It’s Time to Sign Up for School!!

It’s time to sign up for the 2022-23 school year – and registering to attend one of Waterloo Region’s 43 Catholic elementary schools has never been easier.

• Children born in 2018 are eligible for Year 1 Kindergarten (JK).
• Children born in 2017 are eligible for Year 2 Kindergarten (SK).

Parents can access the Online Pre-Registration form by clicking on the Register for School link on the WCDSB Homepage and then choosing Kindergarten Registration.

To finalize your child’s registration, please contact your local Catholic school directly.

QUICKFacts

~~ When registering your child to attend a Catholic elementary school you must be prepared to provide proof of the child’s date of birth and either the child’s Catholic baptismal certificate or the Catholic baptismal certificate of at least one parent or guardian.

~~ If you are non-Catholic (including a non-Catholic newcomer to Canada), but wish to explore a Catholic education for your child(ren), please review the WCDSB Admissions to Catholic Elementary Schools policy. Our secondary schools are open to students of all faiths.

~~ A complete list of WCDSB schools that will offer the Extended Day Program in 2021-22 will be web-posted before the end of this current (2020-21) school year. Please call your school directly for information about the Extended Day Program. A complete list of WCDSB schools currently providing the program is available via this link: Extended Day Program.

~~ For information about French Immersion programs in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, please click here: French Immersion Registration Information.

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 186-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.

Municipal Election Day is Monday, October 24, 2022.

Make sure your school support designation is “English Separate” (Catholic). It’s a powerful message in support of Waterloo Region’s Catholic schools & Catholic education.

Many people assume they are registered Catholic school supporters when, in fact, they are not.

CLICK HERE TO BE SURE —– https://www.voterlookup.ca/

Only Roman Catholic school supporters may vote for Catholic School Trustees.

All Catholics are eligible to support Catholic education – not just those with children in school!

You don’t have to have children in school to direct your school support to Catholic education. In Waterloo Region there are more people who DO NOT have children in school than DO have children in school. Your support is vital to the continuation of our Catholic education system. It is an investment in our future — and all Catholic ratepayers are partners with Catholic educators in this investment.

Have you moved?

Even if you have been a Catholic school supporter in the past, the designation DOES NOT follow you when you relocate. You are automatically designated a public school board supporter.

Every time you move, it is essential that you re-declare yourself as a Catholic school supporter.

• Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
• Check your Voter Information Card received during a municipal election year.

What to do if you are NOT registered as a Catholic school supporter, but want to designate your support to Catholic Education:

If you are NOT registered as a Catholic school supporter — but want to designate your support to Catholic Education — you need to fill out the Application for Direction of School Support.

When a Roman Catholic and a Non-Catholic are jointly responsible for the payment of property taxes — either directly through ownership or indirectly through the payment of rent — a Catholic School Support Lease is required. This is simply a technical tool designed to give the Roman Catholic the sole right to determine the school support of her or his residence.

Please visit this website for the forms and more information:

https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/register-for-school/support-catholic-education/

When you have updated your forms, you have two options:

• Return the forms to your child’s school.
• If you do not have children attending school, drop your forms at your nearest WCDSB school – or drop them at (or mail them to) the WCDSB head office: 35 Weber St., W., Kitchener, ON, N2G 4G2.

At the Polling Station on Election Day:

• Verify that you are registered as a separate school supporter. If your support status is incorrect, ask for an ‘Application to Amend Voters’ List’. This form may be completed and submitted at the polling station.
• Ensure the ballot you are given is a separate school ballot.

If you have any questions, please contact the Waterloo Catholic District School Board at 519-578-3660 Ext. 2355.

Meetings

Special Public Board Meeting

Monday, June 6, 2022 – Meeting Agenda Package

Public Board Meeting

Monday, June 13, 2022 — Meeting Agenda Package

Highlights

2022-23 School Year Budget

On June 6, 2022 the Board of Trustees received the Board’s $333.6 million 2022-23 school year budget, and approved it on June 13, 2022.

Quick Facts

> The overall budget is as follows:

• Total Operating: $301.2 M — ($6.9 M change from 2020-21)
• Total Capital: $21.2 M — ($0.7 M change from 2020-21)
• Total Operating & Capital: $322.4 M — ($7.6 M change from 2020-21)

BUDGET BOOK

> As always, budget decisions have been guided by the key priorities captured in the following plans:

• Multi-Year Strategic Plan
• Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement
• Long Term Accommodation Plan
• Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
• Information Technology Strategic Plan

> Once again, budget decisions have also been guided by new and emerging considerations related to re-opening schools within the current COVID-19 reality – chief among them, health and safety considerations.

> Key funding areas of the operating budget include:

• Learning Services — $208 M
• Special Education – $39.2 M
• School Operations & Maintenance — $26.6 M
• Student Transportation — $7.6 M
• Adult & Continuing Education — $9.4M
• Board Administration — $10.4M

Middle Years Index and Student Well-Being

The Waterloo Catholic District school board has a Ministry requirement to conduct a School Climate Survey with students, staff and parents at least once every two years, as they all play a key role in contributing to a positive school climate.

The students, staff and parent community completed the school climate surveys this year between February 22nd and March 22nd.

The Staff and Parents/Guardians completed the survey created by the Ontario Ministry of Education, whereas students from Grades 4 through 12 completed the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI), developed by the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board has used the MDI as our Safe, Caring and Inclusive School (SCIS) survey for students for the past two cycles (i.e., first implementation in 2019, and deferred to 2022 from 2021 due to the COVID-19 pivot to virtual learning). The MDI is a self-report questionnaire that asks children in Grades 4 through 12 about their thoughts, feelings and experiences in school and in the community. The MDI uses a strengths-based approach to assess five areas of development that are strongly linked to well-being, health, and academic achievement:

• Physical Health & Well-Being
• Social & Emotional Development
• Connectedness
• Use of After-School Time
• School Experiences

Social and Emotional Development is a key area of focus for School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO). SMHO has developed a catalogue of classroom ready resources designed to be implemented by teachers in classrooms as part of everyday practices. Our Mental Health Lead has created a resource to guide MDI measures to Specific Faith and Wellness Classroom Practices through SMHO to strengthen each Social Emotional Skill.

The report is available beginning on page 4 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Student Census Update

The Ministry of Education has made a commitment to every student in the province of Ontario that regardless of ‘ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or other factors’, all students should be able to access the curriculum, feel safe at school, and also have a sense of belonging.

The 2021 WCDSB Student Census was an online survey that collected data specifically related to self-identity, demographics, and experiences at school. The census included questions about Indigenous identity, ethnic/cultural background, racial identity, citizenship status, religious / spiritual affiliation, gender at birth/identity, sexual orientation, (dis)abilities, household characteristics, and school experiences.

There are two phases for the public dissemination of the 2021 Student Census data and interpretation:

Phase I: Summary of Student Demographics and Students Experiences across the Board.

Phase II: Summary Student Census data linked with Personal Information already held by the Board in our Student Information System (i.e. student achievement, credit accumulation, graduation rate, suspensions/expulsions, special education services, and academic/extra-curricular program participation) across the Board.

The report presented on June 13, 2022, highlighted Phase I:

1. Student Census (paper version for review only) (10 pages)
2. Summary of Phase I data: Univariate (39 pages)
3. Summary of Phase II data: Disaggregated by Gender (25 pages)
4. Summary of Phase II data: Disaggregated by Race (25 pages)
5. Summary of Phase II data: Disaggregated by Socioeconomic Status (SES) (25 pages)
6. All Summary Data in one document (114 pages)
7. PowerPoint Presentation for Board Presentation (44 slides)

Next Steps

~~ With the comparison of student demographic data with staff demographic data, we will continue to refine our hiring practices to increase the likelihood of having a representative staff.

~~ In alignment with Anti-racism act:

• Further disaggregation/analysis (intersectional analyses) in the census.
• Join student census responses with student outcome measures (e.g., achievement, graduation, credit accumulation, MDI, etc.).Provide the report to administrators.

~~ Provide the report to administrators

~~ Create and report school level dashboards

~~ Use data to inform decision and practices throughout the system.

By conducting the 2021 Student Census, WCDSB will continue to progress in fostering equity through informed measures. The collection and analysis of data on demographic information including race, ethnicity, first language, gender at birth (or assigned sex at birth), gender identity, and (dis)ability, informs the decision-makers about the changing needs of its employees and the students, families, and communities they serve.

The report is available beginning on page 28 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Multi-Year Strategic Plan Report

In June of 2018 the Board of Trustees accepted the final report card on the 2015-2018 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Within that work was found stakeholder feedback regarding our previously identified Mission, Vision, Beliefs and three core Strategic Priorities. There was a high affirmation rate for each and thus it was identified at that time that those would remain constant and provide a foundational framework for a new strategic plan that was to be approved later in December of 2018. Please find our full MYSP Survey stakeholder feedback at:

Survey Feedback

Informed by the work and MYSP survey of the spring of 2018, the June 2018 report card, and a number of conversations throughout of the fall of 2018, the Director and Senior Staff worked to identify both new Strategic Directions and corresponding goals for each of the three pre-identified strategic priorities. There was a concerted effort to reduce the number of strategic directions and the number of goals. Nine strategic directions were reduced to 6 — and 32 goals were reduced to 17. While the plan was to end in Dec 2021, with the pandemic we have stayed with the current plan one year longer, and a new plan will be launched in December 2022.  This report gives an overview of the outcomes of our current plan.

For each of the goals, specific actions, evidence and timelines were identified in an operational plan.

The Multi-Year Strategic Plan for Waterloo Catholic sets out to prioritize our work in the areas of:

~~ Nurturing Our Catholic Community Student Engagement

~~ Innovation and Achievement

~~ Building Capacity to Lead, Learn and Live Authentically.

While it is hard to quantify a firm result against our total number of goals, it is a fair statement to say that, despite some very significant setbacks and challenges that characterized the year, there was solid progress made in each of the six strategic directions. With that said, it is also fair to say that the greater part of the year occurred under the cloud of some significant challenges related to the pandemic, and that impeded the ability of staff to be fully successful against a good number of their articulated plans and goals. It is also fair to say that some of the challenges connected to last year – in relation to the combination of the pandemic and the reality of changing the Student Information System (SIS) and its impact on our ability to have reliable data, has also continued to be a notable hurdle to our progress as a system.

Regardless of the many challenges, as we navigate toward what should be the closing months of our 2018-2021 (2022) Strategic Plan, we find that progress is being made in all of strategic direction areas, and the majority of goals are reporting positive gains, although most have seen some setbacks as a result of the pandemic.

Significantly, there are no goals where there was an absence of positive movement.

We will be working diligently to ensure the forward momentum that was being experienced is slowly recultivated over the course of the coming year. It will be important to prioritize a solid balance of care for wellbeing with a culture of high expectations. This will require a strong culture of collaboration and collective efficacy, with a diligent eye toward our equity agenda and an investment of energy and resources in our culture of innovation.

The report is available beginning on page 42 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 125 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 Jeanne Gravelle’s report for June 2022 is available on page 134 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Upcoming Board Meetings

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, September 12, 2022

Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre

Regular Public Board Meeting

Monday, September 26, 2022

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.

– 30 –

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre.

It’s Time to Sign Up for School!!

It’s time to sign up for the 2022-23 school year – and registering to attend one of Waterloo Region’s 43 Catholic elementary schools has never been easier.

• Children born in 2018 are eligible for Year 1 Kindergarten (JK).
• Children born in 2017 are eligible for Year 2 Kindergarten (SK).

Parents can access the Online Pre-Registration form by clicking on the Register for School link on the WCDSB Homepage and then choosing Kindergarten Registration.

To finalize your child’s registration, please contact your local Catholic school directly.

QUICKFacts

~~ When registering your child to attend a Catholic elementary school you must be prepared to provide proof of the child’s date of birth and either the child’s Catholic baptismal certificate or the Catholic baptismal certificate of at least one parent or guardian.

~~ If you are non-Catholic (including a non-Catholic newcomer to Canada), but wish to explore a Catholic education for your child(ren), please review the WCDSB Admissions to Catholic Elementary Schools policy. Our secondary schools are open to students of all faiths.

~~ A complete list of WCDSB schools that will offer the Extended Day Program in 2021-22 will be web-posted before the end of this current (2020-21) school year. Please call your school directly for information about the Extended Day Program. A complete list of WCDSB schools currently providing the program is available via this link: Extended Day Program.

~~ For information about French Immersion programs in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, please click here: French Immersion Registration Information.

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 186-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.

Waterloo Region, ON – Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board have received the Board’s $333.6 million 2022-23 school year budget.

The budget vote is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022.

Quick Facts

> The overall budget is as follows:

• Total Operating: $311.9 M — ($10.8 M change from 2021-22)
• Total Capital: $21.7 M — ($0.5 M change from 2021-22)
• Total Operating & Capital: $333.6 M — ($11.3 M change from 2021-22)

BUDGET BOOK

> As always, budget decisions are guided by the key priorities captured in the following plans:

• Multi-Year Strategic Plan
• Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement
• Long Term Accommodation Plan
• Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
• Information Technology Strategic Plan

> Key funding areas of the operating budget include:

• Learning Services — $215.9 M
• Special Education – $40.2 M
• School Operations & Maintenance — $27.2 M
• Student Transportation — $7.9 M
• Adult & Continuing Education — $9.5M
• Board Administration — $11.2M

> The 2022-23 budget has the dual aim of both helping schools recover a sense of normalcy following the tumultuous 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also seizing on myriad new opportunities for innovation as we move forward in a vastly changed educational landscape.

> As in 2021-22, budget decisions have also been guided by ongoing in-school health and safety considerations, as we enter the post COVID-19 era.

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 186-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.

Schools Involved:

Canadian Martyrs CES, Saint John Paul II CES, St. Anne (K) CES, St. Daniel CES, St. Mary’s High School

Date: Thursday, June 9, 2022

Format: Virtual via Live Teams

Start Time: 7:00pm

Presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Questions & Answers to follow

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Pre-recorded presentation will be available on the boundary review webpage on June 7, 2022.

A “Thought Exchange” online engagement will be open from June 7, 2022 to June 14, 2022.

https://www.wcdsb.ca/about-us/accommodations/east-kitchener-7-12-boundary-review/

Email: EastKitchener@wcdsb.ca

Meetings

Special Public Board Meeting

Monday, May 9, 2022 – Meeting Agenda Package

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting

Monday, May 9, 2022 – Meeting Agenda Package

Public Board Meeting

Monday, May 30, 2022 — Meeting Agenda Package

Highlights

Annual Update of Education Development Charges

Education Development Charges (EDCs) are used to fund the acquisition of school sites and related costs to accommodate growth-related pupil needs. These rates are applied to all new residential and non-residential development, with limited exceptions. The Board’s existing EDC By-law recovers 80% of education land costs from residential development and 20% from non-residential development.

On May 10, 2021, the Board of Trustees approved Education Development Charge By-law (2021) for a term of 5 years with an effective date of June 1, 2021. In response to stakeholder input, the Board also directed staff to annually review land values and provide a report to the Board if land values supported an amendment to the Education Development Charge By-law (2021) to increase residential and non-residential charges.

On May 9, 2022, the Board of Trustees passed a by-law to amend the 2021 EDC by-law to increase the residential and non-residential rates to reflect increasing land values in the Region of Waterloo.

The report is available beginning on page 3 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Extended Day Programs

The Extended Day Program is an integral part of the Early Learning Kindergarten program and is led by registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE). The Extended Day program is funded by parent fees and set on a cost-recovery basis. The Extended Day program is optional for parents and offered by boards only where there is sufficient demand to make the program viable.

Thirty-six schools that were deemed viable for 2021/2022 will continue to be viable for the 2022/2023 school year.

On May 9, 2022, the Board of Trustees agreed to raise the daily base fee by $1.00 per day, to $28.50 per day.

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

Learning Innovation and IT Update

Innovation, strategic information technology (IT) planning and accelerated technological progress have precipitated a strong culture shift at the Waterloo Catholic District school board to become one known for its keen focus on student centered design, collaboration and one that inspires all to stretch their thinking, to not only demonstrate their learning, but to work collectively towards continued achievement and personal efficacy.

While the 2021/22 school year has continued to present novel challenges, we have maintained a strong lens of adaptability while continuing to ensure that strong pedagogical practices are targeted and focused, yet flexible, to meet the needs of all students, families, and staff.

Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures all decisions are made with intentionality as we focus on our underserved students recognizing that students’ identities and circumstances outside of school shape their learning needs.

The detailed report presented to the Board of Trustees on May 9, 2022, covered the following key areas:

• Digital Citizenship Programming
• Experiential Learning Programming
• Equity and Technology Governance
• Global Competency Programming: Leveraging Digital
• Classroom Technology and Innovation
• Technology for Parent Engagement
• Global Competency Programming: Pedagogical Practices
• A Culture of Innovation: Distributed Leadership Strategies
• IT Governance
• IT Key Performance Indicators
• IT Project and Task Status 2021/22
• Information Technology Five Year Strategic Plan Schedule

The report is available beginning on page 9 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Math Strategy Update

As well as providing an update with respect to the following listed math priorities, the Math Update also provided detailed information regarding steps currently being taken by WCDSB to continue proactively responding to the changing landscape of education, including:

• Math Coaching Support (Elementary)
• Math Professional Learning Opportunities: Reaching Educators Virtually & Digitally (Elem & Sec)
• Secondary School Update – Preparing for 2021 De-streamed Culture
• Resource Update: Usership data for Knowledgehook, Mathology.ca & Digital Tools
• Looking Forward / Next Steps

The report contains many very instructive charts and graphs, that clearly chart the accomplishments, opportunities and ongoing challenges facing the school board.

The goal moving forward is to continue purposefully collaborating across Program Services in order to provide highly- accessible services that are aligned to assist our educators in ‘knowing their learners’ and responding effectively. Prioritizing ‘just-in-time’ support, for all educators, students, and administrators continues to be our collective goal.

The report is available beginning on page 42 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Well-being Update – Safe Schools

Over the 2021-22 school year the WCDSB has been continually focused on student well-being and the strong measures that we could establish to support safe, caring, and inclusive environments. We acknowledge that the pandemic has adversely impacted the overall wellbeing of our students and with intentionality our goal continues to focus on ensuring we are responsive to student needs and the creation of safe and nurturing environments.

We were pleased this year to be able to reinstate some initiatives that had been sidelined due to the pandemic. Our partnership and training with Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) has been re-evaluated and a staged training approach to developing restorative cultures has been developed.

The implementation of data collection with respect to student well-being using the MDI tool was also administered in the 2021/22 school year along with the parent safe school’s climate survey and with reference to bullying, is highlighted in this report.

“Upstream” prevention continues to be a prime motivator, with key areas of focus being:

• Community Justice Initiatives: Restorative Practices
• Safe School Ambassador Program
• Anti-Bullying Week
• The Umbrella Project
• Human Trafficking
• Suicide Prevention and Intervention
• Student Aware

The report is available beginning on page 60 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Multi-Year Capital Renewal Plan

As our buildings continue to age, major renovations and repairs are needed to ensure our buildings remain operational, safe, welcoming, and efficient learning spaces for the students, staff, and communities which they support.

The Ministry of Education continues to provide two sources of funding for major repairs and renovations – School Condition Improvement Funding (SCI) and School Renewal Allocation (SRA) Funding.

School Condition Improvement (SCI) is a capital renewal program that allows school boards to revitalize and renew aged building components that have exceeded or will exceed their useful life cycle. The SCI Funding allotment for the 2021-2022 school year totals $6,001,219

School Renewal Allocation (SRA) funding is provided to allow school boards to revitalize and renew aged building systems and components. This allows school boards to undertake capital improvements such adding and/or replacing new ventilation systems, roof replacement and invest in accessibility-related enhancements such as elevators, ramps and electronic door opening systems. In addition, SRA funding allows for maintenance repairs such as painting, and asphalt repairs. There are no restrictions on its use except that the work performed must be capital in nature. For the 2021-2022 school year, School Renewal Allocation Funding totals $4,030,931.

In addition to the annual school renovation and renewal projects, the construction team is actively working on the following projects:

• Huron Brigadoon elementary school (includes a childcare centre)
• East Kitchener 7-12 school
• South East Galt elementary school (joint venture with public board and City of Cambridge)
• St. Agnes CES addition
• Baden elementary school (includes a child care centre)
• Rosenberg CES
• St. Patrick elementary school (includes a child care centre)

The report is available beginning on page 31 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Energy Conservation Plan

On May 30 2022 the Board of Trustees received the updated Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board has a long history of environmental protection and awareness, and of innovative action toward sustainable operations. The Board’s collective dedication for creating a better future for its students, staff, and community members stems from a deep appreciation of God’s world. The WCDSB Energy Conservation and Demand Management Report is written to satisfy legislative requirements as they relate to energy conservation, local commitments made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), a need to address budget pressures and the current state of our environment, supporting the creation of a sustainable future for younger generations, and in the context of the requirements contained in the 2018-2021 Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

WCDSB is actively addressing long-term sustainability in the following key areas:

• Energy & Water Conservation – Through energy audits, capital renewal programs, monitoring local consumption, and carrying out repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Purchasing & Waste – Through contractual terms and conditions with vendors, social procurement programs, waste audits, recycling, and composting programs, and raising awareness around waste with students and staff.
• Buildings & Grounds – Through tree-planting for shading and greenhouse gas reduction, eco-friendly turf management, repairs and maintenance, and monitoring and managing building controls for efficiency.
• Food & Drink – Through education and awareness programs in the curriculum delivered to students, modelling desirable behaviours, and through administrative procedures providing guidelines to schools on healthy options during food days.
• Inclusion & Participation – Through encouraging both students and staff to be proactive in supporting ethical actions, providing training to all on EDI, being mindful of others, and acting in alignment with Catholic teachings.
• Local Well-Being – Through receiving feedback from students and staff, designing programs to increase physical and mental wellness while at school / work, providing central resources and materials to support wellness, and identifying and training staff experts as wellness champions.

This is in keeping with the guidance of Pope Francis in his historic encyclical, Laudato Si’ – On Care for our Common Home as well as WCDSB’s own mission and vision.

The report is available beginning on page 36 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

2022 Abridged Long Term Accommodation Plan

A report on enrolment, demographic trends and potential school closures or reviews is required to be presented to the Board of Trustees annually to satisfy the provisions of Board Policy IV 010 – Facilities Accommodations.

Several strategic priorities identified in 2021 were advanced in the past year including:

• Construction of new Huron-Brigadoon CES
• Capital funding announced for:

o New Rosenberg CES + child care

o New St. Patrick CES + child care

o New Baden CES + child care

• Ministry approval to purchase received for:

o New East Kitchener 7-12 site

o New SE Galt CES site

o New Rosenberg CES site

The report is available beginning on page 61 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Special Education Update/Plan

The purpose of the Special Education Update/Plan is to highlight the special education programs and services that are provided by the WCDSB in accordance with legislation and ministry policy on Special Education as well as to provide an update on the Strategic Goals of the MYSP as they relate to Special Education.

The report presented on May 30 2020 provides information regarding ongoing staff professional development, and also highlights a number of key successes, including:

• Tier 3 Reading Intervention
• Use of Assistive Technology
• Project SEARCH
• Decreasing Achievement Gap Between Students on IEP & Those Not on IEP
• Summer Learning

The report is available beginning on page 76 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 86 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 Jeanne Gravelle’s report for May 2022 is available on page 89 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package

Upcoming Board Meetings

Special Public Board Meeting

Monday, June 6, 2022

Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre

Regular Public Board Meeting

Monday, June 13, 2022

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.

– 30 –

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, May 30, 2022, at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre.