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Waterloo Catholic District School Board Logo

A Statement from Director of Education Loretta Notten

Findings of Independent Investigation “a Blueprint for Further Action” 

Says Director of Waterloo Catholic District School Board

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Board calls on province to address “critical support gap” for students in crisis

Waterloo Region, ON — Yesterday, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board received the results of the independent investigation into police involvement at a school.  Loretta Notten, Director of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board says, “We deeply regret the obvious hurt and distress caused to this young child in our care, and to his family, and indeed the Black community.  I want to assure the family, and the community, that we are committed to doing better.  We will do what needs to be done locally.  We will also highlight the changes that need to happen provincially to support students in crisis.

Says Notten, “With this investigation complete we now need to work at the changes that need to happen to ensure the best possible experiences for the students in our care. The report is a blueprint for further action for us — on anti-Black racism, on how we support a student in crisis, and on our relationships with parents. “

Notten stresses, “There is a significant issue highlighted in this report — and it requires both a response from the Ministry of Education and our local school board.  There is a critical support gap for students in crisis — one that must be solved in our protection of students and school staff safely moving forward.”

Explains Notten, “Everyone in education knows that there are more students than ever presenting with violent behaviors that risk and cause physical injuries to the student themself, as well as other students and staff.  It is likely quite challenging for someone outside of the education realm who has not experienced such a situation, to imagine a scenario with a child so young, yet this is a reality in schools across the province.

As boards, we put every single measure in place to support that student, and that can include a comprehensive safety plan.  Unfortunately, when every educational strategy is exhausted, by our expert, caring staff and the student remains in crisis with an on-going risk of self-harm, or harm to others, the final option for school boards is to call 911 and emergency services.

That is not a choice any educator ever wants to make.  We care deeply for the children entrusted to us. We also know these choices are not neutral, even if the policy is. That a call to police for a Black student has an impact that is different, that it is more significant as a result of a history of systemic racism.  We need provincial assistance in knowing who to call when in the discretion of the principal, under their duty of care, they decide that an emergency call is necessary.

The school system needs to be able to work with its community partners to provide a variety of options for interventions that are culturally responsive and can meet the needs of our diverse community.  This is not a unique or rare circumstance.  It is common across the province.  It needs a provincial response.  One that better support the student in crisis, and also the staff and other students at the school.”

At the same time, Notten explains there is more need for work at the local level, specifically around anti-Black racism. Says Notten, “Waterloo Catholic prides itself on being Heart of the Community, providing Success for Each and A Place for All. It is clear we have more to do when it comes to Black students and families feeling that vision is equally true for them. We are engaged in this work — which we have undertaken over the course of the last number of years — with renewed energy and commitment. I will share at the April 4th Committee of the Whole Board meeting a more fulsome response to the review and some of the progress to date and the plans moving forward. We know we need to hear with open hearts and minds the genuine concerns of parents of Black students. That we also need to support Black parents as they navigate our systems and processes – and to change systems and processes that are systemically racist. We will do this critical work.”

Concludes Notten, “We are an organization that places the care of children at the centre of all we do. Our staff care deeply about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of each and every child.  We will do whatever it takes to make that care felt by each child we serve.  That’s a promise.”

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Media Note: 

For follow up interviews, please contact publicrelations@wcdsb.ca 

March 31st, 2022|

Updated WCDSB Inclement Weather Day Procedures

With the provincially mandated end of school COVID-19 restrictions, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is returning to pre-COVID bus cancellation and school closure procedures.

Winter weather can be very unpredictable. So, it’s best to be prepared. Here are some key things to remember – because not every day with snow is a “snow day”:

During bad weather, schools and school board administrative sites may still be open, even if school buses are cancelled.

Between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on mornings when inclement weather has been forecast for Waterloo Region, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) — the arm’s length body that coordinates and operates student transportation for the school boards — assesses the current weather conditions, in consultation with local bus companies, if necessary.

If a recommendation to cancel transportation (including potential closure of schools) is to be made, the local school boards are contacted, and a joint decision is made between STSWR and the boards.

All reasonable efforts are made to announce any cancellation of buses or school closures by 6:00 a.m.

Please note that public announcements will only be made if buses are cancelled and / or schools are closed.

It is recommended that parents, guardians, staff and students tune in a local Waterloo Region radio station and also monitor the following online information sources for information about potential closures or cancellations:

STSWR Websitewww.stswr.ca/

STSWR Twitter Feed: @STSWR

WCDSB Websitewww.wcdsb.ca/

WCDSB Twitter Feed: @WCDSBNewswire

March 29th, 2022|

WCDSB Board Meeting Bulletin — March 2022

Meetings

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, March 7, 2022 – Meeting Agenda Package

Special Public Board Meeting

Monday, March 21, 2022 — Meeting Agenda Package

Public Board Meeting

Monday, March 28, 2022 — Meeting Agenda Package

Highlights

St. Louis Adult Learning Update

St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres continues to embody the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s (WCDSB) vision as ‘Heart of the Community’ by continuing to be a welcoming place of hope for a large and widely diverse range of children, youth and adult learners, as they strive to achieve their goals.

Highlights of 2020-21 – presented to the Bord of Trustees on March 7, 2022 — demonstrate the 20/21 school year was a time of continued growth and focus for St. Louis. This growth is evidenced by success in several key areas of the WCDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan, specifically:

  • Nurturing our Catholic Community: Promote a culture of belonging and respect, that supports success for all.
  • Student Engagement, Achievement & Innovation: Nurture a culture of Innovation; Foster maximum opportunity for success for all
  • Building Capacity to Lead, Learn & Live Authentically: Investment in global competency development and leading technology; Nurture the well-being of all students and staff

Intentional, focused efforts were keenly directed to professional development, partnership activities and facility upgrades.

As St. Louis ‘gathered to become’ in ways hard to have imagined just a year earlier, St. Louis is poised to build a better future for its students.

The report is available beginning on page 7 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Assessment & Evaluation Practices at the WCDSB

Assessment and evaluation in the context of the ongoing pandemic and varying learning scenarios continues to be a topic of importance for educators, students, and families alike.

There continues to be concern regarding potential learning loss. Educators are using rich and authentic tasks, respecting the uniqueness and diversity of the individual student, to re-engage students in deeper learning, while also supporting students in meeting learning expectations through a variety of appropriately challenging assessment opportunities.

Additionally, this year has also brought a greater focus on differentiated assessment in de-streamed Grade 9 Math classes. This emphasis on differentiation will be expanded in the coming school year, as all Grade 9 courses will be de-streamed.

All assessment and evaluation should lead to hope, as educators encourage a growth mindset in all students. The report presented to the Board of Trustees on March 7, 2022, captures some of the most significant developments related to assessment and evaluation, responsive strategies implemented to support educators and students, and next steps to be taken during the remainder of the school year and into 2022-23.

Key sections of the report focus on the following:

  • Literacy Highlights Related to Assessment and Evaluation
  • Ongoing Observations to Support Early Literacy Instruction
  • Reading Assessments in The Virtual Classroom
  • Mathematics: Elementary Highlights Related to Assessment and Evaluation
  • Mathematics Secondary Highlights Related to Assessment and Evaluation
  • Hybrid Secondary and Fully Remote (St. Isidore)
  • Evaluation and Reporting

The report is available beginning on page 7 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Update on Health & Safety Measures in Schools

On Wednesday March 9, 2022 the Ministry of Education provided all school boards with an update on the lifting of health and safety measures in schools. 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.

On Wednesday March 16, 2022, Waterloo Region Council – supported by a recommendation from Public Health, followed the province in revoking the mask mandate in Waterloo Region.

The WCDSB consulted with Public Health proactively and had an indication that they would support the provincial direction.

All staff and students who wish to wear masks still have that option available to them. In the Director’s letter to parents and the system, this was highly encouraged…as was tolerance for those who may have differing views or practices in relation to masking.

Legal counsel was also sought, and the Board was provided with an opinion that articulated that “boards are not empowered to prescribe public health and safety policies, such as imposing a masking or vaccine disclosure requirement in response to a pandemic.” Further it articulated that in the opinion of legal counsel – “boards of trustees do not have authority to impose restrictions that the Ministry has directed must be revoked. Further, any previous resolutions relating to the imposition of local measures which were contingent on but exceeded the Ministry’s minimum standards must be reconsidered and revoked.”

The report is available beginning on page 3 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Student Success Update/Plan

While the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced challenges to overall student success, achievement, and wellbeing, it has also presented opportunities for renewal and reengagement in our schools.

The pandemic has stimulated innovative and creative ways of teaching and learning. We have been able to adapt, pivot and continue to move our student success and experiential learning initiatives forward despite the following challenges:

  • Reduced overall co-op placements due to pandemic protocols
  • Significant program modifications or cancellations due to COVID constraints
  • Technology supply/support issues
  • Online fatigue
  • Ongoing challenges as we adapt to a new student information system (SIS) that has on occasion temporarily reduced our ability to retrieve data, therefore inhibiting responsive, evidence-based decision making
  • Temporary reassignment of student success consultants, teachers and officers due to teacher shortage

On March 28, 2022, the Board of Trustees received a comprehensive staff report detailing activities, successes and challenges in the following key areas:

  • Student Success Consultants – Grades 7 to 12
  • Program & Pathways
  • Graduation Rates
  • Student Reengagement Strategy

The Program & Pathways section provides a large amount of information regarding the following programs:

  • Specialist High Skills Major Program (SHSM)
  • School College Work Initiative (SCWI) and Dual Credits
  • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
  • Co-operative Education
  • Active Living and Community Living Co-operative Education

The report is available beginning on page 19 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

2022 Catholic Trustee Determination and Distribution

By March 31, 2022, school boards are required to complete a Trustee Determination and Distribution Report. This report will be used by local municipalities to fulfil their administrative duties as relates to the 2022 municipal elections. The report also provides information to candidates who are interested in running for the position of school board trustee on the number of positions to be elected in their area.

On March 28, 2022, the Board of Trustees approved a staff recommendation to maintain the number of Trustees at nine, distributed as follows:

Kitchener / Wilmot – 4 Trustees

Cambridge / North Dumfries – 3 Trustees

Waterloo / Woolwich / Wellesley – 2 Trustees

The next Ontario municipal and school board elections are October 24, 2022. If you are a resident, owner or tenant of property in Ontario, a Canadian citizen and 18 years of age or older election day, you can vote.

We all play a role in ensuring a fair electoral system, and it is the responsibility of every elector to make sure their information is up-to-date and accurately reflected for electoral purposes. By logging into voterlookup.ca, eligible electors can:

  • confirm or update their electoral information;
  • add an elector name to an address; and,
  • change school support for the purpose of voting in a school board election.

When you designate yourself as an English Separate school supporter, you help promote a strong political voice through your elected representative (Trustee) in ensuring your rights to a Catholic education for your children. In Municipal School Board elections, only Roman Catholic school supporters may vote for Catholic School Trustees.

Additionally, By October 1, 2022, the Board is required to appoint members to its Election Expense Audit Committee for the next 4-year term. The Committee only sits if there is a challenge to a future Trustee’s election campaign expenses.

The Municipal Elections Act requires that members cannot be:

  • An employee of the Board
  • A Trustee of the Board
  • A candidate in the upcoming election

An Election Expense Audit Committee can be shared between municipalities and or school boards. The WCDSB currently shares a committee with the Waterloo Region District School Board. Membership consists of four community members who currently sit on each board’s Audit Committee. This arrangement will continue.

The report is available beginning on page 50 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

Board Chair’s Update

Each month, the Chair of the Board reports on the activities of the Board of Trustees. Chair Jeanne Gravelle’s report for March 2022 is available on page 59 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Upcoming Board Meetings

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, April 4, 2022

Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre

Regular Public Board Meeting

Monday, April 25, 2022

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 186-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.

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March 29th, 2022|

Important Information for Grade 7 – 12 Students from Region of Waterloo Public Health

Region of Waterloo Public Health Now Offering Grade 7 to 12 Immunization Catch-Up Clinics

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, all primary and secondary students need to have proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, pertussis and varicella (chickenpox).

If your child was born in 2006 or later, they are also eligible to receive or complete their series of Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.   Public Health is offering clinics to help get students back on track with their vaccinations.

If your child is in grade 7 to 12 this school year (2021/2022) and not up-to-date on their routine vaccines, you will receive a letter in the mail letting you know which vaccines are missing.

Parents of students in grades 7 and 8 will also be sent information through the school to invite them to book an appointment to start or complete their child’s school program vaccines (hepatitis B, HPV and meningococcal).

Starting in April 2022, appointments will be available at The Public Health Vaccine Clinics at 435 The Boardwalk in Waterloo and at 99 Beechwood Rd in Cambridge for students who need immunization.

Before booking an appointment, parents/students should update their immunization records with Public Health using one of the following methods:

  • Online at the following link: https://bit.ly/3v9rwPT
  • By calling 519-575-4400 ext. 5001 (Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm)
  • Phone 519-575-4400 Ext 5001
  • Fax 519-885-7260

Appointments for students in grade 7 to 12 can be booked online using the following link https://bit.ly/3pyLr8f or by calling 519-575-4400 ext 5001.  Translation is available for those who require it.

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

March 24th, 2022|

March 23 – Inclement Weather Day Today: All schools and sites are CLOSED and it will be a Remote Learning Day

March 23, 2022

Due to the current weather conditions ALL SCHOOL BUSES, TAXIS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES operated by the Board are cancelled. All schools are CLOSED and it will be a Remote Learning Day. Students should visit their virtual classrooms for resources. All before and after school programs and child care centres co-located in schools are CLOSED. St. Isidore will operate as a regular, remote learning school day.

March 23rd, 2022|

Nominations Remain Open: Distinguished Graduate, Community Partner & Chair’s Awards

Nominations remain open for the annual WCDSB “Distinguished Graduate Award”“Community Partner Award” and “Chair’s Award”. Information about the awards (including the Distinguished Graduate Award nomination form) is available Here. There are no nomination forms for the Community Partner and Chair’s Awards.

If you wish to make a nomination in any of the categories, please submit your rationale in writing along with any supporting documentation you feel appropriate, to Alice Figueiredo by Thursday, April 7, 2022. Hard copy or emailed nominations are equally acceptable. Alice can be reached via email at alice.figueiredo@wcdsb.ca.

Chair’s Award

The Chair’s Award is presented to a person (or group of people) in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made in serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region and/or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application.

Recipients

  • 2021 – John Dietrich
  • 2020 – Paul Cox
  • 2019 – Mary Jo O’Brien
  • 2018 – Tom Denomme
  • 2017 – Glenda Leusink
  • 2016 – Nancy Sabo
  • 2015 – Joni Grundy
  • 2014 – Marianna Worth
  • 2013 – Michelle Flood and Mary Stevens
  • 2012 – Bruce Cameron
  • 2011 – Gai Brown
  • 2010 – Theresa Horan
  • 2009 – Jeannie McCarroll
  • 2008 – Angela Davis
  • 2007 – Thomas Forestell, Mervyn J. Villemaire, Charles Van Alphen
  • 2006 – Deb Zettel-Schmitt
  • 2005 – Allan Hoch, Jennifer Rodrigues, Louise Ervin
  • 2004 – Gary Leduc
  • 2003 – Pat Brannigan, Michael Schmitt
  • 2002 – School Sisters of Notre Dame / Sisters of St. Joseph
  • 2001 – Dave Schnarr, Bill Brazeau, Pat Cannon, Warren Grafton, Horst Schweinbenz
  • 2000 – Fr. Fred Scinto, C.R.
  • 1999 – Ann O’Donnell-Beckwith
  • 1998 – Bob Anderson

Community Partner Award

The Community Partner Award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools by a community partner or agency serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region.

If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application.

Recipients

  • 2021 – St. Mary Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Roman Catholic Church
  • 2020 – Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate
  • 2019 – Langs Community Health and Wellness Centre
  • 2018 – St. Vincent de Paul Store (Cambridge)
  • 2017 – Settlement and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region2015 — Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
  • 2016 – Conestoga College
  • 2014 – Strong Start Charitable Organization
  • 2013 – Barrday Inc.
  • 2012 – Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region
  • 2011 – Nutrition for Learning
  • 2010 – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
  • 2009 – Rex Barger
  • 2008 – Reid’s Heritage Homes
  • 2007 – Congregation of the Resurrection in Waterloo Region
  • 2006 – Region of Waterloo Public Health
  • 2005 – Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation
  • 2004 – St. Jerome’s University
  • 2003 – Waterloo Regional Police Service
  • 2002 – Catholic Family Counselling
  • 2001 – Waterloo Region Catholic Community Foundation

Distinguished Graduate Award

The Distinguished Graduate Award was established in 2005 under the Board’s “Celebration of Excellence” policy. It is presented annually to a graduate of 10 or more years from Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools who has provided an outstanding example of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in action. The award is presented at the graduation exercises of the recipient’s Secondary School or another appropriate public venue.

If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application. Nominations will be retained for 3 years.  This does not preclude anyone from being re-nominated in any given year.

Nomination Form

Recipients

  • 2021 – Dr. Laura Shoemaker, former Superintendent of Learning, WCDSB
  • 2020 – Michael Dopp, author and founder of Mission of the Redeemer Ministries
  • 2019 – Richard Hepditch, Chief, Waterloo Fire Rescue
  • 2018 – Paul Heinbecker, former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations
  • 2017 – Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Meihm, Bishop of Peterborough
  • 2016 – Michael Schmitt, Former WCDSB teacher, Principal, Superintendent & Director of Education
  • 2015 – Douglas Letson, C.M., Former President & Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University
  • 2014 – Katherine Bergman, President & Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University
  • 2013 – Mary Jo Fedy, Managing Partner, KPMG — Waterloo
  • 2012 – Toby Collins, C.R., Vocation Director for the Congregation of the Resurrection
  • 2011 – Teacher / missionary Sister Barbara Paleczny, SSND
  • 2010 – David Eby, Executive Director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association – and current Attorney General of British Columbia
  • 2009 – Paul Voisin, C.R., Vicar General of the Diocese of Hamilton (Bermuda)
  • 2008 – Former Ontario cabinet minister – and current Wilfrid Laurier University Professor — Dr. John Milloy
  • 2007 – Lisa LaFlamme, Anchor – CTV National News with Lisa LaFlamme
  • 2006 – University of Waterloo professor Brian Orend
  • 2005 – Ontario Superior Court Justice Patrick J. Flynn
March 22nd, 2022|

Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

A Special Public Meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. — Monday, March 21, 2022, at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre. Masking and physical distancing guidelines remain in effect.

Agenda:

Special Public Board 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…”.)

March 21st, 2022|

IMPORTANT — COVID-19 Update from the Director of Education

Dear Waterloo Catholic Community –

We sincerely hope that this letter finds you well.  It has been exactly 2 years since we sat on the cusp of the 2020 March Break and we began to receive the news that the arrival of COVID-19 was going to be changing our lives rather significantly.

We did not know then what we know now – just how dramatically our lives would change and what a seemingly long journey it would be.  During that time our staff have been nothing short of heroic in their efforts to respond to the ever-evolving demands of the pandemic.

Similarly – our students and families have also been truly remarkable in their partnership and willingness to journey with us, through each new challenge that came our way.

In an announcement yesterday, the provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health, (along with many other leaders in various parts of the country and world), signaled that it is time to start transitioning to a more normalized life.

While this is welcome news, and an update we have desired for some time, it is going to evoke mixed reactions amongst our staff and families.

Above all else, we would encourage cultivating an environment of respect and tolerance for views that may differ from our own.

Throughout the pandemic we have relied on the Guiding Principle of following the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province, and that of Region of Waterloo Public Health.

This letter brings some critical updates about the return to school on Monday, March 21st:

Screening:

It is still extremely important that anyone feeling ill should not attend school. All children, students, staff, and visitors must be screened for symptoms of illness every day before attending school or childcare.  Any student or staff member with any symptom should not report to school.

To help meet this requirement, you should use the provincial screening tool found here:  COVID-19 school and child care screening tool.  Using the screening tool will lead you to the right process for family/household contacts as well.  Please use the screener and review your full outcome carefully.  While screening is mandatory, confirmation of screening is no longer required.

Masks: 

In alignment with community masking requirements, masks will no longer be required by staff or students.

With that said, we would encourage a gradual release of their use.

We are still not quite through winter, and staff and students might do well to continue mask wearing until we get firmly into the spring months.  Staff who desire a mask will still be provided with them, per current practice, (and students have their own previously provided cloth masks).

Again – we will have to be mindful not to engage with or judge others if their views do not align with our own.  We do well to remind our children of the same.

Testing:

Rapid tests are to be used when an individual feels symptomatic, and schools will continue to provide them in those cases (replenish supply if they were used up by an individual due to feeling symptomatic).

Cohorting and Distancing:

We will start to see a loosening of distanced seating and cohorting, and classrooms will start to return to less restricted practices for teaching, collaborating and communicating.

Case and Contact Management:

We will be continuing to report upon and monitor school absenteeism rates and will work with Public Health if concerning thresholds are reached.  The Ministry of Health has revised the COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge, with updated guidance for close contacts in the community and in households.

Graduations:

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and Ministry of Education have indicated that we can begin planning for the normal celebratory events connected with graduation.  We will now begin the process of planning, and seeing what is possible.

Travel:

March Break does sometimes signal travel.

A reminder that under current federal travel requirements, upon return from international travel, individuals must wear a mask at all times when in public spaces (including schools and child care), maintain a list of all close contacts for your first 14 days in Canada, and monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Vaccination:

Vaccination for children 5-11 is currently underway.  Booster shots will be available over the March Break for our youth who are 12 to 17 years of age.  Booster shots for anyone over 18 years of age continues.  Region of Waterloo Public Health will help us continue to support school based clinics for vaccination.

Click HERE for information about March Break clinics.

Extra-Curriculars:

As previously reported, all athletics and extra-curriculars can now begin to fully resume.  We know these activities can do much for a child’s mental health and well being, so we are happy to see their return and grateful to our many staff who step forward to coach and moderate these activities.

In Conclusion:

We are very grateful for your support and partnership as we do our best to keep our students learning, healthy and engaged.

The March Break signals that the season of spring will soon be upon us.

As we journey through Lent, let us remember that we are an Easter people and we are now journeying toward the season of rebirth and new life.

Sincerely,

Loretta Notten

Director of Education

March 10th, 2022|
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