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 (https://bit.ly/3v9rwPT) 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

2. Book your students’ vaccination appointment:

• Use this link to book an appointment online: https://rmow.vertoengage.com/engage/?key=digital-front-door OR
• Call 519-575-4400 to book an appointment over the phone

** 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 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 5^th 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

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…”.)

September 29, 2021

Dear Parent / Legal Guardian / Student:

As the 2021-22 school year begins, we remain committed to the health, well-being and safety of students, educators, school staff and the broader community. Keeping our schools open this year is our collective priority.

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself, your child, and your family from COVID-19. Vaccines help to stop the spread so we can safely and gradually resume more activities.

COVID-19 immunization for students is not mandatory. However, understanding the student immunization status and coverage within classes and schools will better enable public health units to respond if there is an outbreak.

Local public health units will be reviewing and assessing students’ COVID-19 vaccination information together with class lists to support case, contact and outbreak management within schools. This is only applicable to students eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., those born in 2009 or earlier).

All information collected by the public health unit will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes described in this letter. Further, these immunization records are being disclosed to local public health units under Section 39(2)(a) of the Personal Health Information and Privacy Act (PHIPA) as a disclosure that is made for the purposes of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).

Public health units may reach out to parents/legal guardians/students, as applicable, if they have questions about a student’s immunization status. For example, they may have questions about a particular immunization record (e.g., dose timing), or information that is missing. They can also answer any questions you may have and provide information related to COVID-19 vaccines. It is important that this information is complete and accurate since it will inform public health units in the event of an outbreak.

Please see the following COVID-19 Information Resources for Parents/Guardians and Youth and the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Parents and Guardians for information about COVID-19 and vaccines.

Should you have questions on how to access COVID-19 vaccines for yourself, your child, or your family, please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/GetVaccinated

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to keep our students safe.

Meetings

Committee Of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, September 13, 2021 – Meeting Agenda Package

Public Board Meeting

Monday, September 27, 2021 — Meeting Agenda Package

Highlights

WCDSB Promotional Video

The WCDSB’s new promotional video was officially launched at the September 13, 2021, meeting of the Committee of the Whole Board. Titled “Welcome to Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools”, you can view it HERE.

Summer Boost/Summer Programming Update

Similar to last year, the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) provided school boards with funding to deliver 2021 Summer Learning Programs (SLP) with the intent to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students, parents, and communities.

Key focus areas included Numeracy, Literacy and preparing students for Gr. 9 Math De-streaming.

The funding directly supported the WCDSB Summer Boost Program that has run each summer for the past several years. Due to the Covid pandemic, as well as to ensure the safety of staff and students, the Summer Boost program was held virtually for all participating students and staff.

The 2021 Summer Boost program consisted of 9 classes and ran from July 5th – July 23rd inclusively for 3 hrs/day for a total of 45 hours serving 180 students.

Some key outcomes included:

• 30% of our Early Learners and Grade 1-2 students progressed to the next stage of phonemic awareness, and 28% showed an increase in the same stage. In Grade 2 a greater percentage increased in the same stage (40%) while 10% advanced to the next stage.
• In Grade 3 to 8, we observed an increase in the number of students at the “Got It” (60%) and “Getter There” (30%) stages, which is considerably higher than pretest levels of 33% percent in the “Got It” and “Getting There” stages
• In Numeracy we witnessed an increase to “Got It” from PRE to POST in most questions across all grades. Student fair share, fraction, decimal. percent and equalities & inequalities capacity grew considerably across the 3 weeks.

The report is available beginning on page 11 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Equity Update

As a Catholic educational institution, we are guided by the Gospel in our pursuit of equity and justice as a value rooted in our faith. In our Catholic/Christian tradition, we have a moral imperative to act intentionally to ensure those we serve – staff, students, and communities – are treated with respect and dignity as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The WCDSB’s new equity officer role began March 1, 2021 — and became a full-time position May 3, 2021.

Key activities since then include:

• Finalizing the Student Census Process
• Creating Equity Professional Development Materials
• Major Revision of the Equity Webpage

The new website includes a main page introducing the importance of equity at WCDSB. This page is titled Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: A Transformational Lens. Then there are tabs to the following pages:

• A Strategic Framework for EDI throughout the Board
• A Multicultural Calendar
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Conversations and News
• An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Glossary of Terms
• Dismantling Racism
• Human Rights and Equity
• EDI Toolkit
• Equity Quiz

The webpage will be periodically updated (e.g., equity quiz, calendar) to keep the information current and interactive. The purpose of the page is to educate, but also to pique people’s interest in equity, diversity, and inclusion.

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

2021-2022 Re-Opening Update

As we begin the 2021-2022 school year, we once again find that the schools of Waterloo Catholic are opening and operating within a pandemic reality that has caused us to consider our models of delivery, our processes, our health and safety protocols and essentially all aspects of our operations.

Over the course of a very busy summer, updated guidance was provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and more specifically through the Ministry of Education. Further we held 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 August 4, 2021, the Ministry released its first draft of provincial Operational Guidelines, with a second draft received August 13, 2021. Further direction regarding declaration of immunization status and updated testing programs and updated screening protocols were received on August 20, August 24 and August 27. Updated and more comprehensive documentation on immunization declarations and related obligations were released on September 2, 2021. A final statement of formal Instruction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health was received on Tuesday September 7, 2021.

Informed by the various communications, our full Operational Guidelines for a safe return to school are found from our WCSB homepage.

While the year is definitely off to a strong start, it will not unfold without its challenges. In some respects, there are more layers to navigate than last year, but we remain completely heartened that our staff and students are back to full time learning. There are strong opinions on a variety of matters and in all cases, WCDSB will be relying on expert advice. That is – we will be guided by science, by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and our colleagues at Region of Waterloo Public Health.

Every student and staff member who comes into our schools are members of a community and a collective, and we all have a responsibility to one another. Health and safety will continue to remain our primary concern and motivator. We will also continue to rely on our faith and on the good will of all our stakeholders to ensure that we not only are able to successfully navigate the challenges ahead, but that we are able to thrive and see our students fulfill their greatest potential – heart of the community, success for each and a place for all.

The report is available beginning on page 25 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Summer Construction Update

During the 2020-2021 school year, numerous construction projects were undertaken at many of our schools throughout the Region. As in previous years, all projects were funded by the Ministry of Education and were related to School Renewal Allocation (SRA) funding, School Condition Improvement (SCI) funding and Capital Project monies.

Recognizing that COVID-19 created new demands in our schools, the Ministry also introduced a new, time limited COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS) fund to address various infrastructure needs. With the Board allotted funds, approximately $3.8 million was spent on SRA projects which capture non-building envelope items such as flooring, millwork, and painting and approximately $8.5 million was spent on SCI projects capturing repairs to building components, energy efficiency projects, and improving accessibility. Approximately $8.1 million was devoted to CVRIS projects such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, replacement and/or refurbishing of portables, window replacement projects and a variety of smaller projects.

In addition to these projects, construction of the new St. Boniface CES in Breslau was completed. The school successfully opened on September 7, 2021.

Other projects in the works include:

• St. Agnes CES – $6,016,673 (addition)
• Huron Brigadoon Project (new school) – $10,321,990 (includes a childcare centre)
• East Kitchener – $37,699,818 (new school – grades 7 to 12)
• Southeast Galt Project – $8,652,378 (new school – joint venture with Waterloo Region District School Board and the City of Cambridge)

The report is available beginning on page 20 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

HeadStart

For a number of years, WCDSB has used Grade 7-10 Literacy and Numeracy Continuing Education funds to deliver a brief, yet timely, holistic, non-credit, preparation summer program for incoming Grade 9 students to each of our 5 Catholic Secondary Schools.

At the end of August each year, hundreds of students voluntarily participate in Get a HeadStart to Grade 9 (aka HeadStart) with the hope to ease their social anxieties, increase their academic readiness, engage in practical learning experiences that are both hands-on and digital, and to nurture those academic, social and spiritual connections critical to school start-up success.

Pre-pandemic, HeadStart engaged upwards of 1000 students, with 60% of all WCDSB Grade 9’s choosing to participate in this summer program.

This specific Continuing Education funding envelope has always supported smaller class sizes and WCDSB commits to averaging a 15:1 student to teacher ratio for HeadStart. The program format had to change the last two years to accommodate Covid-19 restrictions, yet all Grade 8 students are given the opportunity to register and participate in HeadStart.

Some Key Performance Indicators include:

• Numbers of HeadStart Registrations = 820 students
• Retention rate (between registered and attending) = 96%
• Participation rate among all Grade 9’s enrolled as of September 2021 = 46% (down slightly by 4% from 2020 and 14% from pre-pandemic 2019) – yet St. David saw an historic 66% participation rate
• Satisfaction survey results from Parent Feedback Survey showed a 99.1% satisfaction / program recommendation rate
• Numbers of returning teachers to a HeadStart role = 9 new teachers of 29 (69% return rate in 2021)
• Teacher survey indicates an 86% probability of returning in 2022.

The report is available beginning on page 24 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Learning Renewal Plan (BIEPSA)

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s Board Improvement & Equity Plan for Student Achievement (BIEPSA) sets specific operational direction to ensure that the key components outlined in the WCDSB’s Multi Year Strategic Plan as well as other relevant initiatives and priorities are addressed. This document is updated annually and is responsive to shifting contexts and needs throughout the year. The BIEPSA reflects our system’s continued commitment to improved student achievement and responding to planning for equity/diversity and well-being. It assures that the board’s mission, “As disciples of Christ, we educate and nurture hope in all learners to realize their full potential to transform God’s world”, is embedded in all we do and aligned with our Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations (OCSGEs).

The BIEPSA has been revised through an ongoing and collaborative process involving WCDSB staff. It is a live document that will continue to develop as more data is gathered and identified needs arise from that data. Equity will be an overarching theme within the development, as will attention to our re-engagement strategy as we align support for our students impacted by interrupted learning and other impeding factors.

Next Steps:

• The 2021-22 school year will include a focus on working towards eliminating disparities and disproportionalities that impede achievement, well-being, and success. This aligns with the Ministry of Education (MOE) goals
• The 2021-22 WCDSB Board Improvement & Equity Plan for Student Achievement (BIEPSA) reflects current Board and provincial priorities and contexts and helps guide individual school sites as they set targets and priorities reflecting their particular needs. Their (school’s) plans are articulated through each site’s School Improvement & Equity Plan for Student Achievement (SIEPSA)
• SIEPSAs are to be created collaboratively (School Improvement Team) and are to identify targets within each pillar, with Equity considered throughout
• SIEPSAs state student learning needs, identify a learning outcome, and set out a plan to reach these goals
• The WCDSB BIEPSA will be shared with the Ministry of Education in September and will guide ongoing discussions with our partners there throughout the year as we work collaboratively to ensure goals are met.
• SIEPSAs are developed with the beginning focus on data collection and goal development — which then will move into identifying our learners, basing goals on that, improvement actions, monitoring the program and responding to needs. School SIEPSAs are shared with superintendents in November and form the basis of year-long conversations regarding the monitoring of student learning.
• SIEPSAs are shared with each school community via Catholic School Advisory Councils and are posted on school websites
• The WCDSB will support educators through a responsive and renewed professional capacity-building strategy that leverages instructional coaching in a job-embedded format (i.e., PD Days, coaching, staff meetings, etc.) that differentiates according to audience and school/staff need and readiness.

The report is available beginning on page 31 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 September 2021 is available on page 41 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 38 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Upcoming Board Meetings

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, October 4, 2021

Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre

Regular Public Board Meeting

Monday, October 25, 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.

– 30 –

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, September 27, 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:

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…”.)

The WCDSB Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will be hosting guest speaker Michael Jacques at the upcoming October 6th SEAC meeting.  Michael is a talented, determined and passionate young man living with autism and an intellectual disability.   He lives and works in the Niagara Region where he is a very active member in his community and beyond. Michael has travelled across Canada to share his story to motivate and inspire schools, organizations and our world to critically think about inclusion, diversity and compassion.  He has presented on several occasions at various WCDSB events, sending a passionate and powerful message.  We know you will not be disappointed!

The October 6th SEAC meeting will be divided in two portions.  The first portion, 6:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. for Michael’s presentation, and the second portion being the official SEAC Meeting.  For those interested in attending Michael’s presentation, please register at the link below.  Space is limited so please register early. Registration deadline is September 30^th 2021.

Please register here: https://forms.office.com/r/AhCMHiggib

For more information about Michael please view this FLYER.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board and District 8 Athletic Association are happy to announce the return of its interschool athletic programming effective September 20, 2021.

Active participation in athletics has known health benefits, including physical fitness and mental wellness.

Athletics provides social interaction which is necessary in a time of uncertainty for our students. It is with this in mind that we have prioritized getting our youth back to play and competition with health and safety as our primary focus.

As the pandemic continues, it is all our responsibilities to take reasonable steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect all individuals who participate in our athletic activities. The WCDSB and District 8 will be implementing every strategy within our ability and as recommended to keep our student-athletes, teacher-coaches, officials and public safe.

In order to offer the safest possible option for a return to sport, all student-athletes (born 2009 and earlier) and teacher-coaches who wish to participate in interschool athletics must show proof of full immunization against COVID-19 (two doses plus 14-day waiting period) OR provide negative rapid antigen test results to their school twice per week.

This protocol will take affect Monday September 20^th when practices and tryouts are able to resume. Competition schedules will be released as soon as they become available. The WCDSB is encouraging schools to organize safe intramural activities at their school, especially for those students born in 2010 or later, so that all ages can enjoy the benefits that physical activity offers.

All officials and volunteer coaches (non-school staff) must be fully immunized against COVID-19 (two doses plus 14-day waiting period). In addition to these very necessary measures, there are additional general protocols to ensure public safety.

These initiatives include but are not limited to; attendance tracking to conduct contact tracing, daily screening prior to participation, sanitization of high touch surfaces, mandatory masking for all individuals not actively involved in play, physical distancing where possible, spectator restrictions and more. Students who wish to learn more about the interschool athletic opportunities at their school should contact their school’s main office and/or athletic director for more information.