Valedictorian Address

Snap a photo of the QR code or below click here to access the valedictorian address for 2023/24:

Celebrating Pride Month in the Upper Grand DSB

Dear Students, Parents/Guardians and UGDSB Community,

This week, the Upper Grand District School Board is kicking off Pride Month. As we approach this important time, it’s essential that we come together to ensure our schools are supportive, inclusive spaces for all students.

During June and throughout the year, the UGDSB celebrates the joy of identity and recognizes the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families. Every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to feel seen, valued, and respected.

To mark our commitment, the Pride Flag will be flown at every school and workplace across the UGDSB, with flag-raising ceremonies planned. However, Pride Month is about more than just symbols. Our schools will host a variety of events and activities to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and ensure inclusivity.

Pride Month activities are for everyone and demonstrate our commitment to human rights and creating a safe environment for all students. It’s important that we recognize the diverse experiences within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and work to make every student feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves.

Let’s make our schools places where every student feels accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

Wishing you all a wonderful Pride.

Sincerely,

Ralf Mesenbrink
Chair of the Board

Peter Sovran
Director of Education

Alicia Ralph
Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility Commissioner

UGDSB policy updates for May 2024

At the May 14, 2024, Board Meeting, the following policy items were approved:

• Policy 406 – Health and Safety (annual review; no change)
• Policy 417 – Violence in the Workplace (annual review; no change)

The following policy was rescinded:

• Policy 113 – Director of Education Performance Appraisal

The following new draft policy was released for public consultation until July 12, 2024:

• Policy 521 – Admission and Registration

This new policy addresses the registration process for students attending UGDSB schools and outlines how students may be able to attend a school that is different than their designated home school or who reside outside the jurisdiction of the Upper Grand District School Board.

This policy will replace Policy 501 – Out of Area and Out of District Attendance.

You are invited to review the policy draft and submit online feedback at www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy. The deadline for public input is July 12, 2024 at 4 pm EST. Persons without internet access may call 519-822-4420 (or toll-free 1-800-321-4025) ext. 544 to request a printed copy of the draft document.

All policy document are available on the board website (www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy/).

For more information on all policy items, please see the Policy & Priorities Committee Report that is attached to the May 14th Board meeting agenda.

Every Day Counts! Why regular student attendance at school really matters

In the UGDSB, we know how important school attendance and established routines are for students to build knowledge, skills and confidence. Regular attendance is more than just a requirement; it’s a critical building block for academic success, social development, and future opportunities. While we may face challenges that can make school attendance difficult, it’s important to understand the impact of frequent absenteeism and how we can work together to support regular attendance.

The Impact of Frequent Absenteeism

• Every day a student misses school results in:
  • Lost learning opportunities.
  • Hindered development of social skills.
  • Missed benefits of the school’s sense of community.
• Chronic absenteeism can lead to:
  • Decreased academic success.
  • Diminished employment prospects in the future.
• Extended absences often cause:
  • Increased anxiety about:
    • Falling behind in grades.
    • Losing credits.
    • Catching up on missed assignments.
  • Concern over peer interactions and questions about their absences.

Did You Know?

Tips for Families to Encourage Regular Attendance

Understanding the challenges, here are some strategies families can implement to promote regular attendance:

• Establish a Reliable Routine: Consistent bedtimes and morning routines can help make school mornings predictable and less stressful. Preparing the night before—laying out clothes, packing backpacks, and discussing breakfast—can also smooth the way.
• Communicate the Value of Education: Talk with your child about how going to school every day can help them achieve their dreams and goals. Make the connection between attendance, learning, and future opportunities.
• Engage with Teachers and School Staff: Stay in close contact with your child’s teachers and school staff. They can offer insights into how your child is doing and suggest ways to support their learning and attendance.
• Set Attendance Goals: Create positive reinforcement around attendance. Celebrate milestones like a week or a month of perfect attendance with simple, meaningful rewards.
• Plan for Absences: Understand the school’s attendance policy and communicate any expected absences in advance. For unavoidable absences, work with teachers to make sure your child can catch up.
• Address Challenges Early: If you notice patterns of reluctance to attend school or frequent illnesses, talk to your child and seek support from school counsellors. Often, early intervention can resolve underlying issues.

Our Commitment to Support

For students struggling with attendance, the UGDSB offers many supports including access to Attendance Counsellors, Social Workers, referrals to community agencies and support staff in schools, in addition to many ways to ensure students keep connected and on top of their learning for periods when they have to be absent from school. 

Remember, every day counts. Together, we can make a positive impact on students’ education, well-being and future.

For more resources and support around student attendance, please visit the UGDSB website. 

Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) Final Report

GUELPH, ON – At the March 19, 2024, Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting, Upper Grand District School BoardTrustees received the “Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) Final Report.”

The report will now be taken to the Board Meeting on April 9, 2024, for approval by Trustees, where there will be an opportunity to delegate (procedure) to speak on the report.

For more information on the LTAP and the LTAP Final Report, please visit the UGDSB website. 

CW Play Takes Home Award of Excellence – Best Production

Learn more about the DELF French proficiency exam

Grade 12 students in the Upper Grand District School Board who are taking Core French or French Immersion are invited to learn more about the DELF. 

The Diplôme d’études en langue Française (DELF) is an internationally recognized exam that measures French proficiency across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The DELF exam has two parts; a written exam and an oral interview. The DELF is optional. Students interested in taking either the B1 or B2 test are invited to apply.

Please see the following information about upcoming exam dates and more: DELF Information Spring 2024

And for even more information about the DELF, visit: DELF in UGDSB

Elementary Remote Learning Pre-Registration for the 2024-2025 school year

During the 2023-2024 school year, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), in partnership with Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) and Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB) worked together to provide remote learning for elementary students. While we believe that in-person learning best supports students, we recognize that some families may want their child to learn remotely, due to their unique circumstances. 

Elementary Remote Learning Program

AMDSB, GEDSB, and UGDSB students that signed-up for remote learning joined the Elementary Remote Learning Program (ERLP). Students are registered at their local brick and mortar school, and respective School Board, to allow for continued access to any applicable supports and programs. Students are then cross-enrolled into the ERLP and placed in a dedicated remote classroom with a dedicated remote learning teacher. As with previous school years, UGDSB does NOT use a “hybrid model” for remote learning.

Synchronous Learning

• School day begins at 9:00am and ends at 2:40pm (with a 40 minute break for lunch)
• 300 minute daily schedule set by teacher
• Live instruction using Google Meets
• Use of Google Classroom online learning environment
• Daily attendance

French Immersion

The ERLP is unable to provide an French Immersion (FI) program for remote learners. Families considering, or currently enrolled in, the FI program have to decide between in-person French Immersion, or remote English.

Grade 1 to Grade 8

The ERLP offers classes for Grade 1 to Grade 8 students. Combined grade classes may be utilized based on enrollment numbers. The ERLP does NOT offer a Junior Kindergarten or a Senior Kindergarten class.

Interest in Remote Learning for 2024-2025

Pre-registration for the Elementary Remote Learning Program is now open. Please note that at this time we are accepting pre-registrations. School boards are gauging interest, viability, and Ministry of Education requirements. Families that sign-up will be contacted at a later date.

If you are interested in having your child(ren) potentially participate in the ERLP you must have a discussion with your current school Principal.

For pre-registration please click the Remote Program Pre-Registration Form and complete all sections.

Remote Student Residency Attestation

Enrolment in the ERLP is currently limited to students who are residents of the province of Ontario. The Ministry of Education requires that all students who are exclusively enrolled in remote learning or online learning attest that they are residing within the boundary of their school board with whom they are registered. School board staff are required to attest that they have reviewed pupil residency documents at the start of each school year to ensure the pupil and their parents/guardians are living in Ontario.

Questions

If you are interested in the Elementary Remote Learning Program or would like more information, please connect with your current Principal, email [email protected], or visit https://www.ugdsb.ca/erlp/ for additional program information.

Save the date – Prom May 31st, 2024

CMHAWW offering 2nd part to Understanding Human Trafficking webinar

GUELPH, ON – The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington, in partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board and several other community partners, is pleased to announce part two of the Understanding Human Trafficking series.

During this webinar, join Cindy and Jaseth from Women in Crisis and Barb from Family Transition Place, as they help you build on the knowledge from the previous session.

This presentation will give participants tools to address the risk of sex trafficking by helping young people build resilience. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

If you didn’t attend the first session, don’t worry, you can still participate in this session. You can watch the first session by clicking here.

This free virtual presentation is on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 6-7:30pm.

To register for this webinar, click here.

Understanding Human Trafficking: Building on Our Knowledge (PDF)