How we communicate with families

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to ensuring that consistent and reliable information is made available to parents/guardians and acknowledges the positive impact of parent/guardian engagement on student achievement.  

On this page you will find information about how the SCDSB and your child’s school will communicate with you, the SCDSB service commitment, and how you can communicate your appreciation or concern. You can also find information about how to support your child’s education in the Ministry of Education’s Your Child’s Education: A parent guide to our school system.

How we communicate general information

How we communicate during an emergency situation

 

We will always take whatever precautions are necessary to keep students and staff safe. Safety procedures have been established with police partners and these procedures must be followed during an emergency situation such as a shelter in place, hold and secure, and lockdown. 

In the event of a shelter in place, hold and secure or lockdown, police ask that parents/guardians do not go to the school. Information will be communicated directly to families by email using the email address on file at your child’s school. 

 
How you will be informed

 

In the event that there is an emergency situation at your child’s school, as a parent/guardian, you will receive three email messages.

  1. The first email will inform you that your child’s school has initiated the emergency procedures as a result of a shelter in place, hold and secure, or lockdown.
  2. The second email will inform you that the emergency procedures have been lifted and the situation has been resolved.
  3. The third email will be sent as soon as possible, but no later than 12 hours from the time of the incident. This email will contain the facts surrounding the situation once they have been confirmed.


Parent/guardian engagement


Parents/guardians play a key role in their children’s education. Parent/guardian outlook about learning can influence and shape how a child views education, as well as their own ability to learn. There are many ways parents/guardians can participate in their child’s education.

Volunteering

The SCDSB encourages parents/guardians to volunteer in schools. Volunteers are asked to complete an information form, provide a current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), and go through an orientation program to become familiar with the school and its daily routines. Volunteers work under the direction of the principal and staff. Please contact the school's office if you would like to know more about the opportunities available. Learn more about volunteering in the SCDSB.

School councils

School councils are a vital link between schools and the community. Each school council serves as an advisory group and provides input to school administrators about a variety of school-based topics and issues. Although membership may vary from school to school, school councils consist of parents/guardians, as well as the school principal or vice-principal, a teacher, a non-teaching school employee, a student (required at the secondary level), and a community representative. New school council members are recruited and elected on an annual basis. All school council meetings are open to the public. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend, even if they are not formal members of school council. Learn more about school councils in the SCDSB.

Parent Involvement Committee

The SCDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) works collaboratively with stakeholders in our school system to develop strategies to engage parents/guardians in support of their children's learning at home and at school. The PIC communicates with and supports school councils in their efforts to enhance parent/guardian engagement and outreach, particularly through workshops, conferences, and inter-school communication. Learn more about the Parent Involvement Committee. 

Other resources