The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of February.
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.
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 SCSTC 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.
Black History Month
Every February, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) celebrates Black history, promoting equity, positive identity-affirming experiences, and opportunities for Black students, staff, and families. Initiatives are integrated into teaching and learning year-round. Visit the SCDSB website to learn more: scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
SCDSB Code of Conduct
The safety of students and staff is very important to us, and we recognize that all members of our school community have the right to be safe and feel safe. The SCDSB’s Code of Conduct supports and enhances the Provincial Code of Conduct and school board codes of conduct and sets clear standards of behaviour for all members of the SCDSB community. The SCDSB Code of Conduct has been designed to create and maintain inviting and supportive school environments. It sets clear standards and specifies consequences for actions that do not comply with these standards.
Parents/guardians are responsible for reviewing the SCDSB Code of Conduct and discussing expectations for behaviour with their child(ren). They can acknowledge they have done so using the SCDSB acknowledgement and permission form that is distributed at the beginning of each school year.
The SCDSB Code of Conduct and other information related to safe schools is available on the SCDSB website at https://tinyurl.com/SCDSBCodeofConduct.
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.
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System – Consultation
The SCDSB acknowledges the structural and systemic nature of anti-Black racism and discrimination in education. The SCDSB 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.
In response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Dreams Delayed Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System report, the SCDSB is holding consultations for parents and families of Black students. The upcoming consultations are intended to gather feedback from the community on how the recommendations from the report can be incorporated at the SCDSB. The consultations will be held in various locations across the county, including virtually, this spring and will be facilitated by an external consultant.
Information, including the dates, times, and locations of the consultation sessions, will be posted on the SCDSB website and shared with families though upcoming school newsletters. Questions may be directed to the Human Rights and Equity Office at the SCDSB.
SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Nights in February 2026
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites families to participate in a Family Math Night. Each event will feature a variety of engaging math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Family Math Nights will take place at the following locations:
- Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 – Nottawa ES, Collingwood, from 4:15 to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 – Tay Shores PS, Midland, from 4:15 to 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 – Lions Oval PS, Orillia, from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m.
Drop in with your children to explore math stations hosted by SCDSB educators and staff. Families will leave with valuable tools and resources to support learning at home. Families are welcome to attend any location, regardless of their child’s home school. Register to attend a Family Math Night.
Up, down, east, or west – these activities will put your math skills to the test!
Have you tried Math at Home? Math at Home is an online resource for parents/caregivers of SCDSB students from pre-school age to 16!
In February, activities in school and on Math at Home may include describing and comparing locations of objects using positional and directional language, and performing movements such as reflections and rotations.
Visit scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your child’s math learning at home!
Feelings flashcards
Parents/caregivers play an essential role in nurturing their child’s mental health and well-being. The things you do every day at home can promote a sense of well-being and help your child develop a strong foundation for positive mental health. One simple and powerful way to support your child is by helping them learn to identify, understand, and express feelings. When children can name and talk about their emotions, they are better equipped to manage stress and build healthy relationships.
Every school in Simcoe County received sets of Feelings Flashcards to help start conversations about emotions, build emotional vocabulary, build empathy, and more. You can download a set for free to use at home!
One easy way to use them:
Spread the cards out and ask your child to pick one that shows how they feel in the moment or during a specific event. For example:
- “How might you feel when waiting to ride a roller coaster?”
- “What about during or after the ride?”
It’s important to welcome all feelings. Some emotions may feel uncomfortable, but they are all part of being human.
Kindergarten registration for September 2026 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in a SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2026? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
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!
How is your infant, toddler, or preschool child developing?
Is your child meeting their milestones? Age-appropriate speech and language skills are critical to your child’s ability to read, write, and be successful in school as well as to their ability to engage with their peers. Free services are available to support you with your child’s development through the County of Simcoe. Preschool speech and language programs are located across the County of Simcoe. Call 705-739-5696 or 1-800-675-1979 to complete a developmental screen. The earlier we work together the better!
Licensed March 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 March Break (March 16-20). 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
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 the VEX Balloon Battle!
Banting Memorial HS, Collingwood CI, Innisdale SS, and Orillia SS went head to head in the annual VEX Balloon Battle! Students designed, built, coded, and operated their robots in the ring, showcasing incredible innovation, teamwork, and leadership along the way. Watch the action and see the unique learning opportunities the SCDSB offers: Robot rumble at Orillia Secondary School!.
Character recognition nominations
Do you know a student, staff, or volunteer that demonstrates good character within the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)? The Character Recognition Awards Evening, happening in May 2026, recognizes students, staff, and volunteers who demonstrate good character in their daily lives.
Each year nominations from schools, work sites, and the Education Centre are received, highlighting the good character of our students, staff, and volunteers. From this group, randomly selected nominees are invited to the Education Centre in a celebration of those who exemplify the SCDSB character attributes.
The nomination process is open until March 13, 2026. Recommendations must be made by filling out this form.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school courses in July 2026 (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 2026. Current SCDSB 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.
Understanding the language report card mark
Student achievement in language will be reported as one overall grade or mark on the Term One report card.
The mark will reflect a student’s integrated learning across the four strands:
- Strand A, Literacy Connections and Applications
- Strand B, Foundations of Language
- Strand C, Comprehension; Understanding and Responding to Texts
- Strand D, Composition; Expressing Ideas and Creating Texts
The grade will be accompanied by supporting comments that will indicate the student’s strengths, describe growth in learning, and identify next steps for improvement.
For more information regarding the revised Language curriculum, visit dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/key-changes-language to view a guide for parents/guardians from the Ministry of Education.
Verify your family’s contact information
To help us maintain accurate and up to date records, we kindly ask that you take a moment to verify your family’s contact information on file. Ensuring we have correct phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts allows us to communicate important updates promptly and keep your child safe.
If you have recently changed any contact details or if you’re unsure whether the information, we have is current, please log in to your parent portal or contact the school office to review and update your information. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our records accurate.
Cold weather
Physical activity and fresh air are important in a child’s life. When we are experiencing extreme cold temperatures it’s important to plan and check the weather forecast before sending children out to play or off to school for the day. Dress them in several layers of loose-fitting clothing. Also, cover any exposed skin as frost bite can occur within 30 seconds. Consider staying indoors if the temperature or wind-chill falls below minus 27°C. Always be alert for signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and frostnip.
For more information on extreme cold and ways to protect your children visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Extreme Cold webpage or www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.