Upper Grand District School Board -

October 5 is World Teachers' Day. Thank you UGDSB teachers for your dedication to the achievement and well-being of UG students!

The GCVI Chamber Choir were invited to perform with rock legend Alice Cooper at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto on Monday, September 29. With over 15,000 people in attendance, the choir did backup vocals on a mashup of Cooper’s classic hit 'School’s Out' along with Pink Floyd’s 'Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2.' https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11564

On October 1, UGDSB elementary HPE teachers learned how to use Omnikin balls & Kinballs for accessible & inclusive skill based movement that builds confidence, fitness, and community! What a fun session!

On September 30, Centennial CVI hosted a powerful day of learning and action for Truth and Reconciliation Day https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11565

Hundreds of UGDSB students gathered at Island Lake Conservation in Orangeville on Tuesday, September 30 to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a concert by Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11457

The UGDSB’s October Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about iWALK & iWHEEL Month, the UGDSB Family Portal, and more! We’re looking forward to a great month ahead! LINK: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter

October is International Walk and Wheel to School Month. It’s an annual global celebration that encourages students to travel actively throughout their school day. This October, join the movement by walking or wheeling to and from school. Whether it's for one day, a few days, or all month long! https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11458

To commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Upper Grand students have gathered at Island Lake Conservation in Orangeville to see and hear Aysanabee, a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter from Sandy Lake First Nation.

Get to know the UGDSB’s Family Portal!
The UGDSB Family Portal puts your child’s school information in one secure place. See bus updates, IEPs, School Cash Online, reset students’ passwords, and more—anytime. It’s easy to use, with single sign-on for many tools (and we’re adding more). Get started: https://family.ugdsb.on.ca/. Need help? Please see this FAQ: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/family-portal-faq

New: UGDSB Family Portal
Your child’s school info—secure, simple, and always available. Access IEPs, bus updates, and School Cash Online anytime with one single sign-on: family.ugdsb.on.ca

CHECK IT OUT! Orangeville & Area Job Fair

Join us at our Orangeville & Area Job Fair to explore supply opportunities as a Casual or Emergency Educational Assistant.

📍 Grant Evans Education Centre: 40 Amelia Street, Orangeville
🗓️ Wednesday, October 22, 2025
⏰ 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

✅ Take part in on-site interviews!

📲 Click the link below or scan the QR to sign up!
🔗 https://UGDSB_orangevillejobfair_EAEEA.eventbrite.ca

🙌 Be part of a team recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025!

UGDSB schools participated in fundraising events this month to help raise money for The Terry Fox Foundation. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11317

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, College Heights Secondary School was buzzing with excitement at our Robotics Open House! Learn more here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11331

It was a beautiful day for the Terry Fox Run! Students and staff at Central PS and Brant Ave PS were some of the many, many UGDSB schools that held events this month!

Amazing news! Project SEARCH, a school-to-work transition program that dismantles barriers and provides work experience for high school students with disabilities, has been recognized as the Community Changemaker of the Year by March of Dimes Canada. Read more here: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2025/09/u-of-g-job-ready-program-for-students-with-disabilities-awarded-changemaker-of-the-year/

POLICY UPDATES - At the September 23, 2025, Board meeting, the following updated policy was approved: Policy 111 - Use of School Board Resources for Elections. The following policy was released for public consultation: Policy 518 - Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions. To learn more and provide feedback, click here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11294

At the September 23 meeting, trustees approved Option 11 as an interim step in the South Guelph Secondary School boundary review. This decision sets a boundary for the new school, which opens in fall 2026, while longer-term enrolment balancing will follow the French Immersion Program Review.

Board Chair Ralf Mesenbrink explained, “Option 11 is an interim step that sets a boundary for the new south Guelph Secondary School, achieving the first of our two initial goals.” The recommendation is an interim step that has two portions – the first sets a boundary for the new school in 2026-27, ensuring we have students and a solid program in grades 9 and 10, using Option 11. The second part recognizes that the process is not yet complete, until the French Immersion Program Review is complete and a report provided.

Board Chair Ralf Mesenbrink said, “We need to set a boundary for September 2026 for the first new public high school built in Guelph in almost 60 years.” This is the first time the UGDSB is expanding the number of secondary schools in the district.

Read more about the process and next steps here.: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11241

ICYMI: The UGDSB is inviting students in Grades 9-12 to join the FIRST Robotics Team this fall! An Open House is being held in Guelph on Sept. 25. Learn more here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11050

The Upper Grand District School Board will be raising awareness about concussions as it marks the annual Rowan’s Law Day on September 24, 2025. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11226