Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing available to our school on April 17

April 9, 2021 – Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available for all students and their family members and staff from our school on April 17, 2021.   The testing is voluntary and consent will be required. Testing is for asymptomatic individuals only (i.e. not showing/experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. To check for COVID-19 symptoms, use the provincial screening tool at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/). This targeted testing is not available to anyone who was directed to self-isolate due to a potential exposure to COVID-19. If you were directed to self-isolate, please book a COVID-19 test at a Public Health assessment centre.   

Testing Details

The testing will take place at Centennial CVI (289 College Avenue W., Guelph).

Testing times:  Saturday April 17, 2021, from 9am-3pm.

You do not need an appointment for the testing clinic. 

Parent/Guardian Info

To continue to support our schools, students, staff and families, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is pleased to be able to facilitate, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, targeted COVID-19 testing that is available to all students, their families and staff from our school.   In addition to daily screening, masking, and other health and safety measures, targeted testing in schools is an important layer of protection that helps to limit the spread of COVID-19. Targeted testing will help ensure that our schools remain a safe environment for all to learn and work in.

The testing is voluntary, and consent will be required. Testing is for individuals who do not show any COVID-19 symptoms. To check for COVID-19 symptoms, please go to: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/.  This targeted testing is not available to anyone who was directed to self-isolate due to a potential exposure to COVID-19. If you were directed to self-isolate, please book a COVID-19 test at a Public Health assessment centre.

If you are interested in participating, testing will be available on Saturday April 17 from 9am-3pm at Centennial CVI (289 College Avenue W., Guelph). You do not need an appointment for the testing clinic.  As part of the registration process, you will be required to provide parent or guardian information along with child information including name and date of birth. When you arrive at the testing location at the school, please make sure to be wearing a mask and bring a piece of government issued identification for your child. It would also be helpful to bring your/your child’s Health Card.

Testing Vendor

The asymptomatic testing will be conducted and managed by LifeLabs and will take place in a designated “hub” school each week.   For the test, LifeLabs uses a swab similar to a Q-tip that is inserted into the front part of the nostril and rotated for fifteen seconds (per nostril). LifeLabs’ trained staff will perform the test in a space designated by the school. While some students may be nervous about testing, LifeLabs stresses that the test is not painful and should not be uncomfortable for your child. The test should take no more than two minutes from start to finish. Test results will be provided within 24-48 hours. Results will be uploaded to covid19results.ehealthontario.ca. 

For more information about the testing, please review the following information from LifeLabs:  LifeLabs: Testing in schools

Asymptomatic testing is an important layer of protection that helps to track and prevent the spread of COVID-19.   Thank you for helping us keep our communities safe.

COVID Update – April 8th

April 8, 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian/Staff,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that an individual from Centennial CVI has tested positive for COVID-19. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) and the school/bus are taking all necessary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus both in the school and in the community.
What will Public Health do?
• WDGPH will contact the individual(s) who tested positive for COVID-19 as well as the school and bus consortium/company (if applicable).
• WDGPH will contact (by phone or letter) all students, staff, visitors who are determined to be a high-risk contact of the individual(s) who tested positive.
• Staff/students who are not contacted by Public Health, are not considered a high-risk contact. They should continue to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 daily, practice hand hygiene, wear a face covering, and practice physical distancing.
What will the school and/or bus company do?
• The school/bus will provide WDGPH with information about who the individual was in close contact with while at school (including before and after school care) and on the school bus. *
• The school/bus will clean and disinfect all areas where the individual may have been.
• The school/bus will work with Public Health to develop a plan to protect all students and staff, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What should you do?
• Continue to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 using the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening tool daily.  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
• Staff or students who develop symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately isolate from others and follow the guidance in the screening tool.
• If you receive a call or letter from Public Health, follow the directions provided.
How do you get more information?
Visit the school website for more information. Also visit the “For Schools” section of the WDGPH website https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-schools-parents-and-teachers/schools

*Note: Personal health information may be provided to schools only for the purpose of contact tracing. The name of the individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will not be disclosed publicly to parents, staff or other students unless it is deemed necessary by Public Health, or unless given permission to do so by the individual, or their parent or guardian.

Cohort & Timetable for Quad 4

COVID Update – April 5th

April 5th, 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian/Staff,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that an individual from Centennial CVI has tested positive for COVID-19. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) and the school/bus are taking all necessary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus both in the school and in the community.
What will Public Health do?
• WDGPH will contact the individual(s) who tested positive for COVID-19 as well as the school and bus consortium/company (if applicable).
• WDGPH will contact (by phone or letter) all students, staff, visitors who are determined to be a high-risk contact of the individual(s) who tested positive.
• Staff/students who are not contacted by Public Health, are not considered a high-risk contact. They should continue to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 daily, practice hand hygiene, wear a face covering, and practice physical distancing.
What will the school and/or bus company do?
• The school/bus will provide WDGPH with information about who the individual was in close contact with while at school (including before and after school care) and on the school bus. *
• The school/bus will clean and disinfect all areas where the individual may have been.
• The school/bus will work with Public Health to develop a plan to protect all students and staff, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What should you do?
• Continue to monitor and screen for symptoms of COVID-19 using the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening tool daily.  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
• Staff or students who develop symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately isolate from others and follow the guidance in the screening tool.
• If you receive a call or letter from Public Health, follow the directions provided.
How do you get more information?
Visit the school website for more information. Also visit the “For Schools” section of the WDGPH website https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-schools-parents-and-teachers/schools

*Note: Personal health information may be provided to schools only for the purpose of contact tracing. The name of the individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will not be disclosed publicly to parents, staff or other students unless it is deemed necessary by Public Health, or unless given permission to do so by the individual, or their parent or guardian.

All UGDSB schools directed to shift to remote learning effective Wed. April 7

April 5, 2021

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.

As such, all UGDSB schools will close to in-person learning and will shift to remote learning effective Wednesday April 7 to Sunday April 18, 2021, with the possibility of an extension, if the local COVID-19 situation warrants it.

Under this order, ALL UGDSB students will shift to remote learning, including students in specialized DD class placements. 

On Tuesday April 6, students are to attend school in person and technology for remote learning will be provided to students that require it                                             .

At this time, the Spring Break scheduled from April 12-16 will continue as planned. 

Information about child care, day camps during remote learning period

The Public Health order allows for Child Care Centres (infant/toddler/preschool aged) to remain open during the period of April 7 to 18. 

However, day camps and licensed full-day programs for school aged children are not allowed to operate at schools during the closure period, including during Spring Break (April 12-16).

Thank you for your understanding. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.

COVID Case

March 31, 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian/Staff,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that an individual from Centennial CVI has tested positive for COVID-19. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) and the school/bus are taking all necessary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus both in the school and in the community. (more…)

Daily Schedule & Quad 3/4 Calendar

Centennial CVI Daily Schedule

9:00 – 11:30 AM Cohort

12:30 – 3:00 PM Cohort

New:  https://www.ugdsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Quad-3-and-4-Calendar-Student_Parent-Calendar-April-Break.pdf

Attendance:

VP Ms H Pierce For Surnames A-L:   Please Call Ms. Michelle Burns 519-821-0360 X 306  /or email  [email protected]

VP Ms. Jeni Vaughan For Surnames M-Z:   Please Call Ms. Lori Loughlean 519-821-0360 X 313  /or email  [email protected]

(Note: No Parents may visit the school)

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) Update

The literacy graduation requirement will be waived for all students in a position to graduate during the 2020-21 school year.

Community Involvement Hours Update: 2020-21 School Year

For students graduating in the 2020-21 school year, the community involvement graduation requirement will be reduced to a minimum of 20 hours of community involvement activities. This adjustment acknowledges that many students who are eligible to graduate in the 2020-2021 school year face barriers in their attempt to complete the mandated 40 hours due to COVID-19 related restrictions. More info: https://www.ugdsb.ca/students/community-involvement/

The 2021 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey

Centennial CVI students were randomly selected to participate in an anonymous student health survey.  Please review the CAMH Survey Information &  the Survey Parental Consent Letter.

CAMH Survey Information (2021)

CAMH Survey Parental Consent Letter (2021)

Link for Consent:  http://www.isryorku.ca/osduhs/parent  School Code:  899283   Class Code: Bishop

#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.  Intrinsically motivated people can look back on their journey and feel fulfilled, regardless of the final outcome. They persevere with tasks for the benefit of completing the tasks and learning, rather than the reward of completing the task.  As parents and educators, we can create optimal environments for students to explore and discover their “motivation muscles.”  This allows each student to identify their own unique interests. It is also an opportunity to discuss social justice and social action as a way to do something that is satisfying and without external reward.

Here are some factors that increase intrinsic motivation:

• Challenge: People are more motivated when they pursue goals with personal meaning and when attaining the goal is possible but not necessarily certain. These goals may also relate to their self-esteem when performance feedback is available.
• Control: People want control over themselves and their environments and want to determine what they pursue. Engage your students in having choice as much as possible and also participation in decisions from activity content to classroom set up.
• Cooperation and competition: Intrinsic motivation can be increased in situations where people gain satisfaction from helping others.
• Curiosity: Intrinsic motivation is increased when something in the physical environment grabs the individual’s attention (sensory curiosity). It also occurs when something about the activity stimulates the person to want to learn more (cognitive curiosity).
• Recognition: People enjoy having their accomplishment recognized by others, which can increase intrinsic motivation.
• Make room for mistakes: Always encourage students/children and yourself to keep trying.
• Celebrate successes: Enjoy and share in successes as a classroom or family; celebrating success is the ultimate reward.

Remember, just having the simple conversations as a class or family about what we find intrinsically and extrinsically motivating is always a good start.

Information about secondary graduation celebrations and prom

March 26, 2021 – An Open Letter to the Graduating Class of 2021

Dear graduating students,

I hope that this letter finds you safe and well.  This has been another remarkable and unusual school year. I would like to congratulate you all on your hard work, not just this year, but throughout your time in high school.  As COVID-19 continues to affect many of our typical routines and traditions, the school board has made the decision to postpone all high school graduation celebrations until the fall. Please see below for our tentative fall graduation dates.  Additionally, as COVID-19 safety protocols continue to restrict our ability to gather in large groups, all secondary school proms will be cancelled this year.  We are truly sorry that you will not be able to celebrate the end of your high school career in a traditional way.

Schools will be planning activities or initiatives for the end of the school year to recognize graduating students. Schools have been provided with guidelines to ensure that activities are permitted within the current Public Health recommendations and protocols regarding COVID-19.  This year has been incredibly challenging and we know it is very disappointing that our traditional spring events cannot take place. We urge students to reach out for support when they need it, reach out to friends, family, teachers, administrators and school staff.

Thank you again for your continued support and understanding. We are very proud of all that you have accomplished and sincerely hope to see you at graduation in the fall.

Sincerely,

Martha Rogers
Director of Education, UGDSB (more…)

Recommended reading in Indigenous education and knowledge

March 25, 2021 – 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.  One staff book study that just wrapped up is Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit by Marie Battiste. This book is recommended for all folks working in the school system. Battiste “documents the nature of Eurocentric models of education, and their devastating impacts on Indigenous knowledge.”

For those looking for additional book recommendations in Indigenous ways of knowing, some recommendations include:

• Unsettling Canada: A National Wake-Up Call by Arthur Manuel
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality by Bob Joseph
• All Our Relations: Finding the Path Forward by Tanya Talaga

Do you have a book recommendation focusing on Indigenous education and knowledge? Send your recommendation to the UGDSB Equity Team via [email protected] with the subject line “Recommended Reading.”  For more information on equity work in the UGDSB, please visit www.ugdsb.ca/equity.

Policy feedback opportunity: Indigenous Education

March 24, 2021 – 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)  This policy is important to Indigenous Peoples, students, parents, staff, school councils, and community members because everyone has a responsibility to ensure Indigenous Peoples are not deprived of their rights, and are provided with a learning and working environment that is free from racism and discrimination of any kind.  You are invited to review the document and submit online feedback at www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy. The deadline for public input is April 22, 2021, at 4 p.m. EST. Persons without internet access may call 519-822-4420 (or toll-free 1-800-321-4025) ext. 723 to request a printed copy of the draft documents.

Important update for graduating students: 2021 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

March 17, 2021 – The Upper Grand District School Board would like to provide an update to secondary students and families regarding the 2021 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

Typically, graduating students are required to complete the OSSLT or course to be eligible to graduate. However, for students graduating in 2021, the Ministry of Education has waived the literacy graduation requirement. This means that UGDSB Grade 12 students do not need to complete the literacy test or course to be eligible to graduate this year. 

The UGDSB has decided not to participate in the administration of the OSSLT field test in the 2020-21 school year. Students who are currently in grades 10 and 11 will be given the opportunity to write the test in the 2021-2022 school year.  (more…)

Help Kids Live Free From Hunger!

Due to fundraising restrictions in schools due to COVID, Live Free (https://www.childrensfoundation.org/ways-to-help/events/live-free-campaign) has transitioned from a school based to an online campaign.  From March 5 – April 4, 2021 we are asking community supporters, businesses, organizations and individuals to help Food & Friends programs provide Healthy Food to Hungry Minds.  We hope you will help us reach our goal of providing 30,000 healthy meals to local children and youth in 30 days!  This year we will try to Help Kids Live Free from:  * Insecurity, * Worry,  * Fear, * Stress, * HUNGER. 

Click here – to Donate to Live Free @ Centennial CVI.  Every dollar raised for Centennial CVI by the Live Free Campaign will be used to support the Spartan Student Nutrition Program run at Centennial CVI.  Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Keyspire and continued sponsorship from Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP)! See the Live Free webpage for other valued sponsors.

One year of COVID, taking time to reflect and heal

March 11, 2021 – It’s been one year since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared March 11th a National Day of Observance to honour the lives lost to the pandemic. UGDSB board and school sites lowered flags to half-mast, where possible, to mark the day.  So much has changed in our lives, in the way we work, attend school, celebrate, connect with friends and family, and more. The pandemic has brought challenges to people across the globe and has affected different people in different and disproportionate ways.  With changes to how we do things and innovation has also come a great deal of loss and grief, and an increase in mental health concerns.  The Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo-Wellington has prepared resources for educational staff, students and families, which focus on acknowledging the losses experienced while making space for gratitude and hope.  Please see the CMHA resources below:

• One Year of COVID-19: Loss, gratitude and hope (PDF)
• Taking some time to heal (PDF)
• The tree of life (video)

Mental Health: UGDSB Child, Youth & Family Well-Being

https://sites.google.com/ugcloud.ca/mhugparents

Can’t find something you are looking for? Feel free to provide us with info on what you are looking for so we can do our best to find it: Click here!

UGDSB hosting final PIC parent engagement event, focusing on Special Education

March 5, 2021 – The Upper Grand District School Board and Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) announced earlier this year that they would be hosting three virtual events for parents/guardians throughout the school year.  Following the success of the first two events, the board and PIC are pleased to announce the April 8, 2021, event. This online event will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.   Read More:  https://www.ugdsb.ca/blog/ugdsb-hosting-final-pic-parent-engagement-event-focusing-on-special-education/

April Event Information:  April 8, 2021 – Navigating Special Education. This event features five breakout session topics, with participants given the option to select two sessions to attend.

To sign up for this event, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/navigating-special-education-in-the-ugdsb-tickets-143823330453

Addressing anti-Asian racism, resources to support educators

March 3, 2021 – 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.

Read more about Addressing anti-Asian racism, resources to support educators »

Summer School

The Upper Grand District School Board offers an extensive selection of summer learning opportunities for students. There are several summer school program options:

• Summer School Credits (18 days)
• Secondary Upgrading Credits (9 days)
• Grade 8 Reach-Ahead Credits
• Summer School Dual Credits (10 days)
• Summer School Co-op Programs
• Elearning Summer School Credits (18 days)
• Study Abroad Opportunities
• Literacy and/or Numeracy Support for Grade 6, 7 & 8 Students

* *Please note: students may only register for one summer school program.

UGDSB and PIC to host virtual parent engagement events in the new year

The Upper Grand District School Board and Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) are hosting virtual events for parents/guardians throughout the remainder of the school year.

Parent Engagement Events are scheduled for January 28, March 4 and April 8, 2021, from 6:30-8:30pm. (more…)

Resource: Mental Health and COVID-19 for Caregivers

The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the sense of added responsibility can be stressful. Please see the resource below for coping strategies to deal with the stress and uncertainty.

• Mental Health and COVID-19 for Caregivers (PDF)

For more supports and resources for parents/guardians, visit the board website.

Transitioning to High School Pathways

Please refer to the following link for information on transitioning to high school ⇒ UGDSB Pathways

Important changes on bus cancellation days and inclement weather days in the UGDSB

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols, there are changes to bus cancellation and inclement weather days in the Upper Grand District School Board in the 2020-21 school year. 

BUS CANCELLATION DAYS – SECONDARY

(more…)

Students with Life Threatening Allergies &/or Medical Conditions

https://www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy/policy-518-students-with-life-threatening-medical-conditions/

Media/Website Consent Form & FOI Notice

Yearly Consent Newsletter Media And Website Reviewed 2020 JUNE 15 – Please return this form if you do not consent /or want limited consent

Routine Use And Disclosure FOI Notice 2020 JUNE 15

UGDSB Secondary Remote School & Remote Tech Support

https://www.ugdsb.ca/srs/

https://www.ugdsb.ca/blog/distance-learning-tech-support-for-parents-and-students/

Reminder to parents: Please screen children every day before coming to school

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and the school board would like to remind all parents/guardians that they are to screen their children every day for COVID-19 symptoms, prior to coming to school.  Public Health has great resources for families on their website, including screening tools and checklists.  (more…)

Daily Expectations for Spartans

(more…)

Student Nutrition Program

Food & Friends Student Nutrition Program evolves to meet the needs of school-aged kids during COVID 19 precautions. • Families in need of food support can request a Food & Friends at Home kit using this online form   Student Nutrition Program 2020

Student Accident Insurance

Parents/guardians are responsible for expenses related to student injuries on school premises during school activities. Accidents can happen and the costs involved might not be fully covered by Provincial Health Care or employer group insurance plans. The Upper Grand District School Board is empowered under the Education Act to offer Accident and Life Insurance for students. (more…)