
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


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

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
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!
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!
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!


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
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!


Family Literacy Night !
Thursday, May 1 fom 5:30-6:30 is our Family Literacy Night.
This is a relaxed and fun night to give you more information about how you can support your child’s literacy development at home. We have a number of classrooms for you to visit, community support information tables in the atrium, special books to buy and of course the Book Fair!
We are looking forward to seeing all of our families. A reminder that you don’t have to stay for the duration of the event; there may be some things that interest you, while others don’t. Feel free to drop in and leave whenever you like.
School council has generously offered to subsidize the cost of some special books that we loved from our Forest of Reading program this year. Samples of these books will be available for you to peruse and then order through School Cash Online.
Similar to math might, every family that comes will also receive a take home bag of activities to use at home!
Please fill out the Family Night survey in your email or call the school to let us know you are coming.

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

Palmerston Strum Squad!
What an amazing six weeks it has been with the Palmerston Strum Squad!
From learning how to hold a ukulele on our first day to now strumming along with confidence, these students have shown incredible progress in such a short time.
To celebrate their hard work, we wrapped up our final session yesterday with a special performance, "LIVE From the Library".
This concert is a showcase of their favorite ukulele songs, and WOW! I was impressed with how far they've come.
Listen to the full performance HERE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-IlGpL0kxE&t=6s

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.


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.


Due to inclement weather, all UGDSB schools and offices are closed today (Feb. 13) 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.


INCLEMENT WEATHER: Due to forecasted inclement weather for Wednesday Feb. 12, all Community Use of School Facilities is cancelled for this afternoon/evening.
