Ontario Begins the 2023-24 School Year with a Back to Basics Focus
Please read the following message from the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce.
Special Message from Chair of the Board of Trustees & Director of Education
Dear Waterloo Catholic Families,
On behalf of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, we welcome you and your family back for the start of the 2023-24 school year. We also extend a warm welcome to students, families, and staff that are joining us for the first time this year. We hope you all had an excellent summer and are as eager as we are to kick-off another exciting new year.
Those who are interested in registering for one of our schools, please click here.
As we kick off this school year, we cannot forget to extend a huge “thank you” to all our school staff, our Facilities staff, IT, Human Resources, and Catholic Education Centre staff; it is through hard work and dedication that we are ready to welcome back our over 38,000 students. We could not do it without them.
In other exciting news, this year we have a new school joining our WCDSB family and hosting nearly 600 students. St. Josephine Bakhita will be the 50th school in our district and the state-of-the-art building will provide students with an inspiring environment for faith-based learning.
As we enter this new year, we also enter the second years of our 3-year Pastoral Plan and our Multi-year Strategic Plan. The annual pastoral theme for this school year is “Strengthen!” based upon Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through the One who strengthens me”. We are the People of God, listening and responding, strengthened to share the Gospel.
The new pastoral plan theme brings with it a new hashtag (#WCDSBStrengthen) that will be used across the WCDSB’s social media platforms. Follow or use this hashtag to stay updated with the latest happenings across the Waterloo Catholic District.
In addition to introducing our new pastoral theme, we are also augmenting our “Right to Disconnect from Work” policy, providing additional parameters for employees’ availability to support a positive shift in our organizational culture. These parameters are part of our efforts to foster positive mental health and healthy schools; we believe that creating a strong learning environment begins with ensuring our staff strike a balance been life and work. As always, the well-being and learning of students remains at the core of our work, and we will remain ready to assist students and families in their transition into the schoolyear and onward.
Letter to Parent Community – Right to Disconnect – September 2023
We enter this school year hopeful that the pandemic is behind us and we can settle back into our
pre-COVID19 routines. That said, we will continue with certain measures for the 2023-24 school year out of an abundance of caution. These include:
- Maintaining HEPA/UV filters on all learning spaces,
- Running our HVAC systems before and after school hours to ensure air is properly circulated,
- Opening windows where building occupants feel comfortable to do so, and
- Using higher grade HVAC filters (e.g., MERV13) where possible/required/available.
All our schools received a deep clean over the summer and we carried out several capital upgrades and HVAC system improvements, which means our students will return to fresh modern learning spaces. We continue to have a supply of PPE available for those staff members that wish to use it.
As always, we will take our direction from Region of Waterloo Public Health. There is currently no mask mandate, but our schools do remain “mask friendly” environments. While there is no vaccine mandate, we do encourage everyone to be vaccinated.
We look forward to continuing to embrace a love of learning and teaching across our schools, which are proudly made up of a variety of races, cultures, ethnicities, and languages. With the support of families, employees, and community members, we will make this yet another #WCDSBAwesome year.
Sincerely,
Tracey Weiler
Chair, Board of Trustees
Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education
Links Fore Learning 2023
Conestoga Golf Club, Conestogo
Thursday, August 24, 2023
7:30 am Registration
8:00 am Shotgun Start
Registration, Cart, Breakfast and Lunch: $165
Lunch Reception Only: $40
Register on our website: www.ccfowr.ca
Info: 519.578.3660, ext. 2474
Summer Mental Health Supports
We are excited to share that this summer, WCDSB School Social Workers will provide short-term mental health and well-being support to WCDSB students. School Social Workers are available to consult about concerns related to student mental health, help navigate connections to mental health support in the community, and transition to school support for Fall.
Should you wish to connect with a WCDSB School Social Worker, please email: WCDSBsocialwork@wcdsb.ca.
This email address will be monitored Monday through Friday (excluding statutory holidays) 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Your request for support will be responded to within 48 hours, excluding weekends.
Please note that this is not a crisis support service. If you, or a loved one, are in crisis, call HERE 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247, call 9-1-1, or go to your nearest hospital.
Summer Mental Health support will be available July 4th to August 30th, 2023.
Important Message from the Chair of the Board & Director of Education
We are saddened by the act of hate that unfolded at the University of Waterloo on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
Our prayers go to the victims of this Homophobic and Transphobic attack and to the entire 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Events such as this remind us that learning institutions everywhere need to be places that promote inclusivity and acceptance, and are safe spaces for all.
In solidarity with the University of Waterloo and the entire 2SLGBTQIA+ community — both here in Waterloo Region and around the world — the Waterloo Catholic District School Board will continue to fly the Pride Flag at the Catholic Education Centre until the end of the day on July 6th.
Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools value all students, employees, and families, regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, ability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status, employment, housing, sex, and sexual orientation.
As “Heart of the Community” our highest calling is to help ensure “Success for Each” and to create a “Place for All”.
We take that commitment as a sacred trust.
We must continue to work together to ensure our learning and working environments remain safe, secure and welcoming for all.
We cannot, do not and will not tolerate gender-based violence or any form of hate.
In solidarity,
Tracey Weiler — Chair of the Board
Tyrone Dowling — Director of Education
Year End Messages from the Director of Education & Minister of Education
As we close out the 2022-23 school year and look forward to a hopefully fun and restful summer ahead, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the journey we’ve all shared these last 10 months.
Last year, after months of upheaval and uncertainty, we began our transition into the post COVID-19 era.
The transition wasn’t easy yet, aided by our new 3-year Pastoral Plan and Multi-year Strategic Plan, the “normal” we once took for granted has begun to return.
We have been so thrilled to see the return of sacraments being celebrated in our school-parish communities and to see full menus of Catholic Education Week activities in our schools.
Our athletic competitions, field trips and artistic undertakings have returned – as have our cherished in-person graduation activities.
And our Extended Day and French Immersion programs are thriving.
It has been a long and, at times, difficult journey – and I thank all students, staff, parents and the community for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we continue to travel this winding road together.
The education of children and youth is strongest when families, schools and the community work together in a true partnership.
And we have a solid road map to help guide us.
Our new Pastoral Plan is comprised of three annual themes:
AWAKEN
STRENGTHEN
IGNITE
Our new Multi-year Strategic Plan animates those themes in three strategic directions:
AWAKEN TO BELONG
IGNITE TO BELIEVE
STRENGTHEN TO BECOME
Parents, families and community are each fully represented within each theme
Of course, our road map is underpinned by the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and our Catholic Social Teachings.
We are very proud of the accomplishments of this past school year, and we look forward to an even better 2023-24.
As a school system we are honoured to be home to a vast mosaic of races, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and languages.
The students we serve come from more than 110 different countries and speak more than 100 different languages.
Our vision of being “Heart of the Community” offering “Success for Each” and creating a “Place for All” is alive and thriving in our schools.
Thank you for all that you do for the students and families who have chosen Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools.
May you have a safe, happy, healthy and restful summer.
Sincerely,
Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education
Message from the Minister of Education
Dear Parents,
As the school year comes to a close, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to every student across Ontario on all they have accomplished.
We’re going back to basics in Ontario schools, including a renewed focus on the foundational skills students need for success in life: reading, writing and math. These changes are designed to help ensure children in Ontario’s schools are learning the skills they need to be ready for the jobs of the future.
That’s why our government made historic investments to education ahead of the 2022-23 school year, including the first and largest publicly funded tutoring support program of its kind in Canada.
As we look forward to September, our government has increased investments in public education to ensure students have the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality.
New Math and Reading Supports for 2023-24
Ontario’s plan to improve reading, writing and math is anchored by an additional $200 million. In practical terms, that means nearly 2,000 new educators with a focus on improving reading, writing and math. To strengthen student achievement, we are expanding financial literacy learning in classrooms and doubling the number of school math coaches, and for the first time we are deploying math improvement teams to underperforming schools and boards.
On top of these new investments, we’re unveiling a new language curriculum in English and French that goes backs to basics. Students will now master how to read, while learning other important life skills, like critical thinking and reinstating cursive writing. In addition, our youngest students will for the first time benefit from a screening assessment to measure their reading skills to better support those who are behind.
To ensure students have access to teacher-led tutoring, our government expanded TVO and Centre franco to cover more grades and longer hours to support year-round learning.
New Mental Health Learning and Increased Funding
We all know how important it is to empower students with the tools and supports they need to live happy, healthy and successful lives.
Ontario is leading in Canada by introducing mandatory learning on mental health and well-being. Specifically, that means helping young people develop life skills they can depend on to manage stress and know where to turn when they need support.
Our government is investing five times more compared to 2018-19 or about $113 million in this 2023-24 school year on student mental health. That includes additional funding over the next three years to continue to expand access and improve the care of Ontario’s students. We will also be funding access to mental health supports over the summer to ensure consistent access year-round for those who need it.
Passage of The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023
Parents and students believe our school system needs to re-focus on what matters most: student achievement and a renewed emphasis on mastering the foundational skills of reading, writing, math and STEM. That is why our government introduced The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, which mandates that student achievement and academic success must be the top priority of school boards.
This legislation strengthens parent voices in schools and enhances accountability on school boards. In addition, we will now be able to accelerate the building of schools across Ontario, speed up the certification of new educators, and take action to strengthen our zero-tolerance policy against those who would cause harm to children.
As the school year comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank every student, parent, educator and staff member for their hard work. Our students continue to shine bright and we are proud of every one of them.
To the class of 2023, you have inspired your communities and country. We wish you every success on your journey.
Have a safe and positive summer,
Hon. Stephen Lecce
Minister of Education
WCDSB Celebrates 18 Certified EcoSchools
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is proudly celebrating 18 newly-certified EcoSchools.
EcoSchools Canada is a certification program for elementary through secondary schools that nurtures environmental learning and climate action. The award-winning, curriculum-linked framework supports school communities as they assess, track, benchmark, and celebrate environmental excellence.
PLATINUM (4)
GOLD (7)
SILVER (1)
BRONZE (6)
Young Basketball Enthusiasts are “Chewin’ up the Nets” at St. Benedict CSS
Waterloo Region has long been a basketball hotbed, and with the recent success and stardom of Kitchener’s newly-crowned NBA Champion Jamal Murray, you can expect more youth than ever before will want to take up the game.
For 16 years, St. Benedict CSS in Cambridge has had the privilege of running the annual Family of Schools Basketball Spring Basketball League for boys and girls in grades four to eight.
Founded by John Malnerich, St. Benedict’s past senior boys basketball coach, the program provides members of the St. Benedict community and its family of schools a transition activity for students who will eventually attend St. Benedict.
The St. Benedict family of schools is comprised of:
- Christ the King
- Our Lady of Fatima
- St. Elizabeth
- St. Gabriel
- St. Joseph (C)
- St. Margaret
- St. Michael
- St. Peter
- St. Teresa of Calcutta
This popular community program is run by current players in the St. Benedict basketball program who are interested in taking on a leadership role within the school community.
These student leaders are responsible for assisting in the delivery of the program as well as coaching their own team. This provides future Saints the opportunity to meet current students as well as get familiar with the facility.
For the current group of student coaches, it provides them the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and give back to the community.
The program requires NO basketball experience.
The school promotes the program and encourages players to come to the league with a positive mindset, eagerness to learn, openness to meet new people and make new friends, and to gain confidence to try out for extracurricular activities when they reach high school in order to be more connected with the school and its community.
The overriding goal is not only to enhance the skills of each player but also help students feel more comfortable about their transition to St. Benedict in the future and to have an immediate sense of belonging within a school community.
What makes this program so special is that many athletes who grew up attending the program have now cycled through and have become coaches helping to run it.
This speaks to the positive experience that these students had at a young age, and the special place this program holds in their hearts.
The St. Benedict Family of Schools Basketball Spring Basketball League is a shining example of what it means to be the heart of the community, where success for each is possible and there is always a place for all!!
WCDSB Board Meeting Bulletin — June 2023
Meetings
Special Public Board Meeting
Monday, June 5, 2023 — Meeting Agenda Package
Special Public Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 — Meeting Agenda Package
Regular Public Board Meeting
Monday, June 12, 2023 — Meeting Agenda Package
Highlights
2023-24 School Year Budget
The 2023-24 School Year Budget was presented on Monday, June 5, 2023 and approved on Monday, June 12, 2023.
Quick Facts
> The overall budget is as follows:
- Total Operating: $338.5 M — ($26.6 M change from 2022-23)
- Total Capital: $22.8 M — ($1.1 M change from 2022-23)
- Total Operating & Capital: $361.4 M — ($27.7 M change from 2022-23)
> As always, budget decisions are guided by the key priorities captured in the following plans:
- Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- Board Improvement and Equity Plan
- Long Term Accommodation Plan
- Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
- Information Technology Strategic Plan
> Key funding areas of the operating budget include:
- Learning Services — $233.4 M
- Special Education – $43.2 M
- School Operations & Maintenance — $29.2 M
- Student Transportation — $9.5 M
- Adult & Continuing Education — $10.9M
- Board Administration — $12.1M
The proposed budget is aligned with the three pillars of the Board’s 2022-2025 Multi-Year Strategic Plan:
- Awaken to Belong;
- Ignite to Believe; and,
- Strengthen to Become.
The budget contains provisions for:
- Improving math scores;
- Identifying and helping students who struggle to read;
- Implementing programs in secondary schools that support greater levels of student achievement and higher graduation rates;
- Investing in technology for grade 9 students to better support their learning;
- Programming that supports Indigenous students;
- Mental health programs; and,
- Healthy and clean facilities.
The Budget Book is available via this link: BUDGET BOOK
Kitchener / Wilmot Trustee Vacancy
On May 24, 2023 the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Kitchener / Wilmot Trustee Wendy Ashby.
The vacant seat is one of four seats allotted by population to Kitchener/Wilmot.
Under Section 221 of the Education Act, the Board of Trustees has two options via which to fill the vacancy:
- Hold a by-election “in the same manner as an election of the board.”
- “Appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy within 90 days after the office becomes vacant.”
The most recent Trustee elections were held on October 24, 2022 – just over seven months ago.
As part of the democratic process, eight candidates put their names forward for election as a Trustee representing Kitchener / Wilmot.
Recognizing an election has very recently been held – and in order to honour the votes of the Kitchener/Wilmot constituents who voted in that election — the Board of Trustees voted on June 6, 2023 to fill the remainder of the term by appointing Julie Molenaar – who was the first runner-up.
Trustee Molenaar was sworn in on Monday, June 12, 2023.
Wellness – Guarding Minds at Work
On February 27, 2023, WCDSB staff shared with the Board of Trustees the findings from the Guarding Minds at Work survey that was completed in the fall of 2022.
In response to those findings staff have initiated the following activities:
> As part of our Administrative Services through our EAP Provider, Homewood Health, the WCDSB can access up to six (6) professional development sessions on a variety of topics each year. Between May and June, presentations on the following topics have been or will be available to all staff:
- The Science of Happiness
- The Art of Relaxation
- Managing Time and Energy
- Improving Workplace Communications
> The development of a Wellness Advisory Committee will be completed by the end of June, 2023.
The report is available beginning on page 13 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Multi-year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Report
The Education Act requires school boards to develop multi-year plans that are 3 years or more in scope. The multi-year plan provides focus and direction to the board to achieve the Ministry of Education’s goals but just as importantly, the vision of the board.
The multi-year plan is aimed at achieving the Ministry’s goals of increased student achievement and well-being, equity of achievement and opportunity for all students, as well as increased public confidence.
In December of 2022 the Board accepted the 2022-2025 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. As the plan was developed it was informed by a stakeholder survey administered in the spring of 2022, along with feedback from administrators in the fall of 2022. Within that work was found stakeholder feedback regarding our previously identified Mission, Vision, Beliefs. There was a high affirmation rate for each and thus it was identified at that time that those would remain constant and provide a foundational framework for the new strategic plan.
Informed by the work and MYSP survey of the spring of 2022 and several conversations throughout the fall of 2022, the Director and senior staff worked to identify both new Strategic Directions and corresponding goals for each of the three pillars.
The MYSP was created using an accountability framework and will monitor our progress using evidence-based indicators. One of the key considerations for the MYSP is to have a through-line across all WCDSB plans (i.e., Pastoral Plan, Board Improvement and Equity Plan (BIEP), School Improvement and Equity Plan (SIEP), Mental Health & Well-Being Strategy.
The 2022-2025 Multi-Year Strategic Plan has strategic goals within three pillars: Awaken to Belong, Ignite to Believe, and Strengthen to Become. Each of the three pillars has a goal for students, staff and for our parents, families, and community. The goals are written to ensure that every stakeholder can see themselves in this plan, without exerting complete control over every outcome.
The creation of the 2022-2025 MYSP utilized evidence-based practices. As such, many of the indicators have or are being designed from scratch to provide information directly correlated to the specific goal. The majority of the indicators are currently being administered or have just been administered. In the past we have taken time each spring to review all goals and indicators for the past year.
Moving forward the school board will be publishing the list of indicators in September 2023 and updating them monthly so that they are dynamic — allowing stakeholders to have ready access throughout the school year.
The report is available beginning on page 38 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Board Chair’s Update
Each month, the Chair of the Board reports on the activities of the Board of Trustees. Chair Tracey Weiler’s report for June 2023 is available on page 29 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Student Trustees Update
Student Trustees Chloe Armstrong and Anika Fejerpataky presented their monthly update – covering activities in WCDSB’s secondary schools. It is available beginning on page 46 via this link: Meeting Agenda Package
Upcoming Board Meetings
Committee of the Whole Board Meeting
Monday, September 11, 2023: Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre
Regular Public Board Meeting
Monday, September 25, 2023: Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board, representing more than 96,000 Catholic school supporters, operates 48 schools and four adult education facilities, serving more than 40,000 elementary, secondary, and continuing education students in Waterloo Region – continuing a 186-year tradition of quality, inclusive, faith-based education. Follow us on Twitter: @WCDSBNewswire – #WCDSBAwesome.
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