Simcoe County District School Board

We invite applications for the position of Trustee representing the public school ratepayers in the County of Simcoe.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the five Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) agencies serving Simcoe County have committed to work together to better serve students who would benefit from an additional positive adult in their lives. On Aug. 26, the SCDSB and the Barrie and District, Georgian Triangle, North Simcoe, Orillia and District and York BBBS agencies will sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.

On Aug. 19, the Collingwood Learning Centre will open in a new location, at 485 Second Street in Collingwood. The centre will continue to offer a range of educational opportunities for adults, including workplace and college-level credit courses in English, math and social sciences, English as a Second Language programs and the Literacy and Essential Skills program.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting an Employment Info Session for individuals who are interested in learning more about the employment opportunities available across the board.

Here are all the details about SCDSB programs and services that you may need to access over the summer.

At the Board Meeting on June 19, 2019 the Board approved that a letter be written by the SCDSB Chairperson to the Minister of Education, to address the urgency for a call for capital priorities in Simcoe County.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

Schools across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) were awarded 51 Ontario EcoSchools certifications this school year.

Three Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students represented the province of Ontario at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Halifax at the end of May.

On June 5, students and staff from across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) brought their musical talents to the Education Centre in Midhurst for the finale of the first SCDSB Idol competition.

The Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Awards are presented annually to educators and community members who promote and exemplify inclusive school environments. In June 2019, two Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) staff and one community volunteer were recognized for the work that they do to support our students and schools.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) continues to support student achievement throughout the summer months by providing a range of summer learning programs. The camps will focus on mathematics, STEAM and assistive technology for elementary students.

Voting has now closed for the first ever SCDSB Idol competition! After receiving more than 11,200 combined Facebook reactions and votes on the Google form, the top two acts from each category have been identified and invited to perform live at the SCDSB Idol Finale.

Students and staff at Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) schools are celebrating after earning seventeen Healthy Schools certifications from Ophea. Ophea is a not-for-profit organization that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities and leads the provincial Healthy Schools initiative.

Families of elementary and secondary students with special education needs are invited to learn about community supports available in Orillia and surrounding areas at a free drop-in event on May 29.

A Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) teacher has been honoured with one of 35 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. Pareen Gill, a Grade 3 teacher at Nottawa Elementary School, received a Certificate of Achievement.

In February 2019, the students and staff of Georgian Bay District Secondary School started a new semester in a new home. On May 28, members of the public are invited to join them as they celebrate the official grand opening.

On May 28, the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) Student Success team will host an event for students interested in a career in emergency services.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

Students from Mundy’s Bay Public School in Midland are inviting their peers and other community members to join them in a walk for water on Friday, May 24.

Students from across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) represented their schools and the board at MusicFest Canada “The Nationals” last week. SCDSB bands and ensembles won 11 medals: five gold and six silver.

Submissions have closed for the first ever SCDSB Idol competition, and now we need your help to select the finalists!

More than one hundred students, staff, volunteers and co-op employers will be recognized at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)’s annual Character Recognition Evening on May 16.

About 200 students with special needs will have the chance to celebrate with their peers from secondary schools across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) at the Life Skills Prom on May 10.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is reaching out to partners and potential partners to share planning information and encourage potential partnerships. On May 28, individuals and organizations from across Simcoe County are invited to a Community Partnership Consultation.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), County of Simcoe, Georgian College and other partners are hosting the fourth annual Simcoe Muskoka Skilled Trades Exposition on May 16.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) sent 41 students from 10 schools to the 2019 Skills Ontario Competition held in Toronto from May 6 to 8. SCDSB competitors won medals in nine categories.

On May 7, students and staff at Orillia Secondary School (OSS) will recognize Mental Health Awareness Week. They will be joined by Brainstorm Revolution author Heather Down for a dialogue on building resilience and ending stigma related to mental health issues.

On May 8, the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) Indigenous Education Team, along with the equity team at Nantyr Shores Secondary School, will host a Pow Wow.

Education Week takes place May 6-10, 2019, and this year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is taking the opportunity to acknowledge our staff.

On May 22 the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board of Trustees will consider the passage of a by-law that will amend the SCDSB’s existing education development charge (EDC) by-law.

This year marks Huronia Centennial Elementary School’s fiftieth anniversary, and students, staff and the community are recognizing the milestone with two upcoming events.

Grade 7 and 8 students from schools across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) will take part in the 8th annual Spoken Word Poetry Slam on April 30.

Ernest Cumberland Elementary School’s twenty-fifth anniversary is this year, and the school community is celebrating on Tuesday, April 30.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

Music is in the air across the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) this spring as we search for the first ever SCDSB Idol. Beginning April 25, students and staff are invited to submit audition videos featuring their vocal or instrumental talents (or a combination of the two).

On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 the Board approved that a letter be written by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Chairperson to the Minister of Education to address concerns related to class size and impact on programming

On April 26, doors will be open to the public to celebrate the new spaces and all they offer to the students, staff and community.

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a government-legislated committee required in every school board. Its membership consists of representatives from 12 large organizations and three Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) trustees.

Parents, guardians and staff in Simcoe County are invited to a free presentation entitled Motivating Your Kids and Teens to Reach Success at Twin Lakes Secondary School on April 15.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)’s Model United Nations event will be held on April 17. It has been taking place for 33 years, and this year will bring together more than 130 secondary school students from nine schools, providing students an opportunity to experience firsthand how the global community comes together.

On April 27, educators from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are invited to participate in an outdoor education conference that focuses on providing educators from the early years to high school with hands-on, interactive learning experiences designed to connect the Ontario Curriculum with the benefit of learning in nature.

On March 29 and 30, student scientists in Grades 4 to 12 competed in the Simcoe County Regional Science and Technology Fair, held at Bear Creek Secondary School.

Parents and guardians of teens across Simcoe County are invited to Eastview Secondary School during the school’s Wellness Week, April 8 to 12, to participate in free workshops. The workshops have been developed to help parents support their teens.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2019 the Board approved a letter written by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Chairperson and Vice-chairperson be sent to the Minister of Education and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

On April 4, 5 and 6, Bear Creek Secondary School will present ‘Freaky Friday’, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and hit Disney films.

On April 8, Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) staff and members of the community are invited to share in The Indigenous Journey, a free, online curriculum resource developed by Elephant Thoughts in partnership with Indigenous youth, elders and educators and piloted in SCDSB schools.

Members of the Eco Club at Innisdale Secondary School are selling rain barrels in hopes of having a positive environmental impact within their local community.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, March 27, 2019.

On Wednesday, March 27, 2019 the Board approved that a letter be written by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Chairperson to the Minister of Education and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Contractors working on the demolition of the former Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute (ODCVI) recently discovered a time capsule in a cornerstone block marked 1949.

Learn about the role trustees play on the First Nations Education Advisory Committee.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

On Thursday, Feb. 28, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), is inviting educators and artists from across Simcoe County to participate in the Art as a Catalyst for Change interactive forum.

A revitalized music program brings exciting new opportunities to all Oakley Park students.

The new GBDSS will open for business Monday, Feb. 4.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

A Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) principal is one of 30 exceptional educators to be recognized by The Learning Partnership as Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2019. Robin Dashnay, Principal at Chris Hadfield Public School, joins previous SCDSB administrators as a member of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals™.

After years of uncertainty, the storied Creemore Bell finally has a permanent home.

On Jan. 30, students with special needs will visit the ‘enchanted forest’ at the fourth annual Winter Ball, hosted by the Bear Creek Life Skills department.

Kindergarten registration starts at all Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) elementary schools on Monday, Jan. 28. Children turning four in 2019 can start school this September.

Parents and guardians are invited to attend one of two evening events with Paul Davis. His presentations are designed to educate students and empower parents in the areas of social media (such as Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook), cyberbullying, texting, online gaming, online security and more.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites public school communities to submit input regarding the proposed school year calendar for next year (September 2019 to June 2020).

Each year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) offers a variety of summer programs to over 2,000 students. Registration is now open for the SCDSB’s 2019 summer school courses.

Parents and guardians can provide feedback on the climate at our school through a survey that will be open from January 7 to 25.

Annual education conference gives educators tools for a unique approach to learning.

A total of 27,554 food items, toys and clothing items were collected by the 10 Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) schools that took part in the Holiday Cheer Challenge.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

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.

On Dec. 12, members of the community are invited to ‘Discover Nepal’ and celebrate Angus Morrison Elementary School’s five-year partnership with the Shikharapur Community School in Kathmandu, Nepal.

All school buses and vans in the WEST weather zone have been cancelled, as well as buses to Minesing Central PS, Pine River ES, Angus Morrison ES and Nottawasaga Pines SS.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) Inaugural Board Meeting held Monday, December 3, 2018.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Each Wednesday at Barrie North Collegiate Institute, the school’s mental health and well-being committee is working to address food access for students. The Soul Soup program is intended to ensure all students have access to hot, nutritious lunches during the winter months.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) will host a series of information sessions for parents and guardians to learn more about special education in the SCDSB, and how to support students with special education needs.

On Nov. 21, the SCDSB will host the world premiere of the Heroes: Indigenous Role Models video, comic book and poster series. The series highlights the stories, successes and life experiences of a variety of individuals with First Nation, Métis or Inuit heritage.

On Nov. 15, students at Orillia Secondary School (OSS) will have the chance to shake up their personal style at the Nighthawk’s Closet, an upcycled clothing boutique operating out of the school store.

The SCDSB is seeking up to three community representatives who are interested in serving on the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC).

Tecumseth Beeton Elementary School’s 50th anniversary is this year, and the school community is celebrating on Nov. 1.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

School council members from every Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) school are invited to attend 'Connections' on Oct. 23 at the Education Centre in Midhurst.

On Oct. 22, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) will host Love Builds Brains – an evening with Dr. Jean Clinton.

On Oct. 13, the intermediate and senior stage bands from Orillia Secondary School (OSS) will join the Orillia Brassworks at Geneva Event Centre to play a special concert as part of the Orillia Jazz Festival.

The Orillia Learning Centre is teaming up with the Simcoe Alternative SS (Orillia Campus) and the Champlain Seniors Service Club, in partnership with Fabricare Cleaning Center (Orillia) on the 9th Annual Winter Coat Drive.

Huronia Centennial Elementary School’s (HCES) 50th anniversary is this year, and school staff are recognizing the milestone with an open house on Oct. 4.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, September 26, 2018.

On Oct. 25 the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) will jointly hold public meetings to consider the enactment of successor education development charge (EDC) by-laws in Simcoe County.

The Simcoe County District School Board is seeking representatives of local agencies, associations and organizations who are interested in serving on the Special Education Advisory Committee.

On September 19, Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released 2017-18 EQAO assessment results. The Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) mathematics results showed an increase in Grades 3 and 6 mathematics and Grade 9 academic mathematics.

SCDSB schools and facilities have raised a total of $3,541,411 to date for the Terry Fox Foundation through school runs, walks and fundraising activities.

This update provides information about the start of the 2018-19 International and Indigenous Languages Program

On August 30, 2018, the Director shared the following letter to SCDSB staff regarding the Health and Physical Education Curriculum.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

Children in Grades 1-8 can learn a new language, or preserve their native language, through the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) International and Indigenous Languages Program.

In September, the SCDSB and SMCDSB are holding a joint information meeting to update the trustees of each Board on the proposed EDC by-laws.

The Chairperson the of SCDSB sent a letter to the Minister of Education regarding the recent cancellation of curriculum writing sessions, including those focusing on Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Languages in Kindergarten.

The Ontario government recently announced its intention to begin public consultation on the current Health and Physical Education Curriculum. The government indicated that the most recent curriculum, released in 2015, will not be in place at the start of the school year. School boards have not yet received direction from the Ministry of Education as to next steps. As information becomes available, including opportunities for public consultation, the SCDSB will share that information with families, to ensure that members of our entire community have the opportunity to provide input regarding the new curriculum.