The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of November.
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)’s bus information website at main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. If you don’t know which zone you are in, you can find out here. 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 Consortium 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 Consortium on X @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications here: scstc.ca/Subscriptions/Login.aspx.
Online learning graduation requirement and opt out options (secondary)
Students are required to earn two online learning credits to graduate from secondary school, beginning with every student who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year. The online learning graduation requirement also applies to adult learners who entered the Ontario secondary school system since the 2023-24 school year. The graduation requirement is intended to support students in developing familiarity and comfort with learning and working in a fully online environment, as well as developing digital literacy and other important transferable skills that they will need for success after secondary school, including in post-secondary education and the workplace.
Opting out
Parents/guardians may choose to opt their children out of the mandatory online learning credits required for graduation. To opt out, a parent/guardian must submit the Secondary Online Learning Graduation Requirement Opt-out Form, which is available on the SCDSB website. Exemption from the online learning graduation requirements may be requested by:
- the parent/guardian of the secondary student
- students who are 18 years of age or older
- students who are 16 or 17 years of age and have withdrawn from parental control
Check with your local school if you have questions regarding the registration or opt-out process.
Culminating Task Days and Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days (secondary)
Below is the process and schedule for the culminating task days and feedback, recovery, and improvement days that will occur at the end of the semester.
Culminating task days:
- There will be four culminating task days.
- Each day will begin with a 120-minute period dedicated to students completing their culminating task.
- Culminating tasks come in a variety of forms such as assignments, presentations, conferences, interviews, and exams.
- Teachers will determine the method that best meets the requirements of the course and the needs of the students.
- The school day will be structured into three periods.
- There will be no new learning or assessment and evaluation (other than the culminating task) during these days.
Feedback, recovery, and improvement days:
- These will occur in the remaining three days of the semester.
- Students can attend to complete assignment(s), receive feedback, or improve an area of missed expectation.
- Students will be provided with a reflection form that must be completed to attend these days. They will be asked to reflect on their learning and develop a plan to improve their learning, if they choose, based on specific areas of the course expectations.
- Teachers will be available to assist students in completing the form, if necessary.
- All students have the option to attend the feedback, recovery, and improvement days.
2025-26 SCDSB School Climate Survey
During the month of November, all students in Grades 4 to 12 will be asked to complete an anonymous and confidential online SCDSB school climate survey regarding how they feel about their school. Participants will not be asked to provide their name or other identifying information. More information and sample versions of the student survey can be found on the SCDSB website.
Creating safe and welcoming spaces for students, staff, and visitors
We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where all students, staff, and visitors are treated respectfully. We expect an environment free from harassment and violence. Staff will not tolerate or respond to aggressive or abusive behaviour, whether in person, on the phone, or online via email or social media.
When visiting or contacting our schools, please help us maintain a positive and safe school environment for all. Information related to safe schools is available on the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/elementary/safe_schools.
Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System
The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a report called Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System in March 2025. Dreams Delayed is an action plan to confront and dismantle systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly funded education system.
The SCDSB is committed to equity of access and opportunity for Black students, staff, and families, while ensuring safe, caring, and inclusive environments. The SCDSB acknowledges the structural and systemic nature of anti-Black racism and discrimination in education and recognizes that Black students and staff have historically faced, and continue to face, barriers to equity and inclusion, due to deeply rooted racial biases and discriminatory practices. SCDSB staff are committed to actively addressing and dismantling anti-Black racism and discrimination within SCDSB schools, policies, and practices. The SCDSB will engage the Black community, students, staff, and families in shaping educational experiences and outcomes through community consultations beginning this spring. Information on the sessions will be available on the SCDSB website.
Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion this December
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 French and English. Upon graduation from the program, students will communicate in French with confidence in a wide variety of real-life situations.
The Grade 1 FI online application form for students entering Grade 1 in 2026-27 will be available starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 until 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Entry into the FI program is determined through a digitally randomized lottery system.
More information and the link to the application form (once available) can be found on the SCDSB website.
Is your child turning four in 2026? Get ready for Kindergarten with us!
A big milestone is just around the corner! To help you and your child prepare for this exciting transition, the SCDSB offers Kindergarten Connections, a monthly enewsletter filled with tips, key dates, and everything you need to know about starting Kindergarten. Visit www.scdsb.on.ca/Kindergarten to learn more and sign up!
Licensed Winter Break school age 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 on PA days and holidays, including over the Winter Break. 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.
Holiday markets
Schools across the SCDSB host holiday markets throughout November and December. A list of holiday markets is available on the SCDSB website. Check back for ongoing updates to the list of events.
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!
Schools across the SCDSB participated in the Terry Fox Walk/run and fundraising efforts, each finding unique ways to honour Terry’s legacy. Staff put in an incredible amount of effort to make these events happen, creating meaningful experiences for students while supporting cancer research. We visited Nantyr Shores Secondary School to capture their Terry Fox experience this year. Watch this video: Finish It – Terry Fox
High school information events for Grade 8 students
Is your child starting Grade 9 next year? High school information events will take place in person this winter! Student leaders and staff at the school will give an overview of what’s new and what to expect. Learn about courses offered, as well as information about teams and clubs. Please visit the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/secondary/planning_for_high_school/high_school_information_nights to find details on your high school’s info night, and contact the school directly for more information.
Math learning at home
Practice math anywhere with Math at Home, an online resource for parents/guardians 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 November, activities in school and on Math at Home may include grade-level tasks related to measuring objects and identifying and sorting shapes, figures, and angles.
Visit scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your child’s math learning at home!
Dental screening and services for kids aged 0-17
Good dental health is an important part of your child’s general health. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Oral Health Community Program offers FREE dental screenings in schools, childcare centres, community settings, and health unit offices for children and youth aged 0 - 17 years. Dental screening can identify and inform families that their child has a dental concern.
The Dental Team can also help children/youth and their families access dental care through Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) or other government-funded dental programs such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan. For more information regarding our services, call 705-721-7520 or toll-free 1-877-721-7520 ext. 8804 or visit SMDHU - Dental.
November PA Day
Nov. 14, 2025 Elementary PA Day
Length: full-day
Topic: communication to parents/guardians about student progress through parent/guardian-student-teacher conferences
Host: Simcoe County District School Board elementary schools, including Grades 7 and 8 in SCDSB 7-12 secondary schools.
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): elementary educators
Elementary educators will meet with students, parents, and guardians to discuss student progress thus far this school year, including areas of strengths and next steps for improvement.
Nov. 14, 2025 Secondary PA Day
Length: full-day
Topics: safe and caring schools
Host: Simcoe County District School Board secondary schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): school board staff and school administrators
Safe and caring schools (150 min.)
Educators will participate in learning about culturally responsive, trauma-informed principles to support student engagement and interaction. Educators will engage with School Mental Health Ontario resources for this learning.
School Action and Equity Plan implementation and monitoring (150 min.)
Educators will collaborate on activities to embed learning from the fall PA days into the implementation of each school’s action and equity plan as well as develop strategies to monitor the impact on student belonging and achievement measures.