UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Operating any business or organization has become more complicated during the current pandemic and this is true for school boards, the Upper Canada District School Board included. You may have seen in the media that school boards are having challenges getting casual staff to address employee absences at schools. Although there has only been one case of COVID-19 in the UCDSB, the number of staff members that are away from school with COVID-19-like symptoms, awaiting test results and/or self-isolating is increasing.

Staff and students across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) are dressed in orange today, September 30, to honour the Indigenous children taken away from their families and placed in residential schools in Canada.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 for a regularly scheduled board meeting. Trustees conducted the meeting in person at the Brockville Board Office, with the option for staff and trustees to call in, as per regular practice.

This morning administrators at Chimo Elementary School were contacted by the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, informing them that a person at the school had tested positive for COVID-19.

The start to this school year has been like none we’ve ever had, and like anything new, is hasn’t been without some challenges along the way. I want to begin by thanking all our parents and guardians for their assistance and careful attention in helping our schools experience a successful start to the new school year.

Centennial ’67 Public School has received a $15,000 donation from the Port of Johnstown to go towards the school’s Playground Upgrade Fundraiser.

We know this has been a school year beginning like no other. Like you, we are trying to navigate a situation that changes almost daily. In this environment, our schools are doing their very best to make sure every student receives an education, while we protect health and safety. As we do so, we want to provide you with specific notice on how the school district staff will use specific platforms to support remote synchronous learning and how we ensure privacy and security of participants.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met virtually on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 for their first regular board meeting of the 2020-2021 school year. Trustees conducted the meeting in person at the Brockville Board Office, with the option for Trustees to call in, as is the usual practice.

We are just a week away from welcoming students back to school and we are excited for their return. There has been lots of work happening behind the scenes within our school district and with our public health units to make sure the return to school is a safe one.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board met virtually on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 for a Special Board of Trustees meeting. The meeting was broadcasted live and recorded using Microsoft Teams. Trustees discussed several agenda items.

As we approach the beginning of September, it is important that I take this opportunity to reach out to parents and students who are preparing for a return to school in a matter of days.

Rebecca MacLeod always has the best interests of her learners at the top of her mind. She works with each learner to make sure the TR Leger program is the right fit and that they are taking all the appropriate courses. She becomes their teacher, confidante and most importantly, their friend. She is invested in each of her students’ lives and celebrates milestones with them, no matter the size.

Luc Decoeur is the hardworking Lead Custodian at Williamstown Public School (WPS) and is known for his great work ethic and friendly demeanor.

Sue van Leeuwen is a dedicated and caring Special Education Teacher who goes above and beyond for her students at South Grenville District High School.

Kim Cook is the Office Assistant for the TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education's Skills, Training and Employment Preparation Program (STEP). She is based in Almonte, but she helps instructors at all 19 of our campuses. It is not uncommon to hear the constant 'bing’ of her email and ringing of her phone when you are near her office, as many people seek her out for help.

The Ministry of Education announced today that our school board will be able to move forward with having our elementary students in class five days a week, with enhanced health and hygiene protocols.

Melanie Spence builds personal bonds and trust with all students in her position as an Educational Assistant at Ridau Vista Public School. She goes out of her way to ensure each student feels valued and happy at school.

The Upper Canada District School Board is proud to share that it has received approval and funding from the Ministry of Education for the expansion and retrofit project at Westminster Public School in Brockville.

At the Special Board of Trustees Meeting on Wednesday, July 15, Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) approved the 2020-2021 school year budget, with operating expenses of $377.8 million and capital expenses at $40.4 million.

Darrell Halladay is an award recipient for demonstrating all six qualities of Service Excellence in his role as a Supervisor of Technical Support.

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is putting increased focus on Indigenous Education this week to bring attention to Indigenous culture, history and to aid in relationship building between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities.

The well-being of all members of our school communities, including students, families and staff, is a top priority for our school board. The province released its testing plan on Friday May 29, 2020, Protecting Ontarians Through Enhanced Testing. Here is what you should be aware of.

The following schools in the UCDSB across the East-West region will experience a change to the timing of the start and/or end of the school day, otherwise known as bell times, effective September 2020.

May 4-10 is Canadian Mental Health Week and the Upper Canada District School Board is highlighting ways you can stay well this year in these uncertain times.

Two resources all our families should be aware of are the United Way and Eastern Ontario 2-1-1.