Summer Learning Programs

A Summer of Learning and Fun!

Waterloo Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting your child’s continued learning.  In July and August this year, there are several free* learning options available for elementary and secondary students that will ignite, support and challenge toward student success and preparation for the next grade.

*additional fees apply to International students enrolled with WCDSB

Please note any of the following summer programs or classes may be cancelled due to insufficient enrolment or may be full due to capacity limits. Don’t be disappointed. Register EARLY!

Elementary Summer Learning Programs

Summer Fun with Languages

Dates: June 29, 2026 – July 24, 2026, Monday to Friday (no programming Wednesday, July 1 – Canada Day)
Format: In-Person
Time: 9:00am – 11:30am
Website: Summer Fun with Languages

Locations:

  • St. Louis – St. Francis Campus, Kitchener: Arabic, Igbo, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Tigrigna, Traditional Mandarin, Ukrainian
  • St. Nicholas CES, Waterloo:  Chinese (Simplified)

**Languages Offered are Subject to Change**

Please note transportation to and from school is not provided.

Current Grades: Junior Kindergarten (Year 1 Kindergarten) to Grade 8

Registration Opens: Tuesday March 24, 2026

Registration Closes: Monday June 1, 2026 (or while space is available)

Summer Boost Program

Date: June 29, 2026 – July 17, 2026, Monday to Friday (no programming Wednesday, July 1 – Canada Day)
Format: In-Person
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Website: Summer Boost Program

Locations:

  • Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School, Kitchener, ON
  • Christ the King Catholic Elementary School, Cambridge, ON
  • St. Luke Catholic Elementary School, Waterloo, ON

Please note transportation to and from school is not provided.

Current Grades: Senior Kindergarten (Year 2 Kindergarten) to Grade 6

NOTE: Vacation plans should be scheduled outside of the Summer Boost program’s dates.

Registration Opens: Tuesday March 24, 2026

Registration Closes: Monday June 15, 2026 (or while space is available)

Summer Expedition

Dates: June 29, 2026 – July 17, 2026, Monday to Friday (no programming Wednesday, July 1 – Canada Day)
Format: In-Person
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Webpage: Summer Expedition

Locations:

  • Kitchener – St. Mary’s High School, 1500 Block Line Road, Kitchener
  • Cambridge – St. Benedict CSS, 50 Saginaw Pkwy., Cambridge

Please note transportation to and from school is available from centralized locations.

Current Grades: Grade 6, 7, and 8 going into Grades 7, 8, 9

NOTE: Vacation plans should be scheduled outside of the Summer Expedition program’s dates.

Registration Opens: Tuesday March 24, 2026

Registration Closes: Monday June 15, 2026 (or while space is available)

** All summer program offerings are subject to change and are based on enrolment and availability.**

No Waiting List will be maintained after Registration Closes.

Secondary Summer Learning Programs

Gr. 9 Summer Credits – Online

Course:

HIF1OE: Individual and Family Living

The HIF1O Individual and Family Living course explores fundamental concepts and challenges within the context of families, such as meeting basic needs, relating to others, managing resources, and becoming responsible members of society. Students will develop interpersonal, decision-making, and practical skills while learning about diverse family dynamics and structures in Canada. The course covers effective communication, adolescent issues, coping skills, and recognizing healthy relationships. It also includes household safety, food preparation, nutrition and meal planning, and managing food resources. Additionally, students will explore various family forms, cultural diversity, and support systems for families in a changing environment. This comprehensive course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for personal and family well-being. Current WCDSB Grade 8 students entering Grade 9 at Waterloo Catholic Secondary School.

Dates: June 29, 2026 – July 24, 2026, Monday to Friday (no programming Wednesday, July 1 – Canada Day).
Format: Online

  • Note: Since HIF1OE is a FULL eLearning (online) credit course, students are expected to login to D2L and work independently on learning materials for this course for 6 hours each day (no exceptions for vacation plans).
  • Login Information for online courses will be emailed to the students one week prior to the start of the course.
  • Students can access the Student Information Sheet and Guidelines for Online Learning 
  • Final exams / culminating activities are online on the date indicated in the course schedule.

Website: Gr. 9 Summer Credit
Current Grade: Current WCDSB Grade 8 students entering Grade 9 at Waterloo Catholic Secondary School

Registration Opens: Tuesday March 24, 2026

Registration Closes: Monday June 15, 2026 (or while space is available)

Gr. 9 Summer Credits – In-Person

Courses:

TDJ1OI – Exploring Technological Design

The Exploring Technological Design Grade 9 credit course involves applying design processes to technological and engineering challenges. It includes project research, design creation, model/prototype building, and product/process assessment. It also covers environmental and societal issues in engineering and technological design, and explores education and career paths in these fields.

TFJ1OI – Exploring Hospitality and Tourism

The Exploring Hospitality and Tourism Grade 9 credit course explores the hospitality and tourism sectors, focusing on food service. It includes study of food handling and preparation, safety standards, tool usage, food origins and event planning. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues and explores career pathways in the industry.

TGJ1OI – Exploring Communication Technology

The Exploring Communication Technology Grade 9 credit course covers communications technology with a media focus. It includes work in video, print, photography, and interactive new media. Projects may involve creating videos, editing photos, audio work, animations, and web design. It also addresses environmental and societal issues related to communication technology and explores education/career paths in the field.

TXJ1OI – Exploring Hairstyling and Aesthetics

The Exploring Hairstyling and Aesthetics Grade 9 credit course presents hairstyling and aesthetic techniques from a salon/spa perspective. Using materials, processes, and techniques used in the industry, students learn fundamental skills in hairstyling, aesthetics, and providing hair analyses and treatments. Students will also consider related environmental and societal issues, and will explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field of hairstyling and aesthetics.

Dates: June 29, 2026 – July 24, 2026, (no programming Wednesday, July 1 – Canada Day)
Format: Monday to Thursday is in-person and Friday is asynchronous
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Website: Gr. 9 Summer Credit

Locations: Please visit the St. Louis Grade 9 Summer Credit website for more information.

** Please choose the location closest to the city in which you live. Bus transportation is available at centralized pick-up / drop-off sites at designated Catholic Elementary schools. Request transportation at the time of registration. **

Current Grade: Current WCDSB Grade 8 students entering Grade 9 at Waterloo Catholic Secondary School

NOTE: Vacation plans should be scheduled outside of summer school dates.

Registration Opens: Tuesday March 24, 2026

Registration Closes: Monday June 15, 2026 (or while space is available)

Gr. 10-12 Summer Online Credits

23 FULL credit course offerings, plus 2 Civics and Careers HALF credits
* Courses offerings subject to enrolment and availability

Dates: June 29, 2026 – July 24, 2026, Monday to Friday
Time Online: 6 hours per day
Format: Online, expected to complete course work independently
Current Grades: Grade 10 to Grade 12

**Please note: Current Gr. 8 students are ineligible to enroll in Grades 10-12 Credit Course offerings.**

Webpage: Gr. 10-12 Summer Credit Course Offerings

Registration is Open Now!

Registration Closes: Monday, June 22, 2026 (or while space is available)

** All Grades 9-12 summer credit courses are subject to change and are based on enrolment and availability. **

No Waiting List will be maintained after Registration Closes.