News & Announcements
Information about remote learning, COVID-19 updates
The province has directed all schools to participate in remote learning following the April Break. For more information, please click here.
- Daily COVID-19 Screening: Click here to access the provincial screening tool
- COVID-19 Reporting: Cases in schools
- Asymptomatic Testing in Schools: Schedule/info for asymptomatic testing
- Parent Tech Help: https://sites.google.com/ugcloud.ca/parenthelp/
All UGDSB schools to remain in remote learning following Spring Break
On Monday April 12, 2021, the provincial government announced that all Ontario schools would participate in remote learning following the April Break.
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Positive COVID-19 Case
Dear Arbour Vista Families, Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has recently investigated a COVID-19 exposure in our school community. They have determined that this case does not create any risk to other students or the public beyond the general community risk. No classes will be closed in this ...All UGDSB schools directed to shift to remote learning effective Wed. April 7
The UGDSB has been notified by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health that Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Nicola Mercer, will issue an Order, directing all schools within the WDG region to shift to remote learning effective Wednesday April 7, 2021.
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#UGUmbrella – This April we are looking at Intrinsic Motivation
April’s Umbrella Project theme is “Intrinsic Motivation.” For those who are unsure exactly what that means, intrinsic motivation is the act of doing something without an external reward.
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Information about elementary graduation celebrations
Due to on-going COVID-19 restrictions around large gatherings and physical distancing, UGDSB elementary schools will not be able to hold traditional in-person graduation ceremonies this spring. This includes both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
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Recommended reading in Indigenous education and knowledge
This year, Upper Grand DSB board and school staff groups have continued organizing and participating in book studies, focusing on furthering learning in anti-racism and anti-oppression. Here are some ideas for recommended reading in Indigenous education and knowledge.
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Policy feedback opportunity: Indigenous Education
The following new draft policy has been released for public consultation, and feedback from the public is welcome on the draft documents: Policy 519 – Indigenous Education (First Nations, Métis, Inuit).
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Final review of elementary waitlist on April 1, 2021
March 12, 2021 The Upper Grand District School Board will conduct one final review of the waitlist for families wishing to switch between the Elementary Remote School and in-person learning on April 1, 2021. After April 1, students will be required to remain in their current ...Read more about Final review of elementary waitlist on April 1, 2021 »
One year of COVID, taking time to reflect and heal
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo-Wellington has prepared resources for educational staff, students and families, which focus on acknowledging the losses experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while making space for gratitude and hope.
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UGDSB hosting final PIC parent engagement event, focusing on Special Education
April 8, 2021 – Navigating Special Education. This event features five breakout session topics, with participants given the option to select two sessions to attend.
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Addressing anti-Asian racism, resources to support educators
This month, the Upper Grand District School Board’s Equity Team shared with staff a resource on addressing anti-Asian racism. We all have a role to play in learning, unlearning and working to dismantle racism and oppression in our communities.
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UGDSB reflects on Black Heritage, Black Brilliance and Black Futures Month
This month, the Upper Grand District School Board recognized and celebrated Black Heritage, Black Brilliance and Black Futures Month.
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#UGUmbrella – This March we focus on Mindfulness
This month for the Umbrella Project we are focusing on mindfulness. Mindfulness is being aware of what’s happening right now without wishing it was different.
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Information about positive COVID case in our school community
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has recently investigated a COVID-19 exposure in our school community. They have determined that this case does not create any risk to other students or the public beyond the general community risk. No classes will be closed in this situation.
Read more about Information about positive COVID case in our school community »
Black Heritage Month spotlight: Alfred M. Lafferty
Throughout Black Heritage, Black Brilliance and Black Futures Month, many schools have been celebrating the lives and accomplishments of Black individuals in Canada and beyond.
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COVID-19 School Self-Screening Changes
The Ministry of Education has revised the self-screening requirements for all students in Ontario, effective immediately. Please review the following information for important updates.
Preliminary information about COVID-19 testing in schools
The Ministry of Education has instructed school boards to implement a targeted COVID-19 testing program in schools. The testing will be voluntary and consent will be required. Testing will be for asymptomatic students and staff only. The UGDSB is currently in the process of developing a targeted testing plan.
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Positive COVID-19 Case
February 12, 2021 Dear parents/ guardians, Public Health has notified us that an individual in our school has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Public Health has directed one class to self-isolate, as part of its established infection prevention and control measures. The attached letter explains what the health unit and school ...Ministry of Education postpones March Break, new date April 12-16, 2021
On Feb. 11, 2021, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced that the Ministry has postponed March Break in Ontario schools until April 12-16, 2021.
Read more about Ministry of Education postpones March Break, new date April 12-16, 2021 »
UGDSB and PIC to host second parent engagement event
Following the success of the January event, the board and PIC are pleased to announce the March 4, 2021 event. This event will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Welcome Back To In-Person Learning!
We are looking forward to welcoming students back to École Arbour Vista for in-person learning on Monday, February 8th! In the fall, we worked diligently to keep our staff and students safe! Please see below, some important reminders so that we may continue to work together to keep our staff ...UGDSB schools to resume in-person learning on Monday Feb. 8
On Wednesday afternoon, the Minister of Education announced that schools in the Upper Grand District School Board will resume in-person learning on Monday Feb. 8, 2021. School boards are required to follow the direction of the Ministry.
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UGDSB celebrates Black Brilliance month virtually this February
Students and staff in the Upper Grand District School Board are coming together virtually this month to celebrate Black Brilliance, Heritage and Futures.
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Online learning in UGDSB to continue until further notice
On Thursday Jan. 28, the Ministry of Education made an announcement regarding the resumption of in-person learning for some school boards in the province. Please note that the UGDSB was not included in the list of boards that are permitted to resume in-person instruction the week of Feb. 1, 2021. This means that all UGDSB schools will continue with our current measures for online learning until further notice.
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#UGUmbrella – This February, we explore healthy lifestyles
This month as part of the Umbrella Project, we are bringing our focus onto healthy lifestyles. Healthy lifestyles sound easy, right? When it comes to healthy lifestyles, it may seem like eating well, getting enough sleep and prioritizing our own care is easy, but for many of us this is not the case.
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Update regarding extension of online learning
At this time, we do not expect that schools will resume in-person learning until the end of the provincial emergency orders on February 11, 2021, at the earliest.
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Temporary online learning extended until Jan. 29, 2021
Public Health has instructed the UGDSB that the current measures in place for online learning in the UGDSB will be extended until at least January 29.
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Information for schools following expanded provincial restrictions
On Tuesday Jan. 12, 2021, the provincial government announced new restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario. As part of that announcement, information was shared that affects Ontario schools, and we would like to provide the details that have been announced so far to all Upper Grand DSB families.
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No additional board-wide survey, reorganization in elementary schools
The Upper Grand District School Board would like to inform all elementary school families that there will be no additional “intent to change learning modes” survey for elementary students. What this means is that there will not be another board-wide reorganization in elementary schools at this time.
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UGDSB and PIC to host virtual parent engagement events in the new year
The Upper Grand District School Board and Parent Involvement Committee are hosting virtual events for parents/guardians throughout the remainder of the school year.
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Resource: Mental Health and COVID-19 for Caregivers
The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the sense of added responsibility can be stressful. Please see this parent resource for coping strategies to deal with the stress and uncertainty.
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Public Health officials instruct schools to continue online learning until Jan. 24, 2021
Public health officials have instructed all schools within our region to continue online learning until at least Jan. 24, 2021.
#UGUmbrella – This January we are looking at self-compassion
It’s safe to say that we can often be our own worst critic and because of this, this January we are looking at self-compassion. Self-compassion is the care we offer ourselves when we make mistakes, embarrass ourselves, or come short of a goal we were hoping to achieve. It’s about being kind to yourself even when things don’t go as planned. Learn more about self-compassion on the UGDSB website.
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UGDSB Kindergarten registration runs January 5-22, 2021
Registration for new UGDSB Junior Kindergarten (JK) and Senior Kindergarten (SK) students for September 2021 will take place between January 5-22, 2021.
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UPDATE: Information about inappropriate emails
The following is an update on addressing the mass distribution of inappropriate emails from New Year’s Eve.
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Information for students/parents about temporary remote learning starting Jan. 4, 2021
As communicated last week, the provincial government has directed schools in Ontario to move temporarily to remote learning following the winter break. All UGDSB elementary and secondary students will begin the new year working remotely, with the exception of DD classes (please see below for further details). UGDSB elementary schools will participate in remote ...Information about in-person learning for students in DD classes
As you know, the message from the Minister of Education is that elementary and secondary school students province-wide will participate in remote learning from January 4-8 (elementary) and January 4-22 (secondary). In-person instruction will not be permitted during this period. However, school boards have been required to make provisions for in-person ...Read more about Information about in-person learning for students in DD classes »
Information Regarding Positive COVID-19 Case
December 24, 2020 Dear parents/ guardians, Public Health has notified us that an individual in our school has tested positive for COVID-19. Please see the following linked letter which explains what the health unit and school are doing to prevent further spread of the virus in the school and the community. ...Read more about Information Regarding Positive COVID-19 Case »
UGDSB schools to shift temporarily to remote learning starting Jan. 4, 2021
On Monday Dec. 21, the provincial government announced that schools in Ontario will move temporarily to remote learning following the winter break. Following the announcement, the Ministry of Education confirmed to school boards that all elementary and secondary students will temporarily shift to remote learning starting on January 4, 2021. UGDSB elementary ...Read more about UGDSB schools to shift temporarily to remote learning starting Jan. 4, 2021 »
