Agenda

Board of Trustees’ Board Meeting: Monday, February 26,  2024 @ 6:00 pm – Agenda: 2024-02-26_Board-of-Trustee Agenda – 1

Location:  1st floor Board Room, Catholic Education Centre, 35 Weber Street, Kitchener

General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings

Information About the Board of Trustees

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Calling grade 9 -12 students! Ready to put your skills to the test? Join our Job Skill Demonstration Competition! Showcase your talents, from tech to creativity. A golden opportunity to shine and learn.

Register here: https://wcdsb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0lgPkDx5k6U5RyK?Q_CHL=qr

Please contact leonard.bumbacco@wcdsb.ca if you are unable to submit your project by the deadline.

We are pleased to formally announce the election of Matteo Leone of Monsignor Doyle CSS and Allison Hannah Berwick of Resurrection CSS as Student Trustees for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. This marks a significant achievement, reflecting their exemplary leadership qualities and the trust placed in them by their peers.

The roles they will assume are vital in ensuring that the student body is well-represented within our educational framework. Their election is a testament to their commitment to the betterment of our schools and community at large. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact their contributions will have on our community and extend our full support to Matteo and Allison as they embark on their tenure.

Please join us in extending your congratulations to Matteo and Allison.

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer’s Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

When: Tuesday April 16th, 2024
Where: St. David Catholic Secondary School
Time: 7 – 8 pm

Click here to register

PROPERTY FOR SALE – PUBLIC REQUEST FOR OFFERS TO PURCHASE
RFO 2024-07

The former St. Boniface Maryhill Catholic Elementary School, Municipally located at 1354 Maryhill Road, Maryhill, Ontario, N0B 2B0

Click here for details – RFO 2024-07 Former St. Boniface Maryhill

Dear WCDSB Families, 

Please be advised that the Professional Activity (PA) Day originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, will now be held on April 8, 2024. This change is being made to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff during the Total Solar Eclipse expected on April 8, 2024. 

Looking directly at the Sun causes serious eye damage, especially during a solar eclipse.  

To watch a solar eclipse safely, you need eye protection that has been designed for watching a solar eclipse (i.e., meets the ISO 12312-2 standard). Sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes. In addition, viewing any part of a solar eclipse through a smartphone camera, a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will cause serious eye damage. 

Total Solar Eclipse Safety Tips 

A total solar eclipse is a rare and exciting natural phenomenon. However, it is crucial to view it safely to prevent any damage to the eyes. Here are some tips for safely experiencing the solar eclipse: 

1. Use Proper Eclipse Glasses: Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for viewing the sun. Special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers, must be used. Ensure they meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. 
2. Adult Supervision for Children: Ensure that children are supervised when using solar filters or eclipse glasses. Teach them the importance of not removing the glasses while looking at the sun. 
3. Alternative Methods: For those who do not have eclipse glasses, using a pinhole projector is a safe way to view a projection of the eclipse. This can be a fun and educational activity to do with children. 
4. Avoid Unsafe Methods: Do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury. 
5. Check the Weather: If it is cloudy, you may not be able to see the eclipse. Use online resources to watch it live if the weather does not permit outdoor viewing. 
6. View it Safely via Livestream: The eclipse can be viewed via livestream broadcast through the NASA Exploratorium. 

We hope these tips are helpful for you and your family to safely experience this spectacular event.  

Your child’s safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adapting to these changes in our school schedule. Let us all experience this cosmic event safely and responsibly. For more safety tips and information, please visit https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety.  

Friday, February 9, was an exciting day for Waterloo Catholic District School Board students.

19^th Annual Beating the Odds Conference

Beating the Odds is a full-day event hosted on Wilfred Laurier University’s Waterloo campus specifically for high school students, designed to elevate their ambitions towards pursuing higher education. In response to data indicating a 70% drop-out rate among racialized students in the Waterloo Region, community members and supporters bring together professionals and university students to Laurier to lead workshops and deliver keynote speeches, fostering a sense of empowerment and inspiration. This year, over 180 secondary school students from WCDSB participated in the event. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us. Together, we can beat the odds!

My Place in This World

St. Peters Elementary Catholic School recently hosted its Black History Month celebration titled “My Place in this World.” This occasion served to acknowledge, pay tribute to, and celebrate Black heritage. Distinguished attendees included the Honourable Charmaine Williams along with MPP Brian Riddell. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated.