UGDSB seeks public input on Smoke and Vape-Free policy
For Immediate Release
June 14, 2023
GUELPH, Ontario – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is seeking public feedback on a revised board policy.
The following revised policy was recently released for public consultation: Policy 208 – Smoke and Vape-Free Environment
Feedback is welcome on the draft policy until September 29, 2023.
It is the policy of the UGDSB to provide a smoke-free and vape-free environment for its students, staff, and others while on school board property. This policy is in accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), which includes exceptions for the use of tobacco or other sacred medicines for traditional Indigenous cultural practices.
The policy has been updated with language that better reflects the legislated requirements under the SFOA and how the board will accommodate the exceptions under the Act. These practices are not new to the board but were previously outlined in procedures. The list of groups to whom this policy applies has been expanded to include all potential groups accessing school board facilities and property.
Policy 208 is important to students, staff, parents, guardians, caregivers, and the community as everyone has a role in maintaining a smoke-free and vape-free working and learning environment while respecting the Indigenous cultural practices of the board’s students and staff.
Members of the UGDSB community are invited to review the policy draft and submit online feedback at www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy. The deadline for public input is Sept 29, 2023 at 4 pm EST.
About the Upper Grand District School Board
The Upper Grand District School Board serves more than 35,000 students through 65 elementary schools and 11 secondary schools in the City of Guelph, County of Wellington and County of Dufferin. The UGDSB covers the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territories. Inspiring a love of learning and developing engaged, globally literate citizens is the shared purpose of our Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and more than 4,000 dedicated education and support staff who are aided by the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners.
Our Purpose: To inspire a love of learning and develop engaged, globally literate citizens.
Our Vision: To be recognized as leaders in creating unparalleled, agile, and inclusive learning experiences for all.
Our Plan:
We will…
- Deliver foundational education and student achievement
We will…
- Inspire a love of lifelong learning
- Champion health and wellbeing
- Ensure equity of access and outcomes
- Lead through sustainability
We will…
- Foster engaging and supportive learning environments
- Strengthen and grow community relationships
- Continuously learn, evaluate and improve
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