Waterloo Catholic District School Board Logo
Waterloo Catholic District School Board Logo

District 8 Announcement Regarding Return of Athletics in 2021-22

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 20th 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.

 

September 17th, 2021|

Important Information About WCDSB International Languages Programs

International Languages Elementary Program

In September 2021 we plan to host IL classes, using school board approved Google Meet, where students will take part in the remote learning time.  Students will also be assigned on-line and off-line activities with study materials posted to school board approved Google sites.  All activities will focus on real-life, communicative and useful tasks to be completed in the language you have chosen for your child.

In order to participate in the International Languages, learn-at-home program, your child will need to have access to a computer and the internet.

Should we be permitted to return to a physical classroom, each language program will be assigned to a designated location and learning time frame. Parents and Guardians will be contacted regarding the move to a physical classroom.  The priority is to stay safe.

Secondary Language Credits

Registration for IL Secondary for the 2021-2022 school year has been EXTENDED to September 20, 2021 — or until classes are full.

In order to accommodate changing Covid-19 restrictions, IL courses will be offered online at this time. The delivery model could change to blended learning, where students would have the option to attend in school sessions as they complete the work online.

Please check your: email, the St Louis website, and the WCDSB website regularly for updates.

September 16th, 2021|

Skills Ontario International Day of the Girl

Skills Ontario is excited to announce that we will be hosting our 3-Part International Day of the Girl Series again this year from October 4 – 11. This series will have a focus on girls in grades 7-8, but is open to all students from K-8 to participate, and anyone else who would like to join.

https://www.skillsontario.com/young-womens-initiatives

Classes (students/teachers), and families will have the opportunity to come together to not only learn about the skilled trades and technologies, but students will also hear from girls around their own age during the conference! At home, students can participate in a variety of challenges, and also learn new skills in an interactive workshop they can do with their family!

October 4-8: Challenge Series

No registration required!

  • A week of 5 challenges to try out skilled trades and technologies for chances to win prizes! These can be done as part of a class or at home!
  • Submissions through Twitter or email.
  • Challenge instructions will be available in French and English

October 8: “For Girls, By Girls” Conference (morning and evening offering)

Registration opens September 14, 2021 at 9:00am.

  • A For Girls, By Girls! virtual conference where participants can hear from girls and learn about the skilled trades and technologies from female tradespeople!
  • We are offering multiple opportunities to view the Conference:
    • Classes (teachers/students) can watch the Premier Event, featuring a Live Chat, during the AM showing; and
    • Parents/Guardians/Families can watch a BONUS showing of the event in the evening.
  • This conference will be spoken in English, and offer a feature in French

October 11: Virtual Workshop

Registration opens September 15, 2021

  • Skills Ontario is excited to be offering an Animation Workshop for the family! Participants will have the opportunity to learn and work through foundational skills using Google Slides (or PowerPoint) to create a short video. Come and create a short animation using skills that can be applied to all future projects! Details subject to change please keep checking the website for updates. Parents/guardians are required to register.
  • Target Audience: Grades 6 -8. *Please note, younger students are welcome, but may require a parent/guardian or older sibling to assist with some of the steps throughout the workshop.
  • Visit https://www.skillsontario.com/young-womens-initiatives.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skillsontario/posts/6950296024996551

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skillsontario/status/1437395877182771204

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTwycWhrcs_/

September 16th, 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, September 13, 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 10th, 2021|

Mentally Healthy Return-to-School Webpage for Families

As we move through these initial weeks of the 2021-22 school year we want to ensure that families have information at their fingertips about how to promote positive mental health in their children/teens through this transition. You may wish to take a few moments to read the following tip sheet: https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Supporting-Mental-Health-and-Wellness-during-the-Return-to-School-Tip-Sheet-EN.pdf

Tip Sheet

You are also invited to visit the new WCDSB Mentally Healthy Return-to-school page at https://www.wcdsb.ca/return-to-school/, which features resources to promote wellbeing for the entire family. You will find videos and resources such as:

  • A parent/caregiver wellbeing video series
  • Tip sheets on noticing if your child/teen is struggling with mental health, and how to respond to concerns teens may have about the return to school
  • Information to help your child/teen re-engage with school if they having difficulty due to mental health concerns
  • Tip sheets for teens directly on recognizing if they need help, how to ask for help, how to help a friend, etc.
  • Info about getting sleeping patterns back on track
  • Other mental health resources and links for families

Additional information is also available on the Board’s Mental Health and Wellbeing page at: https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/mental-health-and-well-being/

Wishing all the best for your and your family as we head into the 2021-22 school year!

September 1st, 2021|

Catholic Board Elects Two New Trustees

Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board have elected Shannon Nash and Hans Roach to fill two vacant seats on the Board of Trustees, representing Kitchener/Wilmot. The election was held during a public meeting on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre.

There were 19 registered candidates.

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.

The students, staff and Trustees congratulate new Trustees Nash and Roach, and thank all those who applied to serve our Catholic schools.

August 31st, 2021|

WCDSB COVID-19 Operational Guidelines & Updated Daily School & Child Care Screening

As we get ready to head back 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 very grateful for your continued support as we navigate life in the COVID-19 era, and remain ready and willing to assist you as we transition back to what will undoubtedly be a #WCDSBAwesome year!

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

In addition, please be aware of the ongoing expectation that all students, staff and visitors are expected to each day complete the required provincial government COVID-19 Daily Screener online, or download and print a hard copy for daily reference.

August 30th, 2021|
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