News & Announcements
All Upper Grand DSB schools are closed
All Upper Grand DSB schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic until at least May 4, 2020. All UGDSB buildings and grounds are closed to the public. We will continue to share updates as we receive them.
Important Information and Resources:
CDDHS COVID-19 Supports for Students & Families
The Upper Grand School Board has compiled a list of resources to support students, parents and caregivers. Please click here to access tips, apps and other information to support students’ physical and mental health during this time.
Dufferin Child & Family Services (DCAFS) – Mental Health Support
DCAFS is continuing to provide support to the community through a variety of services, including mental health, child protection, & behavioural support. At this time, DCAFS will be providing most of their services by phone and ask that unscheduled visitors do not visit their office. They welcome students and families to call them directly at (519) 941-1530 anytime. If it is after regular business hours, instructions will be provided on who to contact. Additional information can be found on their website.
Kids Help Phone – Canada’s only 24/7, national support service
Phone 1-800-668-6868 or TEXT “CONNECT” to 686868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association – Dufferin-Peel Branch
- Click here for a list of resources compiled by CMHA to protect your health, safety and well-being during COVID-19.
- CMHA online BounceBack® program: Design your very own mood-lifting program! Select workbooks, activities and videos to create your own self-help journey, or work with a trained coach over the phone. Click here to get started.
Big White Wall – An online peer-to-peer support community for 16+.
Click here to access this service.
CDDHS Jack Chapter – student mental health group recommended reading:
https://www.virusanxiety.com/take-care
St. John’s Ambulance Virtual Therapy Dogs:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoespKEMvQ9MYWAreLRwKCw/about
It is especially important during this time of social isolation to reach out to others. Phone, text, email, video chat, or send audio messages to people. Let family & friends know how you’re feeling. We’re in this together. Reach out Royals!
COVID-19 Letter From Martha Rogers, Director of Education UGDSB
March 9, 2020
Dear parents and guardians,
We have received some questions from parents regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and wanted to
provide families with information from the health authorities. As with all public health matters, the Upper
Grand District School Board works closely with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and other health
agencies to monitor and address concerns, and that is the case with COVID-19.
At this time, health authorities state that the risk to Ontario residents remains low. Public health
authorities are reminding the public that the best way to reduce the risk of infection is to practice general
infection prevention control. This includes:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash
your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Families who are planning on travelling are encouraged to visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s
website for travel advice: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
We will continue to take steps to ensure that we are as prepared as we can be, including sharing reminders
about infection prevention practices, reminding students, staff and volunteers to stay home when they are ill,
doing enhanced cleaning at schools, ordering additional hand sanitizer for schools and classrooms,
monitoring absenteeism and reporting absences to Public Health, and communicating information on a
dedicated webpage at https://www.ugdsb.ca/community/coronavirus/.
If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact Public Health through its dedicated website
https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/novel-coronavirus-covid-19 or call centre (1-800-265-7293 ext.
7006).
The health and safety of all students, staff and school communities is our top priority.
Sincerely,
Martha Rogers
Director of Education & Secretary-Treasurer
Letter to parents: UGDSB Learning at Home (April 3, 2020)
A letter from the Director of Education regarding the board’s distance learning program is posted on the board website.
Read more about Letter to parents: UGDSB Learning at Home (April 3, 2020) »
Special Education, Equity and Learning at Home
Preliminary information from the board on student access to devices and technology, SEA equipment, hands-on based learning ideas, and more.
Read more about Special Education, Equity and Learning at Home »
Notice of cancelled and postponed school events
Due to the extension of school closures in Ontario, the UGDSB has decided to cancel or postpone a number of school based events.
Read more about Notice of cancelled and postponed school events »
Important letter from the Minister of Education to parents (March 31, 2020)
Minister of Education Stephen Lecce has written an important letter for all Ontario parents and guardians, regarding the extension of school closures in Ontario and information on distance learning for students.
Read more about Important letter from the Minister of Education to parents (March 31, 2020) »
Ontario school closures extended until at least May
On Tuesday March 31, 2020, the Premier of Ontario announced that in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all schools in Ontario will remain closed until at least May 1 for staff and May 4 for students. Premier Ford also said that the province is prepared to extend the school closures even further if required.
Read more about Ontario school closures extended until at least May »
Parents please read: Distance learning and staff reaching out to families
A letter from the Director of Education has been posted to the board website (Friday March 27, 2020). The letter contains important information regarding the board’s distance learning plan and information about staff reaching out to families.
Read more about Parents please read: Distance learning and staff reaching out to families »
Letter to Parents from the Director: Continuity of Learning (March 23, 2020)
Parents and guardians are asked to read the letter from the Director of Education, posted to the board website on March 23, 2020.
Read more about Letter to Parents from the Director: Continuity of Learning (March 23, 2020) »
Important letter from the Minister of Education to parents (March 22, 2020)
Minister of Education Stephen Lecce has written an important letter for all Ontario parents and guardians, March 22, 2020.
Read more about Important letter from the Minister of Education to parents (March 22, 2020) »
School closures: Information for UGDSB families regarding COVID-19
The province has ordered all publicly funded schools in Ontario to close for two weeks following March Break, in response to the emergence in Ontario of COVID-19. As a result, Upper Grand DSB schools will be closed from March 14 to April 5, 2020.
Read more about School closures: Information for UGDSB families regarding COVID-19 »
Please read: Information for UGDSB schools regarding international travel and COVID-19
With March Break approaching, many families and staff have questions about international travel and precautions required upon returning from travel. A letter with travel advice from Public Health is posted on the UGDSB website.
