Upper Grand District School Board -

Friendly reminder that all UGDSB schools and offices will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Thanksgiving.

We are thrilled to share that construction on the UGDSB’s new high school in South Guelph is well underway and we are asking for community input on the new school’s name!

The new school will open in the 2026-27 school year and is located at Arkell Road and Victoria Road South in Guelph. This is a huge milestone, as it will be the first new UG high school to open in Guelph in nearly 60 years! From October 11-24, 2025, students, staff, families and community members can submit proposed names through an anonymous online survey. Learn more here! https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11624

Congratulations to Spencer Avenue Elementary School Teacher-Librarian Sandra McLarnon, who has won a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11617

The Upper Grand District School Board is seeking an innovative, dynamic and agile leader to join our Executive Committee as Superintendent of Student Achievement, with duties to commence as soon as possible.

Learn more here! https://ugwp-4246896909-endpoint.azureedge.net/blobugwp4246896909/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Job-Posting-Superintendent-of-Student-Achievement.pdf

The UGDSB has launched its new Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (2025–2030)! Over the next five years, we’ll be reducing our carbon footprint, conserving energy and water, expanding recycling and composting, and empowering students to lead in climate action. Together, we’re building healthier, greener schools and communities — today and for future generations. Learn more here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/sustainability-and-climate-action-plan

ICYMI: October is International Walk and Wheel to School Month. 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

ICYMI: We are currently seeking public input on Policy 518 - Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions.

This policy conveys the board’s commitment to supporting students with prevalent medical conditions, such as asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes and epilepsy, to ensure they have full access to school in a safe, inclusive, and healthy environment. This includes fostering well-being and empowering students to manage their medical needs to the best of their ability.

To review the draft documents and provide feedback, visit the UGDSB website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/o/ugdsb/page/policy-518-students-with-life-threatening-medical-conditions

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