WCDSB Evening Closures / Cancelations – March 3, 2023
Due to the forecast for deteriorating weather conditions, all schools are CLOSED this evening and All Community Use of Schools permits are also CANCELLED.
Waterloo Catholic District School Board Names New Elementary School
Trustees name new Kitchener Catholic elementary school after Saint Josephine Bakhita.
Trustees selected the name for the new Catholic elementary school currently under construction in Kitchener at the February 27th Board meeting. The name was selected from a shortlist which was vetted through a thorough stakeholder consultation process. The new elementary school in the Huron Brigadoon area of Kitchener will be named Saint Josephine Bakhita.
“Seeing the sun, the moon, and the stars, the beauties of nature, I asked myself, ‘Who is the owner of all these beautiful things?’ and I felt a great desire to see him, know him, and pay him homage.” – Saint Josephine Bakhita
“It is with great excitement and anticipation that we welcome students and families from the Huron-Brigadoon community to the newest elementary school in the Waterloo Catholic DSB, Saint Josephine Bakhita,” said David Lynch, Principal of the new school. “Saint Josephine Bakhita is an exemplary choice after whom to name our school. She is the patron saint of victims of human trafficking and her personal story of suffering, forgiveness, hope, resilience, strength, and love for God will be an inspiration to our students and the broader school community. We can’t wait to open our doors in September when Saint Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School will become the heart of the community, where each student meets with success, and where all are welcome.”
Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947), was Beatified in 1992 and Canonized (declared a Saint) in 2000. She is the first Black woman to receive this honour in the modern era.
WCDSB Board Meeting Bulletin — February 2023
Meetings
Committee of the Whole Board Meeting
Monday, February 6, 2023 – Meeting Agenda Package
Regular Public Board Meeting
Monday, February 27, 2023 — Meeting Agenda Package
Highlights
Early Years Report
On February 6, 2023 the Board of Trustees received a report providing information and updates with respect to the early years partnerships across Waterloo Region and the Kindergarten program, as we all work together to support the growth and development of students through the pedagogical approaches outlined in The Kindergarten Program 2016 and the How Does Learning Happen? document.
Specifically, the report covers:
- The Kindergarten Program: Play-based and Inquiry Learning
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Faith, Self-Regulation and Well-Being
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Supporting the Transition into Kindergarten
The report is available beginning on page 7 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Extended Day Update
The WCDSB’s Extended Day Program is an integral part of the Early Learning Kindergarten program and is led by Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs). The program is funded by parent fees and set on a cost-recovery model. It is optional for parents and offered by boards where there is sufficient demand to make the program viable at individual school sites.
The WCDSB Extended Day Programs will be licensed with the Ministry of Education (Licensed Child Care Programs) with a target date of September 2023. Upon receipt of licensing, the program will be eligible to participate in the CWELCC (Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care) program.
The Extended Day Program was not viable at seven schools for the 2022-2023 school year. A program is deemed non-viable if it has less than ten students enrolled.
- Holy Rosary CES, Waterloo
- John Sweeney CES, Kitchener
- Gregory CES, Cambridge
- Luke CES, Waterloo
- Margaret CES, Cambridge
- Augustine CES, Cambridge
- John CES, Kitchener
The Board’s 36 remaining elementary were deemed viable.
In coming months, current student ratios of 1:15 will be adjusted to 1:13. Staff working in WCDSB Extended Day programs will be trained in Standard First Aid/CPR-Level C. Additional training dates have been booked to ensure all CUPE members are given the opportunity to be trained.
Additionally, food handling training and recertification for all licensed classrooms and the ECE supervisors will begin and an additional ECE Supervisor will be hired to support the implementation of licensing requirements for September 2023.
The report is available beginning on page 13 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) Annual Update
The General Manager of STSWR presents an annual report to the Board of Trustees summarizing the activities, initiatives, performance metrics, and future plans of the organization.
The 2021-22 school year was an eventful year for STSWR, given the priority placed on increased cleaning of buses between runs, bus driver shortages and absences, fluctuating costs of fuel, and disruption to the information system used by STSWR to plan and manage routes.
Key 2021-22 Highlights:
Safety
- Increased the number school buses with seatbelts to 27 as part of a multi-year seatbelt implementation plan
- Delivered school bus safety training to students using newly developed on-line modules given in-person training was not possible
- Continued roll-out of the ‘Drive to 5’ program to reduce traffic around schools, improve pedestrian safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide an opportunity for physical exercise for students
- Worked with municipalities to implement pedestrian safety-related improvements around our schools
- Developed new kindergarten pickup and drop off routines to improve safety
Operations
- Average ride time – 13 minutes one way
- Customer surveys reveal an overall satisfaction rate of 4.07 out of 5.
- 38,000 individuals with students attending schools in the Region are signed up for late bus notifications
- Driver shortages and absences caused 192 interruptions to service (bus later than 50 minutes) • Fuel increases caused a financial shortfall of $1.3M as compared to the 2021-22 budget. Funds will be transferred by the province to offset this shortfall
Major priorities for 2022-23 include:
- Bus driver attraction and retention
- Expanding the number of buses with seatbelts
- STSWR in partnership with bus operators will pilot a new style of stop arm on buses. This stop arm is larger, longer, stronger, and more prominent. The intent is to increase visibility of the arm for motorists and also provide a physical barrier to driving by while students are exiting the bus.
The report is available beginning on page 20 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Guarding Minds Update
In spring 2021, the WCDSB administered its Workforce Census in response to the Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan (2017) and the Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum 165 issued February 2021. Collecting this data was also a priority in the WCDSB’s 3-year Pastoral Plan.
The goal of this Workforce Census was to assess diversity at the Board, identify gaps in representation, and to develop strategies to ensure this Board is an equitable and healthy environment for all staff regardless of one’s background or status.
Based on the data from our respondents, Executive Council made 10 recommendations. These were presented at the October 25, 2022 Board of Trustees meeting. One of the recommendations was as follows:
“We recommend administering the Guarding Minds at Work Survey (i.e., the complete scan) yearly, except during census years. We recommend the first administration of the complete scan take place in Fall 2022. The Guarding Minds at Work survey was open for completion by all staff from October 24, 2022 and closed on November 14, 2022”.
Results of the Guarding Minds at Work survey have been shared with stakeholders (i.e., Administrators, Association Chairs/Co-Chairs and Union Presidents/Vice Presidents). Each stakeholder group has been engaged to undertake an initiative in response to the survey results. A Board-wide committee will be established to develop school-based initiatives in response to the survey results. The Superintendent of Human Resources will work with the HRS team, the Equity team and other stakeholders to develop a central strategy to support employee wellness.
The report is available beginning on page 23 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
2023-2024 Budget Estimates Update
As the annual school year budget planning process rolls out, management presents a monthly update to the Board of Trustees detailing the progress made to date. The second such update was presented on February 27.
As always, the flow and pace of budget planning is largely dependent upon the date of release of the Grants for Student Needs (GSNs) by the government. Consequently, board management may need to alter timelines depending on the timing and content of Ministry of Education budget announcements.
The report is available beginning on page 26 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
School Naming: Huron Brigadoon
The selection of a school name is a significant step in the process of establishing a new school community. Within a Catholic school community, the school’s name is intended to forge a connection with a saint or other significant Catholic individual or tradition, whose gifts/meaning will provide a focus for the school and kindle a unique identity and spiritual bond for the students and staff.
The process for naming schools is outlined in APF013 — Naming of Schools & Dedications Within Board Facilities.
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is excited to open its newest school in September 2023 in the Huron Brigadoon neighbourhood. It will welcome students from the boundaries of St. Kateri CES, Blessed Sacrament CES, Our Lady of Grace CES, and John Sweeney CES.
Via a public survey which ran from February 3 to 12, 2023, stakeholders were invited to provide input on the names of four Saints who were vetted for consideration based on their attributes and virtues, ones that we would endeavor to see represented in our WCDSB students and a model for our school. Approval of the Saint names for consideration was granted by his excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.
A total of 368 responses were received, with solid representation from parents, students and staff.
The virtues that were drawn from the historical context and contributions of each of each saint were as follows:
St. Andre Bessette: Perseverance, determination, strength, inclusivity and kindness and a strong devotion to faith.
St. Anselm: Personifies great courage and outstanding scholarship.
St. Catherine of Siena: Care for others, advocacy for the rights of women, the poor and the vulnerable.
St. Josephine Bakhita: Resilience, advocacy for the rights of women and children, faithfulness, forgiveness, and hope.
The top three names in order of preference based on stakeholder input were:
- Josephine Bakhita
- Catherine of Siena
- Andre Bessette
When correlating the results of the survey, St. Josephine Bakhita was most often named as a first choice.
On February 27, 2023 the naming committee recommended the new school be named St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School.
(Sculpture: “Let the Oppressed Go Free” by Timothy P. Schmalz)
The report is available beginning on page 43 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 Tracey Weiler’s report for February 2023 is available on page 55 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Student Trustees Update
Student Trustees Chloe Armstrong and Anika Fejerpataky presented their monthly update – covering activities in WCDSB’s secondary schools. It is available beginning on page 51 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Upcoming Board Meetings
Committee of the Whole Board Meeting
Monday, March 6, 2023 — Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre
Regular Public Board Meeting
Monday, March 27, 2023 — 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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All Student Transportation Cancelled, All Schools are Open – February 28, 2023
– Due to the current road conditions, ALL SCHOOL BUSES, TAXIS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES operated by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and Waterloo Region District School Board are cancelled.
– All Public and Catholic Schools are OPEN.
– All Extended Day Childcare Programs are OPEN.
– St. Louis online, daytime, and evening classes are open at all locations.
St. Louis Evening Programs Cancelled – February 27, 2023
Due to poor weather conditions, ALL St. Louis evening programs at ALL locations will be CANCELLED for Monday, February 27, 2023. Schools will be closed.
These programs include:
- International Languages –Chinese Elementary at St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School
- Secondary School Language Credit – Portuguese class at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School
Collaborative Learning Helps Create “Success for Each” & “A Place for All”
While St. Boniface Catholic Elementary School in the rapidly growing community of Breslau is the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s newest school, it is also the school with the longest history.
According to a detailed history of the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s Canadian Province, in 1836 the settlers of what was then New Germany (now Maryhill) established a church / school – “a very small log structure which was replaced in 1848 by a sturdy stone building fifty by sixty feet dedicated to St. Boniface”.
The school didn’t receive electricity until 1937!
Today, when you step inside the bright and airy “new” St. Boniface, it’s hard to imagine those long-ago, candle-lit days.
The school – currently home to 275 students, and growing quickly — is a beehive of activity, with the school’s Learning Commons a key knowledge hub for all grades.
On a recent February morning, a group of intermediate grade students was gathered in the commons, working on a variety of Science / Technology / Engineering / Math (STEM) challenges.
In one part of the room, students were intently focused on studying a variety of specimens under microscopes, while in another corner, students worked in teams, racing a clock to see which group could successfully engineer and build a weight-bearing structure within a time limit.
Meanwhile, throughout the Learning Commons, the floor was filled with multi-coloured Spheros whizzing here and there.
Spheros are programmable tennis ball-sized robots that help introduce students to fundamental STEM concepts (such as coding) via play-based learning. Students program the Spheros to follow a pre-determined path on the ground (the same principle as a self-driving car).
And in yet another area of the Learning Commons, students worked on robotics tasks.
What’s notable here, is these activities are not just happening at St. Boniface because it is a NEW school.
All WCDSB schools and all WCDSB students have access to the same Quality, Inclusive, Faith-based education – which animates a key pillar of our Multi-year Strategic Plan (“Strengthen to Become”) which works to ensure “Every student reaches their full potential” and “Staff see their impact on student achievement”.
Whether 1836 or 1937 or 2023 — learning was, is and will always be a collaborative process.
And for almost 19 decades, our #WCDSBAwesome schools have placed offering “Success for Each” and creating “A Place for All” at the heart of all we do.
Just as the founders of our very first schools would have wanted it!
Click +++++> HERE to register today!
Upcoming WCDSB Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre.
Agenda:
Other Information:
General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings
Information About the Board of Trustees
(Note: Agenda files can be large. If you are experiencing issues downloading a file, right click on the link and choose “Save Target As…”.)
WCDSB Vice-Principal Lorraine Harris Recognized at Ontario Legislature for Developing New Black Heritage Curriculum
On February 21, 2023, WCDSB Vice-Principal Lorraine Harris was present at the Ontario Legislature where she accepted a special certificate of recognition for development of “My Place in this World”, a new Ontario school curriculum that celebrates Black Heritage.
It is recognized as the first year-round Black Heritage Curriculum that is aligned with Provincial standards.
The Guelph Black Heritage Society – led by WCDSB’s Denise Francis – -was an integral collaborator/ contributor, especially in doing research for the project.
The award sponsored and presented by Cambridge MPP Brian Riddell.
Following presentation of the certificate, Lorraine was honoured to meet with Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce.
The Ministry of Education will be reviewing the curriculum to decide the next steps in bringing this resource to more schools in the Province.
About My Place in this World
My Place in this World celebrates Black Heritage. Rather than starting and ending with the slavery narrative and oppression, this innovative curriculum provides a wealth of information, activities, assignments, and assessments that recognize the vast contributions of people from the mother continent.
My Place in this World is for all students, but particularly for our Black students in Canada. It disrupts the negative effects of post-traumatic slavery syndrome plaguing Black youth and it fosters pride, a sense of belonging, and most importantly, hope.
My Place in this World:
- Celebrates Black Heritage;
- Ends the slavery narrative and oppression;
- Disrupts the negative effects of post-traumatic slavery syndrome plaguing Black youth;
- Is an innovative curriculum;
- Provides a wealth of information, activities, assignments, and assessments that recognizes the vast contributions of people from the mother continent Africa; and,
- Fosters pride, a sense of belonging, and most importantly, hope.
My Place in this World +++++++> VIDEO
Twitter: @MyplaceinthisW1
Instagram: @myplaceinthisworld
Email: lorraine@myplaceinthisworld.ca
Why should we use a Black curriculum in schools?
In Ontario, nearly one out of every 15 young Black men experienced jail time, compared to one out of 70 young White men — THAT is a disparity of more than four times.
- 94% of Black youth aged 15 to 25 said that they would like to get a bachelor’s degree or higher; only 60% thought that they could.
- 53% of Black students were in academic programs as compared to 81% of White and 80% of other racialized students.
- Getting inside the “root” of the achievement and opportunity gap is how we begin to achieve equity for all.
What does the curriculum look like?
The activities are:
- Engaging and easy for teachers to follow;
- Cross-curricular ( math, language, science, history, drama skills, etc.);
- Linked to the Ontario curriculum and learning outcomes; and,
- Positive and support Mental Health and Wellness for all students, particularly Black students.
The students are:
- Immediately hooked by the videos, art, poetry, songs, essays, and discussion questions that are grade-level appropriate.
- Asked to make real world connections to current Black leaders and role-models as the curriculum progresses across grade levels.
Waterloo Region All Schools Closed – February 23, 2023
- Due to the weather conditions, ALL Waterloo Catholic District School Board and Waterloo Region District School Board SCHOOLS AND SITES ARE CLOSED.
- ALL SCHOOL BUSES, TAXIS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES operated by the WCDSB and WRDSB are cancelled.
- All before and after school programs and child care centres co-located in schools are CLOSED.
- All programs and services offered by St. Louis Continuing Education and Adult and Learning Centres are cancelled.
ADDITIONAL CANCELLATION – Board Evening Closures / Cancelations – February 22, 2023
Please note that Kindergarten Registration this evening at St. Daniel CES in Kitchener is CANCELLED.
