wcdsbadmin, Author at Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Important Message from the Director of Education Re: Back-to-School Protocols

Dear WCDSB Community,

The last days of summer are winding down and we know that everyone’s thoughts have turned to the return to school. We cannot wait to welcome all our staff and students back! We hope you have had a safe, restful and enjoyable summer. This letter brings a few important updates about our return and provides a link to a much more detailed overview of our Operational Guidelines.

Return to In Person Learning
All schools will be open this September and St Isidore (our virtual school, for those who enrolled last June) will operate dedicated classes at the elementary level. We will use a hybrid model in secondary for those students who have selected online learning for this year. For our elementary students, their classroom is their main cohort, but students will be able to access specialized supports where needed. In secondary – it will be a 2 period day. Each class will be 150 minutes, with a 40 minute lunch in between.

Vaccination
On August 17th the Government of Ontario announced that they (and we by extension) will implement an immunization disclosure policy for all publicly funded school board employees and licensed child cares. For those staff who cannot attest that they are fully vaccinated, they will be completing regular testing before reporting to their school or workplace. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and Waterloo Region Public Health also strongly endorse all students ages 12 and older to access vaccination.

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 will be strongly supporting 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 work with us to support students in understanding why we wear a mask and how to do so safely. Those requesting an accommodation under the Human Rights Code should submit their exemption request to their school Principal.

Hand Hygiene and Distancing
We are pleased to share that there will be more access to resources and learning materials. We will take a cautious approach but students will be sharing more objects within their classroom and have access to our learning commons spaces (libraries), so hand hygiene and distancing will remain important practices. School staff will work with students to reinforce the strong habits that ensure a robust and safe learning environment for all.

Daily Screening
All staff and students are still required to complete daily screening, using the Ontario School Screener. The tool is being updated to reflect the new protocols and we will share it and post it in our Operational Guidelines as soon as it is available. This request is extremely important. Any individual who is symptomatic should not come to school, even if they believe it is not COVID-19.

Lockers, Lunches and Recess

The use of lockers and cubbies will be permitted this year. Once again hand hygiene will be critical, students must be masked at all times in these areas and there is a 5 minute time limit at a locker and students should avoid congregating.
In secondary there will be some limited use of the cafeteria for selected classes; other students will have the option to eat in their classroom or leave the school building for the lunch period. There will be no food service in the secondary cafeterias.
Students in K-8 benefit from their breaks, activity and social time at recess. Masks do not have to be worn outside for recess, but it is always an option to do so.

Learning Kits for next year
Finally, just a short word to say that as shared last spring, we will be providing students and families from grades JK – 12 with WCDSB Learning Kits. It is a small way to ensure heath and safety, while saying to you that you matter to us! We value your faith in WCDSB and we cannot wait to welcome you back!

Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are ensuring a safe and happy return to school.

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 every grateful for your continued support and remain ready and willing to assist you as we transition back to what will undoubtedly be a #WCDSBAwesome year!

Sincerely

Loretta Notten
Director of Education

August 26th, 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, August 30, 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).

The purpose of the meeting is to hear presentations by candidates registered to fill two vacant seats on the Board of Trustees, representing Kitchener/Wilmot.

The meeting will be immediately followed by a special meeting of the Board of Trustees, at which the Board will elect the two new Trustees.

Agendas:

Committee of the Whole

Special 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…”.)

August 25th, 2021|

Preparing for the Return-To-School: Reflections and Resources for Families

As we move through these summer months we want to ensure that families have information at their fingertips about how to support the mental health and wellbeing of their children/teens. We have created a new Mentally Healthy Return-to-school page https://www.wcdsb.ca/return-to-school/ which features resources that might be helpful to promote wellbeing for the entire family in the coming months. You will find:

Tipsheets for teens on recognizing if they need help, how to ask for help with they need it, how to help a friend, etc.
Self-care 101
Summer wellbeing activity ideas
Info about getting sleeping patterns back on track
Tip sheets on noticing if your child/teen is struggling
A sample Coping Plan and suicide prevention tips (Prepare/Prevention/Respond)

Umbrella Project: Reframing Challenges as a Vehicle to Developing Coping Skills

Presented by: Dr. Jen Forristal

In this presentation, we will learn how to support our children through challenges and allow these inevitable difficulties to become powerful well-being tools instead of missed opportunities.

Parent/Caregiver Podcast: Finding our Way Back: Understanding and Responding to Post-Pandemic “Back-to-School” Worries:

Presented by: Antonietta Leonardo, Mary Goerzen-Sheard, Caylie Bogdan, Marlene Maddocks, Sharon Porty.

How can we start now to proactively build coping skills that will help our kids feel more equipped and confident for the return to school to the school building?
What if my child/teen is resistant to going?
Where can we access help if we need it?

We also recognize that the pandemic has been hard for many parents/caregivers as well, and have created a selection of new videos focused on your own wellbeing that you may find helpful to watch:

Umbrella Project: Self-Care Practices for Parents

Presented by: Dr. Jen Forristal

We need to take care of ourselves as well! In this workshop we will learn about the Umbrella Project themes and how they relate to resiliency in difficult times, mindset, daily wellbeing practices, and opportunities for growth.

Parent Wellbeing Series:

A series of four 10-20 minute videos focusing on parent/caregiver wellbeing:

Self-Compassion
Recognizing Signs of Internal Struggle
Radical Self-Care
Daily Anchors and Guided Meditation

You may wish to ask your child/teen if they know about the services available through KidsHelpPhone (a free, 24 hour anonymous counselling and support to children/teens who are struggling with a wide range of issues (i.e. mental health, break-up’s, friendship problems, bullying, etc.) https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Phone: 1(800) 668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868
Messenger, and live webchat

Let them know it’s okay to ask for help if they are struggling, and check out the Kids Help Phone webpage together to see what kinds of resources and information they have. Teens may also want to check out the Jack.org Covid-19 Youth resource hub: https://jack.org/covid.

If you require additional supports our local child and adolescent mental health services are here to support you. Please contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on the services available:

Front Door: Access to Child and Youth Mental Health Services:

Access point for Waterloo Region mental health services for children and youth

https://www.frontdoormentalhealth.com/ (519)749-2932

Here 24/7: 24 hour Crisis service, and access point for Mental Health and Addictions services in Waterloo Region (16+): 1-844-437-3247 http://here247.ca/

If this is a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.

Websites & Apps:

On WCDSB’s main Mental Health and Wellbeing Page you can also find general information about:

mental health 101
links to age-appropriate videos that can teach your family self-care strategies such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, mindfulness, etc.
recognizing signs that your child/teen is struggling
tips for having conversations with your child about mental health
where to go for help, including a wide range of local supports

https://mindyourmind.ca/ (info & tools to help manage stress, crisis and mental health concerns)

https://anxietycanada.com/ (info & tools to help manage anxiety)

https://bouncebackontario.ca/ free online/phone skill-building program to manage mild-moderate symptoms of anxiety/depression. Age 15+

Apps: Insight Timer, Abide, Woebot, Mind Shift, Calm, BeSafe, Always There

Please note there are mental health supports available to all Canadians during covid at Wellness Together Canada https://ca.portal.gs/, as well as https://www.mindbeacon.com/ for residents of Ontario.

All the best in the summer, we hope you and your family find times of rest, rejuvenation, and fun together!

August 12th, 2021|

LAST CALL — Links fore Learning Golf Classic … The Tradition Continues!

The 19^th Annual Links fore Learning Golf Classic … the tradition continues on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the Conestoga Golf & Country Club.

The event is sponsored by Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools and the Catholic Community Foundation of Waterloo Region (formerly the Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation).

The programing will align with Region of Waterloo COVID-19 protocols but, be assured, this will be another exceptional, unique, experience.

The cost is still $150/golfer and registration is easy and convenient … just visit www.ccfowr.ca/news-&-updates.

For information, contact Ms. Jody Fritz, tel: 519.578.3660 ext.2373 or email: jody.fritz@wcdsb.ca.

August 5th, 2021|

Special Message from the Waterloo Region Children and Youth Planning Table (CYPT)

An open letter to the young people, parents and those parenting in Waterloo Region:

This past year has been hard. Really hard. You have all been asked to carry so much. For some, this has meant the chance for new skills, and new interests to grow. And for many, it has meant a roller-coaster ride of emotions, struggles to make it through some days, and in some cases, grief and real loss – of family, of friends, of opportunities.

We see you. And we are in awe of all of you. We are so very grateful that you are here, just as you are, and that you are part of this community.

Young people – you are surviving a global pandemic as a child or youth! None of us adults will be able to say the same. You have wisdom and insights from this time that the rest of us will never have in the same way. You are all remarkable and hold a strength that is unique and amazing.

Parents and those parenting – some say parenting is the hardest job out there. And that was before managing a pandemic was added to the list! What you have done is amazing.

As we look ahead, even during hard times, we can’t help feeling hopeful. We have hope for a community that sees and supports the struggles that are still on your shoulders. Hope for a community that sees and celebrates all that you have achieved this past year. Hope for a community that cares deeply for our young people. Hope for the chance for adults and young people to work together. And hope to build a future where we all feel valued and that we belong.

With great respect, we wish all of you a summer of connection, well-being, and peace. Please know that many groups are meeting often over the summer to address the needs of families and young people to feel safe, well and that they belong in Waterloo region. If you want to reach out at any point and share what you think the community needs with these groups, please email cyptwaterlooregion@gmail.com

With gratitude,

The Steering Committee of the Children and Youth Planning Table (CYPT)

July 5th, 2021|

WCDSB Summer Mental Health Supports

We are excited to share that once again this summer, the Ministry of Education has made it possible for WCDSB School Social Workers to provide short-term mental health and well-being support to WCDSB students. We will also work with WCDSB students and families in preparation for the transition to school in September 2021.

Should you wish to connect with a WCDSB School Social Worker, please email: WCDSBsocialwork@wcdsb.ca.

This email address will be monitored Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Your request for support will be responded to within 48 hours, excluding weekends.

Please note that this is not a crisis support service. If you, or a loved one, are in crisis, call HERE 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247 or go to your nearest hospital.

Summer Mental Health support will be available July 5 to August 27, 2021.

July 2nd, 2021|

IMPORTANT! Vaccine Clinics for Students Aged 12-17: All Schools Welcome!!

The Waterloo Region Vaccine Task Force is hosting school vaccine clinics across Waterloo Region between June 22 – 26, 2021 for youth and their families.

School vaccine clinics

Youth aged 12-17 — and family members they live with — can book appointments at these vaccine clinics to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Daytime, evening, and weekend appointments are available between June 22 – 26, 2021. Free parking is available on-site at all the clinics.

Grand River Collegiate

175 Indian Rd, Kitchener, ON N2B 2S7

Southwood Secondary School

30 Southwood Dr, Cambridge, ON N1S 4K3

Huron Heights Secondary School

1825 Strasburg Rd, Kitchener, ON N2R 1S3

How to book an appointment?

To book an appointment please email youthclinics@regionofwaterloo.ca with your name, contact information, and preferred clinic location. Someone will call you back to complete the booking process (within 48 hours).

You can also book an appointment by calling the YMCA settlement services at 226-339-4964.

These clinics do not take walk-ins, an appointment is needed.

Who can get the vaccine now?

Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are now eligible to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Youth must be 12 years old at the time of their appointment.

Youth will be able to get their second dose quicker than other people so they will have both their shots before the 2021/2022 school year.

What vaccine will be given?

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 12 years of age and older. See the resources below for more information.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe.

June 21st, 2021|

Call for Applicants to Fill 2 WCDSB Trustee Vacancies

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is seeking applicants to fill two Trustee vacancies representing Kitchener and Wilmot. The vacancies were created by the resignations of Trustees Greg Reitzel and Kevin Dupuis.

Under the Education Act, when a trustee vacancy occurs, the Board of Trustees must undertake a process to identify a qualified person to serve the remainder of the former Trustee’s current term of office. The Board of Trustees has traditionally used a candidate application / interview process to fill vacant seats, and that process will be employed again. The candidate interviews will be held in public.

At the conclusion of the public interview process, the sitting Trustees will vote to select the successful applicants.

Provincial legislation stipulates any applicants to fill the vacant seats must be:

A Canadian citizen at least 18 years of age — and a resident of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo;
A baptized Roman Catholic, who is shown as an English-language Roman Catholic school board supporter on the municipal assessment list;
Not an employee of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board or any other district school board or school authority in Ontario.

Any person meeting the above requirements may apply for the positions.

A description of the roles and responsibilities of school board trustees is available by clicking HERE

WCDSB will follow Public Health restrictions, and whether virtually or in person, interviews / presentations to the Board will be held on Monday August 30^th, 2021.

Applicants must provide a signed resume and confirmation of their qualifications (suggested length: 3-5 pages) by Monday August 23rd, to: Waterloo Catholic District School Board, 35 Weber St. W., Unit A, Kitchener, ON, N2H 3Z1 (Attention Alice Figueiredo). Email: alice.figueiredo@wcdsb.ca

Questions may be sent to the same email address above.

All correspondence is subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board, representing more than 96,000 Catholic school supporters, operates 48 schools and five 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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June 21st, 2021|

LAST CALL — Links fore Learning Golf Classic … The Tradition Continues!

The 19^th Annual Links fore Learning Golf Classic … the tradition continues on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the Conestoga Golf & Country Club.

The event is sponsored by Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools and the Catholic Community Foundation of Waterloo Region (formerly the Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation).

The programing will align with Region of Waterloo COVID-19 protocols but, be assured, this will be another exceptional, unique, experience.

The cost is still $150/golfer and registration is easy and convenient … just visit www.ccfowr.ca/news-&-updates.

For information, contact Ms. Jody Fritz, tel: 519.578.3660 ext.2373 or email: jody.fritz@wcdsb.ca.

June 18th, 2021|

Huron Brigadoon — Notice of Decision

Dear Parents & Guardians:

On Monday, June 14, 2021, the Board of Trustees approved recommendations to change the boundaries for Blessed Sacrament, John Sweeney, Our Lady of Grace, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary Schools (CES). The purpose was to establish a boundary for the new Huron Brigadoon CES in advance of its opening, which is anticipated September 2022.

The Board’s decision came after consultation with school communities through the Boundary Review Committee process and public meetings.

The boundary changes in accordance with Staff Recommended Option 1 (described below and map on reverse) will take effect on September 1, 2022:

move sub-areas K, M, N, and P from Blessed Sacrament to Huron Brigadoon;
move sub-area E from John Sweeney to Huron Brigadoon;
move sub-area T from Our Lady of Grace to Huron Brigadoon; and,
move sub-areas V, W, Y, and Z from St. Kateri Tekakwitha to Huron Brigadoon.

Grade 7 students enrolled at Blessed Sacrament, John Sweeney, Our Lady of Grace, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha in the 2021/22 school year (or the school year prior to the new Huron Brigadoon CES opening) may remain in their current school. Transportation will be provided if they qualify.

All other students living in areas impacted by the boundary review will attend the new Huron Brigadoon CES as of September 2022. Transition plans will be prepared to support all students through these changes. Further information will follow from each school; parents will be involved in this process through their Catholic School Advisory Councils.

The Board would like to thank all of those who were involved throughout the review. To each of the Boundary Review Committee representatives, parents/guardians and school community members who participated in the review with passion and commitment to ensuring the best outcome for all students – your advocacy is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Loretta Notten , Director of Education

Melanie Van Alphen, Chair of the Board

June 16th, 2021|

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