The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of October.
Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder
All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) bus information website. When buses are cancelled, schools remain open for student learning, unless otherwise noted. School staff are expected to plan for such emergencies in order to transition students who are unable to attend due to inclement weather to their online platforms (Google Classroom and/or SCDSBhub [Brightspace by D2L]) and continue with academic programming. It is always a family decision whether or not it is safe for their child(ren) to leave for school under severe weather conditions.
The SCSTC and bus operators try to make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m. and make every effort to post announcements before 7 a.m. Inclement weather cancellations are effective for the whole day and buses cancelled in the morning will not run at the end of the day. You can follow the SCSTC on Twitter @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications.
Safe Arrival program
The Safe Arrival program is in place in elementary schools to ensure that students arrive safely at school each day. Parent/guardian cooperation in reporting their child's absence is a requirement of the program. If the school is not contacted, an automated call will be made to the family and/or any emergency contacts on file to ensure the child is safe.
On days when buses are cancelled due to inclement weather, the Safe Arrival program remains in effect. For inclement weather days, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school if they receive an absence notification and believe their child should be in attendance. Otherwise, the school will assume the parent/guardian is aware of their child's absence. Families of walking students should always call the school if their child is not attending on the inclement weather day.
School bus transportation information available from the SCSTC
In order to receive delay and cancellation notifications, families can check the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) website or download the ‘BusPlanner Delays’ app from the Apple or Android app stores to receive delay notifications to their devices. Users need to select Simcoe County STC as the transportation authority. The app will need to be forced closed, but you will be able to select your student(s) routes or school to receive delays. The app will send a general notice for any cancellation in Simcoe County. You only need to know which ‘zone’ you’re in, so you would know which one to look out for in the app. You can find your student’s zone by visiting the School Bus Status page and clicking the dropdown for the area you live in.
Halloween reminder - Culture is not a costume
Simcoe County District School Board schools are spaces where we value student inclusion and diversity every day of the year. Though dressing up at Halloween is fun and exciting, depending upon the choice of costume we choose to wear, it also runs the risk of being offensive. Students are reminded that culture is not a costume.
DELF registration is now open! Join the parent/guardian info session to learn more
Students enrolled in FSF4U or FIF4U this semester can register for the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) exam. Registration will close on Oct. 15 at 4p.m.
Want to learn more? Parents/guardians are invited to attend a virtual information session on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. This session will cover key details about the DELF exam and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Join the session.
To learn more about DELF, visit the SCDSB website.
Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting events and learning across SCDSB schools. Follow the SCDSB on social media for weekly episodes, including a recent one featuring student leaders from across the SCDSB, showcasing different leadership opportunities within schools.
Attend a Grade 1 French Immersion information session this November!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) offers French Immersion (FI) at select schools throughout Simcoe County beginning in Grade 1. The goal of the FI program is to enable students to communicate in French with a high level of proficiency, enabling them to function with ease in both English and French. Entry into the FI program is determined through a digitally randomized lottery system.
In November, the SCDSB is hosting FI information sessions for parents/guardians of students entering Grade 1 in 2026-27. Session dates and more information about applying for French Immersion will be available on the SCDSB website by mid-October.
School council members invited to network and engage at orientation event
School council members from all Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) schools are invited to Connections, the SCDSB's annual school council orientation event.
Drop in for a little or stay for a while! This event provides attendees the opportunity to network with school council members from across the SCDSB, engage in group discussions and information sessions, and browse booths from vendors.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Barrie North Collegiate Institute (110 Grove St. E., Barrie)
Learn more and register to attend.
Online math resources for families
Have you tried Math at Home? Math at Home is an online resource for parents/caregivers of SCDSB students from pre-school age to 16! This resource is updated monthly with games, problems, and number talk activities that reflect the math your child may be learning at school each month.
In October, activities in school and on Math at Home may include grade-level tasks related to representing whole numbers using different tools, and adding and subtracting whole numbers, fractions, decimal numbers, and integers.
Knowledgehook is another digital math tool that provides more opportunities to practice math at home. Ask your child's teacher about how they can access their account at home.
Enabling multi-factor authentication on student devices
Students travelling internationally require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access SCDSB online services: (email/ D2L/Google Classroom) from outside of Canada.
MFA must be set up at an SCDSB location using a Windows 11 device.
Step 1: Sign in to Office.com
- Go to https://office.com.
- Sign in with the student’s school account.
Step 2: Access Security Settings
- Once signed in, click on the profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.
- Select ’View account’.
- In the left-hand menu, click ‘Security info’ or ‘Security & privacy’.
- Choose ’Update info’ under Security info.
Step 3: Add a Method
- Click ‘+ Add sign-in method’.
- Choose Phone number (SMS or call)
- Follow the prompts to verify and complete setup.
SCDSB Anti-racism Statement
The Simcoe County District School Board acknowledges the existence of systemic racism in society, and the importance of addressing it. We share responsibility in standing up against racism, hate, and oppression of all kinds. One of the SCDSB’s Strategic Priorities is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Our focus continues to be on educating students and staff about the injustice and impact of systemic racism, and on working to create and maintain safe spaces within our schools.
The benefits of walking or wheeling to school
Walking or cycling to school is a great way for students to get the 60 minutes of daily physical activity needed for good mental and physical health.
Physical activity is associated with doing better in school as well as emotional regulation and pro-social behaviour (helping, sharing, cooperating). It also builds responsibility and independence and helps them feel more connected to the community.
More walkers mean less traffic around schools, which helps keep students safe and improves outdoor air quality. Even one day a week of walking or cycling to school can make a big difference!
Find out more at On the Move.
October PA Day
Please note that Friday, Oct. 24 is a PA Day for all SCDSB students. Please refer to the 2025-26 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information.
Below is a summary of the activities planned for the Oct. 24 PA Day:
Length: full day, in-person
Topics: safe and caring schools, anti-Black racism and discrimination, artificial intelligence (AI)
Entity Hosting: Simcoe County District School Board
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): school board staff and school administrators
Description: Elementary and secondary educators will engage in learning about a variety of ministry-identified topics within their home schools.
Anti-Black racism and addressing hate and discrimination (100 min.)
Educators will learn about strategies to strengthen engagement with Black students and families and collaborate on the identification of identity-affirming practices to be included in their School Action and Equity Plans. They will also learn about antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism towards Indigenous communities.
Safe and caring schools (100 min.)
Educators will learn how the SCDSB is shifting its approach to bullying by viewing it through a lens grounded in equity, empathy, and trauma-informed practice. Rather than seeing bullying solely as a disciplinary issue, it will be explored as a stress behaviour. This perspective allows us to better understand root causes, foster empathy and connection, and support long-term positive outcomes. By centring anti-oppressive and decolonizing practices, we aim to enhance student well-being, strengthen relationships among peers and staff, and cultivate a more inclusive, supportive school environment for all. Educators will also review the expectations and procedures for using the SCDSB’s online tool to report violent incidents.
Artificial intelligence (AI) (100 min.)
Building on September’s learning, educators will continue to explore the application of the SCDSB’s Guiding Principles when using AI in classroom settings. They will engage with resources and examples that demonstrate how AI can support differentiated instruction, assessment, and student agency across the curriculum. Educators will have opportunities to investigate specialized AI tools aligned with curriculum goals and reflect on how these tools can enhance equitable learning experiences. Learning pathways will be flexible to accommodate varying levels of knowledge and experienced with AI