The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of April.
Days of Awareness 2024-25
Please review the days of awareness calendar on the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
Feedback, recovery and improvement days (for secondary only)
At the end of each semester, all secondary schools will run feedback, recovery, and improvement days for students. Culminating assessments such as portfolios, essays, examinations, and interviews will take place during instructional days and will be returned to students with feedback.
The last day of regular instruction for students in Semester Two is Friday, June 20. The period from Monday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 25 is reserved for students to receive feedback from an assessment, to rescue or recover a credit, or to improve on an area of missed expectations. Teachers and support staff will communicate with students who will benefit most from attending this opportunity; however, all students will be invited to attend. There will be no new instruction these days. Feedback, recovery, and improvement days are an opportunity for students to work closely with their teacher if they require feedback, recovery, or an opportunity to improve on an area of missed expectations.
Student Census
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to creating a culture of belonging, engagement, and success for all. As part of this commitment, we are conducting a student census so that we can learn more about the students and families that make up our school communities. Student census data also helps us to determine how to best utilize resources and plan appropriate programming, learning opportunities, and events.
As a parent/guardian of a child in Kindergarten to Grade 6, you will receive an email inviting you to complete the census on behalf of your child. Students in Grade 7 to 12 will be provided with the opportunity to participate in the student census survey during class time between April 14 and May 9.
The census is confidential and voluntary.
If you would like more information about the student census, please visit scdsb.on.ca/census. If you have questions regarding the SCDSB Student Census, please contact the Research and Decision Support department at [email protected].
Applications for the SCDSB Umoja Award are open
The Umoja Black Secondary Student Leadership Award is a $1,000 scholarship that is awarded annually to a full-time registered SCDSB Black secondary school student who will be attending post-secondary school in the fall and demonstrates leadership in their school and in the Black community within Simcoe County.
Selection of the Umoja Award recipient will be facilitated by the SCDSB Human Rights and Equity Office. The information provided in the application will assist the selection committee (comprised of members of the SCDSB Equity Advisory Committee and graduation coaches for Black students) in choosing the recipient.
For further information about the award and to apply, visit the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=38446766. Applications are due May 1, 2025.
SCDSB parents/guardians invited to Connected Parenting learning series this spring
The SCDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is hosting Connected Parenting, a two-part learning series for parents/guardians, facilitated by Ulrica Jobe (counsellor and coach). This learning series features a virtual and in person session on the following topics:
Let’s Take a Deeper Dive into our Emotions (April 29, 6 p.m., virtual):
Learn about the child and teenage brain, how to keep lines of communication open, how to talk about feelings, and how not to lose your temper in the big feeling moments.
Parenting Unplugged (May 20, 6 p.m., SCDSB Education Centre):
Learn how to talk tech with your teen, set limits without the battles, and balance tech and face time.
Learn more and register to attend at www.scdsb.on.ca/connections.
SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Night this April
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites you to participate in a Family Math Night on Tuesday, April 15 at Chris Hadfield Public School in Bradford. The event will offer a variety of engaging math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore numerous math stations, each staffed by SCDSB teachers. You'll leave with valuable math tools and resources to support your child's learning at home. Families are welcome to attend this event, regardless of their child's home school.
Register to attend: forms.office.com/r/PE0K5e1Zjm
Spring into new math activities this April
New math problems, games, and activities are added to Math at Home monthly. Visit scdsb.on.ca/MathatHome to find fun, engaging ways to support your child in learning math.
In April, activities in school and on Math at Home may include comparing, estimating, and measuring length, perimeter, area, mass, and capacity.
Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting positive events, initiatives, and learning happening within school communities across the SCDSB. Follow the SCDSB on social media to catch all of these weekly episodes, and check out our recent video below featuring Black History Month.
The SCDSB is committed to recognizing and celebrating Black excellence and achievement throughout the year. Each February, the SCDSB acknowledges Black History Month with additional opportunities for students and staff to engage in learning and attend events honouring the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians. Watch as we highlight some of the learning that happened in the SCDSB during Black History Month: youtu.be/AKTevCA4nmU
Kindergarten registration for September 2025 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in an SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: scdsb.on.ca/ kindergarten
Join the SCDSB on Instagram Live to learn about all things Kindergarten!
Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? Are you interested in learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB? On Tuesday, April 29 from 6:30 to 7 p.m., members of the SCDSB’s Early Years team are hosting a virtual information session via Instagram Live.
This session will highlight important information parents/guardians need to know about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, including details on transitions for students with special education needs.
To virtually attend the presentation, visit the SCDSB Instagram page at 6:30 p.m. on April 29. To get a head start on learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, visit the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/ kindergarten.
Kindergarten orientation
Kindergarten orientation sessions will be held throughout the SCDSB in the spring of 2025. These sessions provide families with the opportunity to engage with their school community as their children prepare to enter school. Learn more about the sessions and find out when your child's school is holding theirs: scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=8385299.
Licensed summer school child care programs
Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To support your child care needs, some operators offer child care over the summer holidays. Registration in advance is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school courses in July 2025 (eLearning) and travel for credit courses in both July and August for current high school students, Grade 8 students entering secondary school, or adult learners who are interested in earning a new credit or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, please visit: edutravelforcredit.com.
Summer eLearning opportunities for students entering Grade 9!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2025. Current Grade 8 students wishing to reach ahead and earn a credit before high school can now register through their elementary school principal. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Available courses include:
CGC1W – Grade 9 Geography
PAF1O – Grade 9 Personal Fitness
CHV2O & GLC2O – Grade 10 Civics and Careers
CHC2P – Grade 10 Applied History
CHC2D – Grade 10 Academic History
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
Summer learning programs in the SCDSB (elementary)
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) continues to support student achievement and well-being throughout the summer months by providing a range of elementary summer learning programs. This summer, the SCDSB is offering programs for students in Grades 1-8, as well as multilingual learners and students with learning disabilities who use assistive technology at school. The programs will focus on foundational reading and math skills. They will be delivered through both a virtual synchronous learning format (Google Classroom) and in person at West Bayfield Elementary School in Barrie and Worsley Elementary School in Wasaga Beach. The programs will run from July 7 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.
Interested families are asked to contact their children’s school principal for further details and registration information. Registration opens on Monday, April 28 and can be accessed through the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/summer_learning. The deadline to register is Friday, May 16.
You’re invited to a learning series with Pine River Institute (PRI)
Mental health and well-being continue to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Gaming and screen time, is it an addiction?
April 16
Understand the impact of excessive screen time and gaming on children’s development and well-being. Learn practical strategies to set healthy boundaries, foster balanced technology use, and support your child in maintaining a positive relationship with digital media.
To join in this learning, please visit the SCDSB website to register: scdsb.on.ca/about/well-being___mental_health/pine_river_institute_learning_series. Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at pineriverinstitute.com.
Indigenous leadership and career pathways event hosted by the SCDSB
Are you an SCDSB staff member, graduating student, or member of the public who is of Indigenous ancestry? Are you looking to learn more about leadership opportunities and career pathways at the SCDSB? Join us on April 26 at one of the three locations listed below:
• Midland Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Rama Community Hall, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Barrie Native Friendship Centre, 5 to 7 p.m.
At this event you will:
• Learn about the various career opportunities within the SCDSB, the required education and skills, and how to apply,
• Discover the various pathways to leadership within the SCDSB, and
• Network with SCDSB staff from the Indigenous Education department and community partners.
Join the SCDSB for a virtual special education information series
During the 2024-25 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
April 15
In this virtual session, SCDSB staff will discuss the support available in SCDSB schools and the community for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions.
April is National Poetry Month
Celebrate National Poetry Month 2025 using the theme ‘family’. Turn to poetry to celebrate, cherish, and explore the many bonds that family forms in our lives. Parents/guardians, pets, friendships, siblings, plants, and beyond, you’re invited you to explore the shape of family in your life! Learn more: poets.ca/offerings/programs/npm-mnp/#npm.
A curated list of poetry texts can be found on Sora, the SCDSB’s digital library. To access the desktop version, visit soraapp.com/welcome or use the Sora app.
April cyber awareness topic: understanding artificial intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a part of our everyday lives, it's important for us all to understand its impact and potential. This month's tip sheet provides easy-to-understand information about what AI is, how it’s used, and the ethical considerations we should be aware of.
Talking about AI with your children can help them understand this technology and its role in their lives. Open discussions can make the topic less intimidating and ensure everyone knows how to use AI responsibly and safely.
Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for April to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ECNO-CAM-24-Infosheets-E-_Part12.pdf
Dental screening and services
Good dental health is an important part of your child’s general health. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s (SMDHU) Oral Health Community Program offers FREE dental screenings in daycares, schools, and health unit offices for children and youth aged 0 - 17 years. Dental screenings can identify and inform families that their child may have a dental concern.
Health unit staff can also help children/youth and their families access FREE dental care through Healthy Smiles Ontario (ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care) or other publicly funded program such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan. For more information, call 705-721-7520 or toll-free 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8804, or visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Dental.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Lyme and blacklegged ticks
An infected blacklegged tick can spread Lyme disease bacteria to humans through a bite. Blacklegged ticks are often found in forests or overgrown areas where long grasses or leaf litter are present. After you or your children participate in outdoor activities in areas where ticks may be present, it is important to shower and check for ticks.
If you find a tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to carefully grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull it straight out, gently but firmly. Don't squeeze it. Squeezing the tick can cause the Lyme disease agent (if it’s present) to be accidentally introduced into your body. Don't put anything on the tick or try to burn the tick off.
For more information on how to remove a tick, prevention tips, and how to submit a tick for identification and testing, please visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/ or call the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit