Did you know? The UGDSB's commitment to solar energy generation dates back decades! In February 2005, Centre Dufferin DHS was recognized in Canada's House of Commons for being the first high school in Ontario to install a solar renewable energy system: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8250

The UGDSB MADE Urban Arts Program in conjunction with the GCVI Chamber Choir has been selected to perform and record background vocals on a new version of Triumph’s 1979 hit ‘Hold On’ for Music Monday this year. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8248

👩‍🔧UGDSB students are celebrating International Women’s Day with Skills Ontario, exploring careers in skilled trades & technology! Thanks to OYAP, over 100 students are taking part in hands-on workshops & mentorship opportunities. Read more here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8236. #IWD2025 #WomenInTrades

PSWs are needed! Applications now being accepted for 2025-26 Living Classroom cohort. The UGDSB’s comprehensive 38-week program, running from September to June, offers students the opportunity to gain essential skills and certifications necessary for a rewarding career in healthcare. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8244

GCVI’s Black Futures Month Assembly was a powerful celebration of Umoja (unity)! 🎶💃🏾 The event featured music, dance, spoken word, and a performance by Waleed Abdulhamid. Students came together to honour Black culture and history in an unforgettable way. Read the full story here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8233.

March Updates from the Upper Grand DSB: Please check out the latest UGDSB Together Newsletter for updates from the UGDSB! This month we have info on Co-regulation and Declarative Language; the 2025-26 Student Trustees; Self Advocacy and more! #UGCommunity https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter

This month, the Wellness Works Committee is focusing on self-advocacy. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8174

Students from several UGDSB high schools competed in Special Olympics Bocce on Friday - check it out! https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8214

A Grade 9 student at GCVI has been invited to write the Canadian Mathematical Olympiad (CMO) in March. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8209

Meet UGDSB’s new Student Trustees! 🎉 Elisa E. (EDHS) & Wreighn F. (GCVI) are ready to advocate for students & make a difference. Their leadership will help shape the future of education in UGDSB. Learn more here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8211.

Students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program at two Orangeville secondary schools are working with Habitat for Humanity to build a “tiny” home in collaboration with a First Nations community in the Saugeen area. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8130

It's election day in Ontario and at Victoria Cross PS! VCPS students participated in the CIVIX Student Vote today.

NOTICE: The UGDSB will be sending out a test message to all families and staff this week. The test message will be sent on Thursday February 27 at approximately 4:30pm. It will be sent to staff and families via text, email and phone. The message will clearly indicate that it is a test and no action is required. Recipients of the messages shouldn’t notice much difference from board-wide messages sent in the past, with the exception that recipients will now receive a text message, in addition to phone call and email. Recipients will have the option to opt out of receiving text messages. A reminder that the text message will come from the following shortcode: 277849. Thank you for your understanding.

At the February 25, 2025, Board Meeting, UGDSB Trustees voted to approve Boundary Option 3 as the attendance boundary for the New Centre Wellington Elementary School. To view the full report and boundary maps, visit https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/8193

Wednesday, Feb. 26 is Canada's National Pink Shirt Day. The aim of the day is to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives. You can learn more about Pink Shirt Day on our Bullying Prevention, Intervention and Reporting page https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/bullying-prevention-intervention-and-reporting

Congratulations to the UGDSB students from Guelph Family Martial Arts who competed at the Ontario Provincial Martial Arts Championships this past weekend! The team brought home 9 gold medals and 3 bronze medals.

ICYMI: Students across Ontario between the ages of 4 and 14 can enter a drawing contest to express their gratitude and celebrate School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, which runs from June 2 - 6 this year. Deadline to enter the contest is March 31. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/7539

Winter Walk Month: Do you drive your kids to school? One day this week try parking five minutes away and walk the rest together. You’ll skip the school zone traffic and squeeze in a short walk and some fresh air to start your day.

UPDATE: The hold and secure at John F. Ross CVI has been lifted. Due to this timing, educators and students will remain in a remote learning environment for the remainder of the day. The school will be open as normal on Tuesday.

SCHOOL CLOSURE: John F. Ross CVI is in a hold and secure (Monday Feb. 24). Students are to shift to remote learning, where possible.