News & Announcements
Dufferin-County Black Parent Advisory Council
We invite you to attend the Dufferin-County Black Parent Advisory Council.
When: March 28, 2024
Where: Orangeville District Secondary School
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Weapons Awareness and Reduction: What you need to know. Gr. 9 & 10
Dear Parents/Guardians:
This is to inform you that members of the OPP Police service will be doing a virtual presentation on Community Safety as part of a Safe Communities Presentation for all students in Grade 9 and 10 at our school on Tuesday March 26, 2024.
The focus of this presentation will be on reducing the prevalence of weapons in the community and reviewing reporting protocols and procedures.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Kevin Taylor at 519-938-9355 ext 223.
Thank you,
Kevin Taylor
Principal
Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) Final Report
GUELPH, ON – At the March 19, 2024, Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting, Upper Grand District School BoardTrustees received the “Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) Final Report.”
The report will now be taken to the Board Meeting on April 9, 2024, for approval by Trustees, where there will be an opportunity to delegate (procedure) to speak on the report.
For more information on the LTAP and the LTAP Final Report, please visit the UGDSB website.
2023-2024 Yearbook for sale!
Hello Parents/Guardians,
Don’t wait to reserve your student’s copy of the 2023-2024 Westside Yearbook! Purchases are available through School Cash Online for $29 each!
These are the days that students will want to remember forever, reserve a yearbook now!
Yearbooks will be distributed in June.
Thank you,
Westside Yearbook Committee
Professional Activity Day Description – April 8, 2024
Information for Elementary Parents/Guardians
Date: April 8, 2024
Length: Full Day
Topics:
- Elementary Topic AM: Mathematics
- Elementary Topic PM: Mental Health and Well-Being
- Secondary Topic AM: Mathematics or Artificial Intelligence
- Secondary Topic PM: Mental Health and Well-Being
Entity Hosting: Upper Grand DSB
Description:
Elementary
- Morning (150 mins) – Mathematics
- A choice of math topics and strategies to focus on with staff, related to resources available in the Grade 3 Essentials, Let’s Go! UGDSB Let’s Learn.
- Afternoon (150 mins) – Mental Health and Well-being
- A curated session to support learning for teams around trauma and trauma informed practices.
Secondary
- Morning (150 mins) – Mathematics or Artificial Intelligence
- Math Departments will focus on math topics and strategies.
- Other Departments, through the principal, will be given resources and information to explore AI.
- Afternoon (150 mins) – Mental Health and Well-being
- A curated session to support learning for teams around trauma and trauma informed practices.
Entity Hosting: Upper Grand DSB
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Independent / Individual
Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System
The Ministry of Education is pleased to inform you that the Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System was launched last week.
This new resource will provide parents with helpful information that supports them to have a stronger role and actively participate in their children’s education. The guide covers a number of subjects such as knowing how their child is doing in school, learning about suspension and expulsion processes, attending a school council meeting or parent involvement committee meeting, and knowing about specialized supports to help all children succeed.
This initiative is part of the government’s recent efforts to increase transparency and accountability in our school system.
The full guide can be found at www.Ontario.ca/educationguide.
Prom Fundraiser
Calling all chocolate-lovers!
Our spring Purdy’s campaign has sprung and the deadline to order is fast approaching!
Stock up on your favourite Purdys treats (did someone say Hedgehogs?) AND support a great cause at the same time. All fundraising profit raised will directly support our graduates so every order makes a great difference to us.
Ordering is as easy as eating chocolate. Just click this link https://fundraising.purdys.com/1705239-115576, fill out your information and click “Join Campaign”, enter the campaign number – 66484, and order to your heart’s content!
The order deadline is March 12th, so get shopping! Once orders close, we’ll notify everyone when and where you can collect your treats.
Please share with anyone you know who might be interested. It would help us so much.
We would also like to thank everyone for participating in our Winter Fundraiser, your support means a lot to us.
Thank you,
2024 Prom Committee
Teacher-Parent/Guardian Interviews
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We hope this message finds you well. As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering strong partnerships between home and school, we would like to inform you about the upcoming parent/guardian interviews.
These interviews provide a valuable chance for us to connect with you, discuss your student’s progress, address any concerns you may have, and collaborate on strategies to support your student’s development and success. Your insights and perspectives are incredibly valuable to us, and we look forward to sharing information and ideas with you.
Please find below the details regarding the parent/guardian interviews:
Interview bookings open March 4th at 9am.
Date: March 21st2024
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Room location will appear when you book the interview online
Format: In person
To schedule your appointment’s, please follow the instructions attached in red below. If you encounter any difficulties or have specific scheduling needs, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Teacher ParentGuardian Interviews
If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, please let us know.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in partnering with us to ensure the success of your student.
Kevin Taylor, Principal
Kaley Kowaluk-Mainland, Vice Principal
Learn more about the DELF French proficiency exam
Grade 12 students in the Upper Grand District School Board who are taking Core French or French Immersion are invited to learn more about the DELF.
The Diplôme d’études en langue Française (DELF) is an internationally recognized exam that measures French proficiency across four competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The DELF exam has two parts; a written exam and an oral interview. The DELF is optional. Students interested in taking either the B1 or B2 test are invited to apply.
Please see the following information about upcoming exam dates and more: DELF Information Spring 2024
And for even more information about the DELF, visit: DELF in UGDSB
International Women’s Day Event
Please find attached flyer for the International Women’s Day Event at Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association on March 14, 2024 at 10:30 am – 1:30 pm.
Skills Ontario Events: Umoja Series for Black youth and their families.
These conferences are for Black youth and families to learn about post-secondary pathways leading to successful careers in skilled trades and technologies industries. During the conference, we will provide strategies to mitigate systemic racism, discrimination, and stigma. During the virtual conference attendees will be able to hear from potential employers, including businesses, corporations, services providers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Elementary student event: February 27, 2024
Secondary student event: February 28, 2024
Parent/Caregiver event: February 29, 2024
Check the SKILLS website for updated information and resources.
WHY Survey
In February, Upper Grand District School Board, is collecting information on student health and well-being from youth, parents and school staff. The Well-Being and Health Youth Surveys are designed to help us understand how well we are doing creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments in our schools. It also provides important information about the physical and mental health of youth in our area.
If you did not complete the WHY Survey in November, and would like to complete the WHY Survey as a parent/ guardian, please click on this link is.gd/2024parentwhy.
The WHY Survey has been translated into Amharic, Arabic, Filipino/ Tagalog, Hindi, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Tigrinya, Urdu, and Vietnamese. If you require a translated video walkthrough, please click on this link to access these videos. Google doc translations can be found here.
Provide your input on the 2024-25 School Year Calendars
Planning for the next school year has begun and the Upper Grand District School Board is seeking feedback on the proposed 2024-2025 school year calendars.
Each year, the UGDSB’s School Year Calendar Committee submits draft calendars for the upcoming school year to the Ministry. Once approved, these calendars are posted online and outline the school days, PA Days and holidays for the coming school year.
To view the draft 2024-25 school year calendars, please visit the board website.
Public Feedback
Staff, students and families in our district are invited to take a few minutes to provide their input on the UGDSB’s draft 2024-2025 School Year Calendars via an anonymous online survey.
SURVEY LINK: https://ca.research.net/r/UGDSB-calendars-2024-25
The survey is open for responses until February 25, 2024, at 11pm. Your input is important to us and we appreciate your time in submitting your comments.
For more information, please visit the School Year Calendar page on the UGDSB website, which also provides a link to the Ministry of Education website.
Statement from the Chair of the Board and Director regarding ongoing violence in the Middle East
We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent deadly attacks and ongoing violence in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with all those impacted and mourning the loss of life during the conflict over the past …
SUPPORTING STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL – TIPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
SUPPORTING STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL – TIPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Please check out the link below for some tips and tricks from our Board office.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office …
Information about the Student Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy – Strategic Framework 2023-2026
GUELPH, ON – The Upper Grand District School Board has launched the Student Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy – Strategic Framework 2023-2026. This framework looks at the Foundations and Guiding Principles and establishes key Priority Areas.
The …
Terry Fox School Run!
This Friday, September 22, Westside Secondary School is participating in the Terry Fox School Run!
We are so proud to be a part of this Canadian tradition in the fight against cancer. Please support our students’ fundraising efforts and donate …
Inspiring Engagement with Parents & School Councils – UGDSB PIC invites you to its fall event
GUELPH, Ontario – The Upper Grand District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is inviting UG parents/guardians to join them at the free PIC event on October 25, 2023.
Whether you are currently part of a school council or are …
Supports for students, staff and members of the Muslim community
As a united UGDSB community, we are unwavering in our commitment to identifying and dismantling all forms of racism and oppression. Our dedication also extends to specifically addressing Islamophobia.
We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community. We acknowledge the …
Westside Swag now available online!
As the new year begins, it’s time for new swag!!
We have a new company with lots and lots of new offerings.
Click on the photo and check out our new selection!
Parent Council meeting – October 3rd at 7pm
Join us for our virtual Parent council meeting on October 3rd at 7pm Click on the link below to sign up!
Back to school 2023-24: School operations and health and safety information
The Upper Grand District School Board looks forward to welcoming all students, staff and families this September. Please see below for important school operations and health and safety information.
In-Person Learning
We are looking forward to welcoming back the majority of …
Reminder for parents/guardians: Student Accident Insurance
Parents and guardians are responsible for expenses related to student injuries on school premises or during school activities. Accidents can and do happen and the costs involved might not be fully covered by Provincial health care or employer group insurance plans.
Elementary Registration Day is just around the corner – Here’s what you need to know
Elementary Registration Day is happening August 29, 2023, between 1:00-4:00 p.m., at all Upper Grand District School Board elementary schools. Only new students to the UGDSB are required to register for the 2023-24 school year. If your child attended a UGDSB school last year, you do not need to re-register. Please register at your local school. To determine which school your child is eligible to attend, visit the UGDSB’s School Locator.
Professional Activity Day Description – Sept. 18, 2023
Kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers will receive professional learning on early reading instruction, universal design for learning, and screening. to ensure educators are prepared to support their students in a manner consistent with the recommendations in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report for the full school year. Additionally, staff will focus on the implementation of the new Language curriculum in grades 1 – 8 and on embedding high yield strategies in reading across the various subject curriculum areas. In Secondary schools, teachers will continue professional development on the de-streamed grade 9 course and on effective practices for teaching reading across various subject areas. Furthermore, enhancing teacher efficacy in supporting students to consolidate foundation knowledge and skills in Grade 9 destreamed English will be a focus of this professional learning time.
Grade 9 Orientation Day – August 30th!!
Welcome to Grade 9 at Westside Secondary School!
Click on the link below for details!
*There is a brief/ optional parent meet & greet and Q&A in the Library at …
June 2023 policy updates in the Upper Grand DSB
At the June 13, 2023, UGDSB Board meeting, the following policy items were approved. All updates have been made on the board website (www.ugdsb.on.ca/board/policy).
UGDSB Long Term Accommodation Plan
At the May 9, 2023, Board meeting, Trustees received the “Long Term Accommodation Plan (LTAP) Draft Report”.
The LTAP is a planning document that discusses school facilities, population projections, and enrolment projections. The LTAP is used to help guide Capital …