Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Re: Measles Update

There has been increased measles activity in Southwestern Ontario with confirmed cases in neighbouring areas. While measles cases are usually linked to travel outside of Ontario, since measles is highly contagious, a single case can result in local outbreaks, particularly among unimmunized children and adolescents.

Measles can cause serious illness and death. Infants under one year of age, unimmunized pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.

Measles symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after infection and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a red rash lasting 4 to 7 days.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

1. Ensure you are up to date with measles

Individuals without an immunization record of their measles vaccines may need to repeat vaccination – it is not harmful to receive an additional dose(s).

Children

• Children receive two doses of measles vaccine as part of routine vaccination: one dose at 12 months of age and a second dose between 4 to 6 years old
  • Infants between 6-11 months old may receive a dose of measles vaccine if travelling (Note: will still need two additional doses of measles vaccine after their first birthday to ensure long-lasting protection)
  • Children under 4 years old who have received one dose of measles vaccine after their first birthday, may receive a second dose of measles vaccine if travelling (Note: minimum of 4 weeks between doses of measles vaccine)

Adults

• Adults born prior to 1970 are generally considered immune to measles
  • May receive one dose of measles vaccine if travelling
• Adults born in or after 1970 may have received 1 or 2 doses of measles If one dose has been received, a second dose is recommended for:
  • Health care workers
  • Post-secondary students
  • Travellers

It is important that parents/guardians regularly report their child’s vaccinations to Public Health. Health care providers do not report these vaccinations to Public Health. To report your child’s vaccinations, visit regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines.

2.       Monitor for signs and symptoms of measles.

Monitor yourself and your family for signs and symptoms of measles, especially after returning from international travel or areas experiencing measles outbreaks. If you develop symptoms:

• Limit contact with other people
• Call your health care provider or a walk-in clinic and notify them about your symptoms before the appointment so they can take precautions to prevent others from getting sick
• Wear a medical mask when seeking care

For more information about measles, please visit regionofwaterloo.ca/measles.

Sincerely,

David Aoki
Director of Infectious Diseases and Chief Nursing Officer Region of Waterloo Public Health and Paramedic Services

As we close out the 2022-23 school year and look forward to a hopefully fun and restful summer ahead, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the journey we’ve all shared these last 10 months.

Last year, after months of upheaval and uncertainty, we began our transition into the post COVID-19 era.

The transition wasn’t easy yet, aided by our new 3-year Pastoral Plan and Multi-year Strategic Plan, the “normal” we once took for granted has begun to return.

We have been so thrilled to see the return of sacraments being celebrated in our school-parish communities and to see full menus of Catholic Education Week activities in our schools.

Our athletic competitions, field trips and artistic undertakings have returned – as have our cherished in-person graduation activities.

And our Extended Day and French Immersion programs are thriving.

It has been a long and, at times, difficult journey – and I thank all students, staff, parents and the community for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we continue to travel this winding road together.

The education of children and youth is strongest when families, schools and the community work together in a true partnership.

And we have a solid road map to help guide us.

Our new Pastoral Plan is comprised of three annual themes:

AWAKEN

STRENGTHEN

IGNITE

Our new Multi-year Strategic Plan animates those themes in three strategic directions:

AWAKEN TO BELONG

IGNITE TO BELIEVE

STRENGTHEN TO BECOME

Parents, families and community are each fully represented within each theme

Of course, our road map is underpinned by the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and our Catholic Social Teachings.

We are very proud of the accomplishments of this past school year, and we look forward to an even better 2023-24.

As a school system we are honoured to be home to a vast mosaic of races, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and languages.

The students we serve come from more than 110 different countries and speak more than 100 different languages.

Our vision of being “Heart of the Community” offering “Success for Each” and creating a “Place for All” is alive and thriving in our schools.

Thank you for all that you do for the students and families who have chosen Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools.

May you have a safe, happy, healthy and restful summer.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Dowling

Director of Education

Message from the Minister of Education

Dear Parents,

As the school year comes to a close, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to every student across Ontario on all they have accomplished.

We’re going back to basics in Ontario schools, including a renewed focus on the foundational skills students need for success in life: reading, writing and math. These changes are designed to help ensure children in Ontario’s schools are learning the skills they need to be ready for the jobs of the future.

That’s why our government made historic investments to education ahead of the 2022-23 school year, including the first and largest publicly funded tutoring support program of its kind in Canada.

As we look forward to September, our government has increased investments in public education to ensure students have the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality.

New Math and Reading Supports for 2023-24

Ontario’s plan to improve reading, writing and math is anchored by an additional $200 million. In practical terms, that means nearly 2,000 new educators with a focus on improving reading, writing and math. To strengthen student achievement, we are expanding financial literacy learning in classrooms and doubling the number of school math coaches, and for the first time we are deploying math improvement teams to underperforming schools and boards.

On top of these new investments, we’re unveiling a new language curriculum in English and French that goes backs to basics. Students will now master how to read, while learning other important life skills, like critical thinking and reinstating cursive writing. In addition, our youngest students will for the first time benefit from a screening assessment to measure their reading skills to better support those who are behind.

To ensure students have access to teacher-led tutoring, our government expanded TVO and Centre franco to cover more grades and longer hours to support year-round learning.

New Mental Health Learning and Increased Funding

We all know how important it is to empower students with the tools and supports they need to live happy, healthy and successful lives.
Ontario is leading in Canada by introducing mandatory learning on mental health and well-being. Specifically, that means helping young people develop life skills they can depend on to manage stress and know where to turn when they need support.

Our government is investing five times more compared to 2018-19 or about $113 million in this 2023-24 school year on student mental health. That includes additional funding over the next three years to continue to expand access and improve the care of Ontario’s students. We will also be funding access to mental health supports over the summer to ensure consistent access year-round for those who need it.

Passage of The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023

Parents and students believe our school system needs to re-focus on what matters most: student achievement and a renewed emphasis on mastering the foundational skills of reading, writing, math and STEM. That is why our government introduced The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, which mandates that student achievement and academic success must be the top priority of school boards.

This legislation strengthens parent voices in schools and enhances accountability on school boards. In addition, we will now be able to accelerate the building of schools across Ontario, speed up the certification of new educators, and take action to strengthen our zero-tolerance policy against those who would cause harm to children.

As the school year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank every student, parent, educator and staff member for their hard work. Our students continue to shine bright and we are proud of every one of them.

To the class of 2023, you have inspired your communities and country. We wish you every success on your journey.

Have a safe and positive summer,

Hon. Stephen Lecce
Minister of Education