exhibiting an increase in truancy, a drop in achievement and observed changes in their attitude towards school.

Many groups of students were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Students identifying as Indigenous, Black and racialized, children and youth in care, students from low-income households, those with disabilities, special education needs, mental health needs as well as English language learners were identified as those who would benefit from additional support.

This year, the Ministry of Education provided funds to school boards to increase support to families to address gaps in learning, systemic barriers and disconnection with the school community. In budget deliberations last spring the Senior Team made a decision to augment these funds in order to create a specialized team that will provide concentrated support to families and students by identifying needs and assets, collaborating with all stakeholders and supporting the development and facilitation of an individualized reengagement plan.

The Student Re-engagement Team consists of two teachers and a social worker. The team is unique as both teachers have lived experience of disengagement and systemic barriers. The social worker on the team is assigned specifically for this strategy, and the team is multi-lingual.

The team’s goals for the 2021-22 school year are to:

  • Provide support to students experiencing disadvantages as a result of systemic barriers and COVID-19
  • Build on existing supports by providing concentrated intervention, collaboration with stakeholders and community resources
  • Develop individualized plans for students to reconnect with their school community
  • Re-engage students who have languished in their learning and attendance

The report is available beginning on page 32 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Learning Commons Update

In 2017-18 staff embarked upon a 5-year plan to refresh all library spaces in the system. This project is intended to enhance global competency learning for students in environments where collaboration and innovation are the norm. Included in the scope of the refresh is a rebranding effort and name change – to The Learning Commons.

At the end of the refresh period, all learning commons spaces will be outfitted with new collaborative furniture, shelving, Lego walls, branding, and additional electrical outlets to support use of mobile devices for collaborative student work.

In 2021-22, staff will create project plans for the final ten schools: St. David, Sir Edgar Bauer, St. Luke, Holy Family, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Agnes, St. Elizabeth, St. Nicholas, St. Brigid, and St. Vincent de Paul. The latter two are new schools, built to support global competencies and will receive final touches.

The report is available beginning on page 22 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Secondary French Immersion Site Selection

The 2020/21 French Immersion Review – Final Report was presented to the Board of Trustees on Monday, May 31, 2021. The final report identified site selection criteria to guide staff in the designation of future French Immersion sites and the need to assess the potential to transport secondary FI students.

The French Immersion Review Committee identified four key priorities for the selection of French Immersion secondary schools:

  • Availability of empty space
  • Feeder school relationship
  • Equity / range of neighbourhoods
  • Long term enrolment patterns.

The site selection criteria need to balance the objectives of each element when recommending a site to start the program.

Based on the secondary French Immersion site selection criteria, staff have determined that St. David CSS in Waterloo will accommodate the first cohorts of high school FI students starting in September 2023.

Secondary French Immersion students who reside outside of the St. David CSS boundary will be eligible for transportation. Transportation will be offered to those French Immersion students who qualify, generally in accordance with the hub style option outlined herein. Transportation will not be available to Out of Boundary non-French Immersion siblings wanting to attend St. David CSS.

The report is available beginning on page 28 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Update on Major Construction Projects

The Ministry of Education from time to time solicits applications from school boards for funding to support capital projects – new schools, additions, and major renovations.

The report presented to the Board of Trustees on October 25th provided an update on three major projects funded by the Ministry:

Huron Brigadoon Elementary School, Kitchener

In March of 2020, a funding approval was provided by the Ministry of Education to construct a new 650 pupil place school and an 88-space childcare in Southwest Kitchener. This school was scheduled to open in September 2022. Unfortunately, a time lag in the Ministry’s approval processes has pushed back the school opening date to September 2023.

St. Agnes Catholic Elementary School, Waterloo

In the fall of 2020, the Ministry of Education approved funding for an 8-classroom addition, gym, and library for St. Agnes School. Construction was projected to begin in the fall of 2021 with a completion date in spring of 2022. To date, the WCDSB has not received an approval to proceed to tender for a contractor.

Grade 7 – 12 East Kitchener High School

In March of 2020, the government announced an approval for a 1,400 pupil place Grade 7 – 12 school in East Kitchener, to help manage enrolment pressures at St. Mary’s High School and at elementary schools in the area. The government has approved management’s initial space templates and has issued an approval to proceed to tender for an architect. This tender was issued on October 18, 2021. Next steps include:

  • Boundary reviews will take place during calendar 2022 and 2023 to determine catchment areas for the new school
  • Architect selection – November 2021
  • Completion of severance by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and purchase of site by WCDSB – calendar 2022
  • Application for site plan approval to City of Kitchener – April 2022
  • Cost consultant’s report to Ministry of Education – May 2022
  • Tender for contractor – June 2022
  • Construction period – August 2022 to May 2024
  • School opens – September 2024

The report is available beginning on page 33 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Well-Being Plan Update

The 2019-2021 WCDSB Wellbeing Plan guides our work “towards meeting the cognitive, emotional, social, physical and spiritual needs of all WCDSB students and staff, and to ensure all feel a deep sense of belonging in a Catholic faith-learning community where they are nourished to become builders of the local and global community”

Each stated goal within the plan includes strategies identified across our four domains of wellbeing – Safe Schools, Mental Health and Wellness, Heathy Schools, and Equity & Inclusion. Attention to the prayer and spiritual life of staff and students are embedded in the strategies. Each goal also identifies key performance indicators that will be used to monitor and evaluate the success of each school community in meeting the goals of overall wellbeing.

The report presented to the Board of Trustees on October 25th provided a detailed update on progress being made in each domain, as well as outline some key next steps going forward. These include:

  • The WCDSB Wellbeing Strategy aligns goals outlined in our MYSP and our Pastoral Plan and includes a Catholic/Christian vision of the human person
  • The WCDSB Wellbeing Strategy includes strategies for both staff and students and will assume a lens of being trauma informed
  • Each school in the district will be invited to complete a Wellbeing Plan in the new year that will be shared with Family of Schools superintendents and when completed, posted on school websites
  • All school level improvement plans (SIEPSAs) will develop goals from an equity lens. This proactive step supports our commitment to eliminate disparities and disproportionalities that impede achievement, well-being, and success for our students
  • The MDI Survey will be administered in January 2022 and will be shared with all school administrators to help inform the specific strategic areas of focus for each school community
  • The Student Census will be open for completion from November 1 to November 12, 2021

The report is available beginning on page 37 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Student Equity Advisory Committee Update

Via unanimous Board motion on March 22, 2021, the Board of Trustees directed staff – following the engagement of a new WCDSB Equity Officer – to return to the board with a proposal to create a Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee, for implementation during the 2021-22 school year.

Board staff brought forward the report on October 25, 2021.

To effectively integrate the three key concepts of student voice, meaningful student involvement and student engagement, it is recommended the WCDSB create a Student Equity Engagement Council (SEEC) at each school. Having such councils will create the conditions, employ the practices, and nurture the attitudes and values conducive for effective student voice, agency, and leadership.

Councils in elementary schools it will consist of students in grades 7 and 8 — with at least one teacher serving as an advisor. Councils in secondary schools it will consist of students in grades 9 through 12 — with at least one teacher serving as an advisor. While it is the intention for students themselves to shape the councils and ultimately be the leaders of the councils, the school board does want students to engage in the following clear and consistent mandate:

  • Explore issues of inequity and exclusion within their school using their religious teachings and practice for guidance
  • Engage in education activism and promote multiculturalism, gender, and sexuality equity, anti-racism, antibias in schools (e.g., creating videos, pamphlets, educational opportunities for students)
  • Work throughout the school year with administrators to minimize these inequities and exclusions
  • Work with the Board researcher to assess their work and their impact on their individual school communities

The SEEC members each year will attend a SEEC summit organized by students, with the assistance of teachers and administrators.

The goal is to initiate a pilot project involving 10 WCDSB schools in 2021-22.

The report is available beginning on page 46 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Update on School Re-Opening and WCDSB Pandemic Management Education Models

The start to the 2021-22 school year has been a busy one for the schools of Waterloo Catholic as we are once again operating within a pandemic reality but with that said – as we have journeyed into October — there are a number of signs to give us hope, as well as some to give us some opportunity for pause.

Our models of delivery, our processes, our health and safety protocols and essentially all aspects of our operations are informed by direction through the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province, as well as the Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. We continue to receive direction through the Ministry of Education, as well as our local Public Health department. We are continuing meetings with Region of Waterloo Public Health and the Waterloo Region District School Board to attain a measure of understanding and alignment regarding the most prudent courses of action. We have continued to make minor updates to our Operational Guidelines based on the most recent guidance we are receiving from both the Ministry and WR Public health.

The progress report presented on October 25, 2021, includes information regarding the following key issues:

  • Return to (In Person) Learning
  • Vaccination for Staff & Students Aged 12-plus
  • Vaccination for Students Ages 5 – 11
  • Case and Contact Management
  • Masking
  • Daily Screening
  • Rapid Antigen Tests
  • Sports
  • Ventilation

The report is available beginning on page 52 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Board Chair’s Update

Each month, the Chair of the Board reports on the activities of the Board of Trustees. Chair Melanie Van Alphen’s report for October 2021 is available on page 59 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Student Trustees Update

Student Trustees Sarah Simoes and Sarah Wilson presented their monthly update – covering activities in WCDSB’s secondary schools. It is available beginning on page 56 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Upcoming Board Meetings

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, November 8, 2021

Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre

Regular Public Board Meeting

Monday, November 22, 2021

Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board, representing more than 96,000 Catholic school supporters, operates 48 schools and four adult education facilities, serving more than 40,000 elementary, secondary, and continuing education students in Waterloo Region – continuing a 185-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.

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October 26th, 2021|

Sent to Build

This year our Pastoral Plan, #SentToBuild, will culminate in a mission of outreach and service. Join Fr. Joseph de Viveiros, as he invites us to participate in a year of Building Bridges to Unite Communities with our #WCDSBAwesome staff and students who have set out to proclaim Good News to all of creation, and to transform God’s world!

WATCH VIDEO

October 25th, 2021|

Upcoming Board of Trustees Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, October 25, 2021 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre (35 Weber St. W., Unit A, Kitchener, ON – Boardroom (1st Floor) – Sitting room only due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Agenda:

Board of Trustees Meeting

Other Information:

General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings

Information About the Board of Trustees

(Agenda files can be large. If you are experiencing issues downloading a file, right click on the link and choose “Save Target As…”.)

October 22nd, 2021|

Important Update re: Annual Grade 7, 8 and 9 Student Immunizations

October 15, 2021

From: Region of Waterloo Public Health

RE:  School Vaccine Program Update

Dear Parent/Legal Guardian:

Since the Spring of 2020, the school vaccination program has been suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Public Health will be restarting the program on November 1, 2021.    Appointments will open for booking on October 18, 2021.  Most clinics will be outside of school and work hours at Public Health offices located at 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo and 150 Main Street, Cambridge.

Planning is also underway to reach students who may not be able to access the two Public Health fixed clinic locations.  Details about additional mobile clinics will be communicated as soon as they are finalized.

If your child is in Grade 7, 8 or 9 during the 2021/2022 school year, they are eligible to receive their school program vaccines or complete the series if they have already started them.

If you have previously declined these immunizations or have a legal exemption on file at Public Health, please disregard this letter.

Typically, each school year, Grade 7 students have an opportunity to receive the following three vaccines in school-based clinics.  Please note that meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine is required for school attendance under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).  Although the Immunization of School Pupils Act has not been enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ immunization records will be reviewed in the future for vaccines required by the Act.

  • Hepatitis B (2 dose series)

  • Meningococcal ACYW-135 (Menactra®)

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Gardasil®-9) (2 dose series)

Please note that Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines require 2 doses doses to fully protect against these diseases.  Menactra® is provided as a one-time dose and a second dose is not required to complete vaccination.  Some children may have already received a meningococcal vaccine prior to age 12 (usually at 1 year of age).  The grade 7 immunization with Menactra® is still recommended to provide protection against strains not included in the earlier vaccine.

Next Steps:

If you wish to have your student complete these vaccinations, please do the following:

  1. Ensure your students’ vaccination records are up to date:
  • Before booking an appointment, ensure that all vaccinations received from your health care provider or other vaccination clinics have been reported to Public Health
  • Parents/students can access immunization records and submit immunization information via ICON () or by calling 519-575-4400 5001 (Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm)
  • Your student’s Health Card Number is needed to view their immunization record. If you do not have a health card, you can use the Ontario Immunization Identification (OIID) usually found on your child’s report card
  1. Book your students’ vaccination appointment:

** Please note that appointments will be released in blocks every 2 weeks over the next year.  Public Health greatly appreciates your patience as we work to get students across the Region caught up**

Vaccine Exemptions (For Meningococcal Vaccine Only):

  • You may decide for medical, religious or philosophical reasons not to immunize your child. In this case your will need to provide a written vaccine exemption for Meningococcal vaccine, one of the vaccines required for attendance at school
  • For medical exemptions, a legal Statement of Medical Exemption must be forwarded to Public Health. Please call 519-575-4400  5001 if you wish to submit a Statement of Medical Exemption
  • Public Health is not currently processing non-medical vaccine exemptions (statements of conscience). Additional information will be communicated to parents once the non-medical exemption process has been restarted

**Note:  Public Health does not issue COVID-19 vaccine exemptions.  Please contact your family physician, pharmacist, allergist or nurse practitioner if you require written documentation.

If you have questions about the School Vaccine Program catch-up process, please call 519-575-4400 ext. 5001.

Sincerely,

Kristy Wright, RN BScN

Manager, Vaccine Preventable Disease Program

Region of Waterloo Public Health

99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, N2J 4V3

519-575-4400

October 15th, 2021|

Special Message from the Board of Trustees – RESEND

October 2021

As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, it’s hard to believe that we have already shared five weeks of this school year together. Whether you are attending school in person, or virtually, as a Board of Trustees we would like to take this opportunity to welcome all students, teachers, staff and administrators to this school year.

We know that we are still in a period of change, and this year has its own unique challenges, but we want to take this moment to reflect and welcome everyone back to Waterloo Catholic.

This school year is different yet again from a typical school year; however, our focus on creating a welcoming and safe space for all students to learn and reach their full potential is always our priority.

To those transitioning to a new school, possibly for their first year of kindergarten, or high school, or to new mode of learning, we recognize the challenges of a new transition. We offer you our support and thank you for your grit and resilience.

To all of the loving adults at home – thank you for supporting your children and schools while everyone continues to adjust to the new reality of this school year.

To all the teachers, staff and administrators – thank you once again for stepping up to create a safe and welcoming environment for our students. We are grateful for all of you. Thank you for your perseverance, resiliency, empathy, compassion, respect, understanding, hope and faith.

May the Lord bless our upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and hope that we all have the opportunity to safely spend time with family and friends.

Wishing you all a wonderful school year. Stay strong, positive, and hopeful – you’ve got this!

God bless,
Board of Trustees

October 8th, 2021|

Important COVID-19 Update & Thanksgiving Message from the Director of Education

October 7th, 2021

Dear WCDSB Community,

As we journey into the Thanksgiving Weekend, I am very reflective of the fact that this month and this season is characterized by gratitude.   In these sometimes very challenging times, it is so very easy to feel daunted or get discouraged.  So, it is important that we take the time to pause and take note of the many blessings in our lives.  We truly are just so blessed to live in a country and community that provides us easy access to the supports we need to navigate this pandemic, and that for the most part we are here for one another – supporting one another and journeying through this time together, guided by the love of Christ.

This letter brings a few important updates of which we would like you to be aware and it also affords me an opportunity to share my thanks to each of you.  First of all – to our staff.  This is – for many of you – your third year working in a pandemic reality.  Your many efforts, your care, compassion, resilience, commitment and passion for your chosen vocation have not gone unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.  You are making a difference in students’ lives, regardless of your role.  To our parents and community members – thank you for your trust and for walking with us, on a journey of accompaniment as we all strive to do our best to serve our young people.  And to our students – we applaud your grit and your spirit as you work through some challenging times, while you strive to be your best selves.

Now to our brief updates:

Screening

Please know that one of the most important things you do each and every day is to complete the screening tool before you as a staff member or student (or parent of a student) arrive at school.  Any individual who fails the screener or who is symptomatic in any way should not be reporting to school.  That is part of our collective responsibility to one another.

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Vaccination

While we do not actively promote vaccination in our schools, we are told and do know from all the provincial science tables, the Chief Medical Officers of Health – provincial and local, and our lived experience, that vaccination is one of the most important decisions we can make in support of a healthy learning environment for all.  We encourage all eligible staff and students to carefully consider this option based on the advice we are receiving.  We do not have information yet about the option for our 5-11 year olds to be vaccinated but progress is being made, and as soon as we have an update, we will share it with you.

Rapid Testing

There has been much in the media of late about rapid testing.  On Tuesday October 5th the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province indicated that there would be targeted use of this strategy.  It will only be used where there is an indication it is needed – specifically if high case counts or transmission is being observed, and/or low vaccination rates are known.  They are not used when and where cases are low as the risk of false positives and the potential to administer the test incorrectly, outweigh its potential benefit.  We will always work with and defer to public health for their advice on this matter.  Currently our case counts are low and rates of transmission in schools, extremely low, so it is not being advised at this time.  When advised that it would be an effective strategy, we will support its use for our asymptomatic staff and students – who may wish to partake on a voluntary basis.

Sports / Athletics

We have been pleased to see the return of athletics and sport to our schools and for inter-scholastic play to have returned for those age 12 and older.  The criteria to play is full vaccination and/or proof of a negative test.  This strategy is being used in a very targeted way for students who are not able to use our other usual strategies to ensure their safety – that is – they are unable to ensure masking and social distancing.  We are enormously grateful to our (coaching) staff for supporting this “return to play/competition”.

Masking

Students from K to 12 will continue to wear masks.  An exemption form is required for any student in grades 1 to 12 who is unable to wear a mask.  We continue to strongly support this precaution, as Public Health and provincial guidance suggests that outside of vaccination, it is our best strategy to promote a healthy and safe environment for all.  We ask you to continue working with us to support students in understanding why we wear a mask and how to do so safely.

Potential Travel

For those who are vaccinated, your minds may be turning to travel.  We wish to point out that according to current guidelines, while students under 12, travelling with vaccinated parents do not have to quarantine per se, they are not allowed to return to school until 14 days from return have passed.  This guidance is found on our webpage.  This is federal policy we are sharing.

https://www.wcdsb.ca/covid-19-student-screening-and-testing/

Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are continuing to ensure a safe and happy school experience for all.

We are truly looking forward to a year that allows us to embrace a renewed love of learning, within our faith-based communities.  We remain ever grateful for your continued support and remain ready and willing to assist you as we continue to navigate these times.  Once again – on behalf of the Senior Team – we extend our very best wishes for a restful Thanksgiving weekend.  Please celebrate conscious of the precautions Public Health asks us to observe.   May God continue to bless you, your families and your Thanksgiving gatherings.

Sincerely,

Loretta Notten

Director of Education

October 7th, 2021|

Upcoming WCDSB Board Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees (Committee of the Whole) is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, October 4, 2021 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre (35 Weber St. W., Unit A, Kitchener, ON – Boardroom (1st Floor) – Sitting room only due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Agenda:

Committee of the Whole

Other Information:

General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings

Information About the Board of Trustees

(Agenda files can be large. If you are experiencing issues downloading a file, right click on the link and choose “Save Target As…”.)

October 1st, 2021|

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