Days
of Awareness 2024-25
You can find the days of awareness
calendar on the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
Inclement
weather and bus cancellation information reminder
All information regarding cancelled
buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation
Consortium (SCSTC)’s bus information website at main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Our school is in the West zone. When buses
are cancelled, schools remain open for student learning, unless otherwise
noted. School staff are expected to plan for such emergencies in order to
transition students who are unable to attend due to inclement weather to their
online platforms (Google Classroom and/or SCDSBhub [Brightspace by D2L]) and
continue with academic programming. It is always a family decision whether or
not it is safe for their child(ren) to leave for school under severe weather
conditions.
The
SCSTC and
bus operators try to make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m. and
make every effort to post announcements before 7 a.m. Inclement weather
cancellations are effective for the whole day and buses cancelled in the
morning will not run at the end of the day. You can follow the SCSTC
on X @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations
and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay
notifications here: scstc.ca/Subscriptions/Login.aspx.
Black History Month
Every February, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) celebrates
Black History promoting equity, positive identity affirming experiences, and
opportunities for Black students, staff and families. Initiatives are
integrated into teaching and learning year-round. Visit the SCDSB website to
learn more scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
Chinese Heritage
Month
Did
you know, Bill 183 received Royal Assent in the province of Ontario in 2024
which proclaimed the month of February Chinese Heritage month. AS outlined in
the Act, February was selected because it is an important month for the Chinese
Canadian community because the Lunar New Year occurs during the winter season.
The Lunar New Year is a significant cultural observance and celebratory time
for Chinese Canadians as it signifies a new beginning and heralds the upcoming
arrival of spring.
The
students and staff of the SCDSB represent a rich diversity of faith, tradition,
heritage, culture, and beliefs. Learning about, recognizing, and/or celebrating
heritage days/months helps to build a culture of belonging and engagement. Learn
more about Chinese Heritage month here: ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-183.
Indigenous Graduate Appreciation Pilot announcement
The SCDSB’s Indigenous Education department is thrilled to announce the
Indigenous Graduate Appreciation Pilot. This initiative celebrates the cultural
pride of the distinct Indigenous Nations in Simcoe County. We invite
Indigenous students in Grade 12 who go to school in Midland, Orillia, and
Barrie to join us in creating their own beaded graduation cap and ribbon shirt
or skirt. Participants will receive supplies and instruction to create these
items for their graduation ceremony. This program honours our students’
cultural heritage and fosters a sense of belonging and achievement within our
community.
To
register, connect with your Graduation Coach for Indigenous Students or sign up
here: forms.office.com/r/FA7ARxB8aB
SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math
Nights this February
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites you to participate in a
Family Math Night on either Feb. 18 (Chris Hadfield PS, Bradford) or Feb.
20 (Ardagh Bluffs PS, Barrie). These events will offer a variety of engaging
math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 8.
Drop
in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore numerous math stations, each
staffed by SCDSB teachers. You'll leave with valuable math tools and resources
to support your child's learning at home. Families are welcome to attend either
event, regardless of whether their child attends that school.
Register
to attend: forms.office.com/r/PE0K5e1Zjm
Up, down,
east, or west – these activities will put your math skills to the test!
Have you tried Math at Home? Math at Home is an online resource for
parents/caregivers of SCDSB students from pre-school age to 16!
In
February, activities in school and on Math at Home may include describing and
comparing locations of objects using positional and directional language, and
performing movements such as reflections and rotations.
Visit
scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your
child’s math learning at home!
Kindergarten
registration for September 2025 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want
your child to begin their journey in a SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is
turning four in 2025? If so, we invite you to register your child for
Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
Subscribe to Kindergarten
Connections!
Will your child be turning four in 2025? If so, the SCDSB
invites you to Kindergarten Connections! This is a monthly enewsletter
informing families of everything they need to know about preparing their child
for school, as well as registering them for Kindergarten in the SCDSB. To learn
more and subscribe, visit the Kindergarten page on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
How is your infant, toddler, or preschool child developing?
Is your child meeting their milestones? Age-appropriate speech and language
skills are critical to your child’s ability to read, write, and be successful
in school as well as to their ability to engage with their peers. Free services
are available to support you with your child’s development. Preschool Speech
and Language programs are located across the County of Simcoe. Call 705-739-5696
or 1-800-675-1979 to complete a developmental screen. The earlier we work
together the better!
Licensed March Break school age child care programs
Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided
by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To
support your child care needs, some operators offer child care on PA days and
holidays including over the March Break (March 10-14). Registration in advance
is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss
fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
The Simcoe County EarlyON Child and Family Centres are excited to offer in
person and virtual programs that help prepare children and parents/guardians
for Kindergarten. Parents/guardians and children will have the opportunity to
interact together in a variety of school readiness activities.
To
register for a program in your area visit: earlyonsimcoenorth.ca/GRFK.
New EarlyON Child and Family Centre located in
Thornton
Empower Simcoe’s
EarlyON Child and Family Centre is excited to announce they opened their new
location in Thornton on Jan. 13, 2025. This centre will operate up to six days
a week, with programming one evening a week and every other Saturday. For more
information about EarlyON Child and Family Centres visit empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-child-family-centres/.
Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting positive events,
initiatives, and learning happening within school communities across the SCDSB.
Follow the SCDSB on social media to catch all of these weekly episodes, and
check out our recent video below featuring a day in the life of a Kindergarten
student in the SCDSB!
Ever wondered what a day in the life of an
SCDSB Kindergarten student looks like? Watch as we join Zeyan through his day
in Kindergarten at Harvest Hills Public School! Kindergarten in the SCDSB
focuses on building daily routines, independence, and meaningful relationships,
and is filled with a variety of play-based learning activities. Watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=APGLV_zv0Qw.
Character
recognition nominations
Do you
know a student, staff, or volunteer that demonstrates good character within the
Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)? The Character Recognition Awards
Evening, happening in May 2025, recognizes students, staff, and volunteers who
demonstrate good character in their daily lives.
Each year nominations from schools, work sites,
and the Education Centre are received, highlighting the good character of our
students, staff, and volunteers. From this group, randomly selected nominees
are invited to the Education Centre in a celebration of those who exemplify the
SCDSB character attributes.
The
nomination process is open until Feb. 28, 2025. Recommendations must be made by
filling out this form: tinyurl.com/yt3jmcde.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)
is offering summer school courses in July 2025 (eLearning) and travel for
credit courses in both July and August for current high school students, Grade
8 students entering secondary school, or adult learners who are interested in
earning a new credit or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online
learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation
or post-secondary in just four weeks. eLearning is fully supported by certified
teachers who are available electronically daily.
Summer school program
details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
EDUTravel programs are
offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe.
For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of
commitment, please visit: edutravelforcredit.com.
Summer eLearning opportunities for students entering Grade 9!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school
eLearning courses in July 2025. Current Grade 8 students wishing to reach ahead
and earn a credit before high school can now register through their elementary
school principal. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are
available electronically daily. Available courses include:
CGC1W – Grade 9
Geography
PAF1O – Grade 9 Personal Fitness
CHV2O & GLC2O – Grade 10 Civics and Careers
CHC2P – Grade 10 Applied History
CHC2D – Grade 10 Academic History
Summer school program
details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
Understanding the language report card mark
Student achievement in language will be reported as one overall grade or mark
on the term one report card.
The mark will reflect a student’s integrated learning across the four
strands:
·
Strand A, Literacy Connections and
Applications
·
Strand B, Foundations of Language
·
Strand C, Comprehension; Understanding
and Responding to Texts
·
Strand D, Composition; Expressing Ideas
and Creating Texts
The grade will be accompanied by supporting comments that will indicate
the student’s strengths, describe growth in learning, and identify next steps
for improvement.
For more information regarding the revised Language curriculum, visit dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/key-changes-language to view a guide for
parents/guardians on the Ministry of Education website.
February cyber awareness topic: Being kind online
In our increasingly connected world, it's crucial to treat others with
respect and empathy, just as we would in person, when we engage with others
online. This month's tip sheet provides practical tips on how to be kind
online, such as thinking before posting or sending messages, and being quick to
report any harmful behaviour.
It's important to engage in conversations about these topics to ensure
everyone understands the impact of their online actions and how to foster a
positive digital environment. Open discussions can help reinforce good habits
and make sure we are all contributing to a safer, kinder online community.
Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for February to stay
informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ECNO-CAM-24-Infosheets-E-_Part2.pdf.
Outdoor fun!
Outdoor activity has great benefits for your overall health. You can be active while
outside connecting with nature. Find fun and easy ways to fit movement into
your day by choosing physical activity that you enjoy. Whatever you choose
works towards 60 minutes a day, every day. For more information, visit Canadian 24-Hour
Movement Guidelines: csepguidelines.ca/guidelines/children-youth. Contact the Simcoe
Muskoka District Health Unit at 1-877-721-7520 or visit simcoemuskokahealth.org with questions or for
more information.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.