A new school year officially began today, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) will welcome approximately 58,000 students at 89 elementary schools, 16 secondary schools, and 7 adult learning centres this year.
This marks the first ‘first day of school’ as Director of Education for Dawn Stephens. We asked Director Stephens and Associate Director Dean Maltby a few questions as we prepared to welcome SCDSB students to the 2025-26 school year.
Director Stephens and Associate Director Maltby
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
Director Stephens: I am looking forward to my first full year as Director. I am excited to continue the amazing work here in the SCDSB.
Associate Director Maltby: I’m excited to work with the amazing and committed staff at the SCDSB, about new, upcoming initiatives, and the continuation of a focus on student mental health and well-being.
Share one piece of advice with our students.
Director Stephens: Be present! Attendance is so important; make it your goal to be present every day.
Associate Director Maltby: Become involved in school life! Do something that interests you.
What makes the SCDSB the place to be?
Director Stephens: The kindness of our staff. They work so hard to support the achievement of our students, and are passionate and kind. Our staff make SCDSB the place to be.
Associate Director Maltby: We have amazing programs in our secondary schools, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities for elementary students, and countless extracurricular opportunities throughout the system.
What are your top priorities this school year?
Director Stephens: Student achievement and well-being is always the top priority. The success of our students is the success of us all.
Associate Director Maltby: Ensuring students achieve their full potential and have access to the opportunities that the SCDSB has to offer.
Keep reading throughout the year as we share the many accomplishments of our students and staff and highlight the ways that the SCDSB supports the learning, growth, and success of all students. Subscribe to receive news and updates from across the SCDSB.
This initiative links directly to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities in the areas of Well-being, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Community, and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Information:
Sarah Kekewich, Manager of Communications
[email protected]