Simcoe County District School Board

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Agendas and/or reports considered at this meeting are available at www.scdsb.on.ca.

From our staff and the Board of Trustees, we sincerely hope that you are remaining healthy during this time. We want to assure you that we will be doing everything in our power to ensure the success of all of our students should this period of school closures continue.

The Minister of Education has shared a message for Ontario families.

On March 20, 2020, the Ministry of Education launched Learn at Home. This new online portal provides resources for families in order for students to continue learning while schools are closed.

On March 17, the Minister of Education announced that the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) Assessments for the 2019-2020 school year are cancelled.

Today, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) issued a letter to parents/guardians with additional requirements for families with children who travel outside of Canada.

The Premier’s Office has announced that it will close all publicly funded schools in Ontario from March 14 to April 5, 2020, in response to COVID-19.

Social and recreational programs will be offered this spring for Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The programs will be offered at elementary schools in Barrie, Innisfil, Midland and Wasaga Beach.

The SMDHU has provided the SCDSB with a letter for families regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Special Board Meeting held Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

We want to assure our school communities that the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff. We continue to monitor the situation with regards to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is preparing to open a new secondary school in the south end of Barrie. With the opening of a new school comes an exciting opportunity for the community to get involved in the naming process.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, January 29, 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 2020 summer school courses.

As you may be aware, on Jan. 25, 2020, Ontario identified its first presumptive confirmed case for the Wuhan novel coronavirus. The coronavirus has been identified at the same time that influenza (also known as the flu) and many other respiratory viruses are circulating in Ontario, which is common at this time of the year.

On January 28, representatives of local school boards and police services will gather to sign an updated Police/School Board Protocol. The protocol is the result of an ongoing partnership between the four school boards and four police services that serve Simcoe County and area.

Kindergarten registration starts at all Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) elementary schools on Monday, Jan. 27. Children turning four in 2020 can start school this September.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

Social and recreational programs will be offered this winter for Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Special Organizational Meeting held Monday, December 2, 2019.

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

On Nov. 20, over 1,200 of the Simcoe County District School Board’s Grade 2 students will receive copies of Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure, thanks to a donation by the Rotary Clubs of Barrie and Innisfil.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Special Board Meeting held Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

On Nov. 7, Brechin Public School was recognized with the Healthy Community Award by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). The school’s Eco Team was recognized for educating students about various environmental initiatives, and for planning and leading environmental initiatives in their school and community.

At the Board Meeting on Oct. 23 the Board approved that a letter be written by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Chairperson and Vice-chairperson to the Minister of Education addressing the impact of the removal of the Local Priorities Funding related to Special Education.

On Wednesday Nov. 13, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), in partnership with Barrie Area Physician Recruitment and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, will host a free event for students interested in a career in medicine.

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) offers French Immersion (FI) at select schools throughout Simcoe County beginning in Grade 1. Information sessions for families who are considering entry into Grade 1 FI for the 2020-21 school year will take place in November.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Special Board Meeting held Tuesday, October 15, 2019.

Social and recreational programs will be offered this fall for Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

At the Board Meeting on Sept. 25 the Board approved that a letter be written by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Chairperson to the Minister of Education requesting that Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines (PARG) be released so that the SCDSB can revise its policies and procedures accordingly to conduct Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) processes as needed.

All school council members from Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) schools are invited to attend Connections on Oct. 22 at the Education Centre in Midhurst.

This update provides highlights of the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) Board Meeting held Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

On Sept. 25, Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released 2018-19 EQAO assessment test results. The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) continues to close the gap between our results and the provincial average, and demonstrate strength in areas of investment.

The Orillia Learning Centre is teaming up with Simcoe Shores SS (Orillia) and the Champlain Seniors Service Club, in partnership with Fabricare Cleaning Center (Orillia) for their 10th Annual Winter Coat Drive.

Students, parents and guardians in Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa and New Tecumseth are invited to a free event supporting wellness, mental health and youth resilience on Sept. 26.

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.