Dear parents, caregivers and families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

The staff at the Upper Grand can’t wait to welcome back all students and welcome those students who are new to our board.

It is our goal that we have created learning environments that support students in their achievement and well-being, allowing each one to find their unique path.

As a board, we have many exciting things to look forward to as we work toward the goals of the UGDSB Multi-Year Plan and Vision 2026+. Important ongoing work in Human Rights will include our inaugural Human Rights Policy Framework; staff will continue to explore and innovate in the Innovation Lab; more students will have the opportunity to engage in Land-Based and Indigenous Education at Akinomaagayegaamikoong (“Place of Learning”).

These are just some of the things we are excited about for this school year. Keep reading below for important reminders and updates for families.

First Day of School

We want to remind you that the first day of school is Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Our school staff will be involved in professional learning activities and training on Tuesday, September 3 to prepare for the school year's start.

Full school year calendars are available on the board website: 2024-25 School Year Calendar.

Professional Activity Day – Tuesday, September 3

The first professional activity day for staff this year will be held on Tuesday, September 3. The focus of this day of staff learning will be Literacy and STEM based, and time for mandatory staff training. For more information, please visit the board website.

School Bus Information

Transportation services for the board are part of the Student Transportation Consortium. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to subscribe to parent communication at: https://stwdsts.ca/. Access to the parent portal will be available on or after September 2^nd.

Provincial Code of Conduct

All members of a school community are responsible for ensuring positive interactions and respectful relationships. Standards behaviour must be followed by all staff, students, parents/guardians/caregivers, volunteers, trustees, community partners, community groups using board facilities, and all visitors on board property, to maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment.

The UGDSB has information about standards of behaviour available on the board website, including information around provincial expectations regarding the use of mobile devices in schools. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review that information on the UGDSB website.

The province of Ontario also has information for parents/guardians available on its website, regarding the public education school system in Ontario.

As always, if you are looking for more information, the board’s website, www.ugdsb.ca, and your child’s school website are always great places to check.

I hope you are as excited as we are to get the new school year going. Let’s GO!

Sincerely,

Peter Sovran, Director of Education

Elementary Remote Learning Program

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year Upper Grand!