John Black Public School

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

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

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

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!

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

UGDSB families of students in grades K-12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder are invited to access valuable resources and guidance through the upcoming virtual series, Creating Connection and Supporting Transitions. Learn more about the series here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11159

📣 Calling all Casual EAs and Emergency EAs!

Looking for a flexible way to support students this school year? Join us at one of our upcoming UGDSB Job Fairs!

Guelph & Area: October 15, 2025, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM I Guelph Board Office
Orangeville & Area: October 22, 2025, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM I Grant Evans Education Centre

Meet our team, explore supply roles, and learn more about working with UGDSB.

📌 Additional details to follow soon!

You are invited to John Black's Open House!

Help support John Black!

Are you looking for important dates for this school year, such as PA Days and holidays? Check out the School Year Calendars posted on the UGDSB website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/school-year-calendars

The UGDSB’s September Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about registering for school, how to get school bus notifications, helpful links and resources on the UGDSB website, and more. We’re looking forward to a great month ahead!
LINK: https://www.ugdsb.ca/o/ugdsb/page/communications-newsletter

A reminder of some important dates next week. Monday Sept. 1 is a holiday, Tuesday Sept. 2 is a PA Day, and Wednesday Sept. 3 is the first day of school! We can't wait to see you!

JBPS Spring Fundraiser with Fresh Box Market-Orders due April 20th.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: Community Use of Schools is cancelled at all UGDSB schools on Wednesday April 2, 2025.

The UGDSB will be sending out a test message to all families and staff this week. The test message will be sent on Wednesday March 19 at approximately 4pm. 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. Thank you for your understanding.

Due to inclement weather, UGDSB schools and offices in Zones 2, 3, and 4 (Centre Wellington, North Wellington and Dufferin) are closed today to staff and students. Students are to shift to remote learning, where possible. Staff should not report to work in person, and should shift to remote working where possible. All buses and taxis are cancelled to those affected schools. Schools and offices in Zone 1 (Guelph) remain open today.

Winter "Fun"draiser!

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.

Due to inclement weather, all UGDSB schools and offices are closed today to staff and students. Students are to shift to remote learning, where possible. Staff should not report to work in person, and should shift to remote working where possible. All buses and taxis are cancelled to Upper Grand schools.