NCPS Newsletter
January 2025
Provide your feedback on the proposed SCDSB 2025-26 school year calendar
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites public school communities to submit input regarding the proposed school year calendar for next year (September 2025 to June 2026).
Provide input by visiting scdsb.on.ca and selecting ‘Elementary’ or ‘Secondary’, then ‘Planning for School’ and ‘School Year Calendar’.
All stakeholders including staff, parents/guardians, students, and members of the school community are invited to provide feedback. The deadline to provide feedback is Jan. 15, 2025, to ensure the SCDSB meets school year calendar development timelines set by the Ministry of Education.
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. Our school is in the WEST zone. 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 SCSTC 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 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.
SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Nights this February
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites you to participate in a Family Math Night on either Feb. 18 (Fieldcrest ES, Bradford) or Feb. 20 (Ardagh Bluffs PS, Barrie). These events will offer a variety of engaging math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore numerous math stations, each staffed by SCDSB teachers. You'll leave with valuable math tools and resources to support your child's learning at home. Families are welcome to attend either event, regardless of whether their child attends that school.
Register to attend: https://forms.office.com/r/PE0K5e1Zjm
Family Literacy Day 2025
Family Literacy Day takes place every Jan. 27 to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with your child(ren) is crucial for their development and their improving literacy skills. Learn more: abclifeliteracy.ca/programs/family-literacy-day/
Kindergarten registration for September 2025 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 2025? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
Subscribe to Kindergarten Connections!
Will your child be turning four in 2025? If so, the SCDSB invites you to Kindergarten Connections! This is a monthly enewsletter informing families of everything they need to know about preparing their child for school, as well as registering them for Kindergarten in the SCDSB. To learn more and subscribe, visit the Kindergarten page on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
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. 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 10- 14). 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 Barrie Youth Honour Choir!
Introducing the Barrie Youth Honour Choir! This choir is made up of elementary and secondary students from SCDSB schools within the Barrie area. Recently, they performed for fellow students, their families, and community members at the Collier Street United Church. Watch as we showcase the beautiful voices of these talented SCDSB students: youtube.com/watch?v=c2G-jWlj9n0
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.
Regular student attendance matters
There are many ways we can work together to get attendance back on track or prevent poor attendance habits from starting. Did you know attendance counsellors (available by referral) work closely with families, school staff, and community partners to support students to attend school? Contact your school for more information.
Learn more about why regular student attendance matters at scdsb.on.ca/attendance.
School playground structures are closed for the winter
To ensure the safety of all users, playground equipment is closed and off-limits until the protective surfacing is tilled in the spring. This is due to winter hazards, icy equipment, and frozen ground conditions.
Every winter, school playground structures are closed. Students are made aware of this during school hours through announcements and staff reminders during breaks. This may not be well known throughout the community, despite signs indicating that playground structures are a winter hazard and are closed. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) regulations make recommendations for the depth of ground cover required to minimize injuries (e.g., sand, pea gravel, or wood chips). These surfaces cannot be maintained when the ground freezes. Injuries from falling would be more significant on frozen ground. We strongly recommend that you do not allow your children to play on any structures while the ground is frozen.
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 2025, 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 begins on Jan. 6, 2025, and ends on Feb. 28, 2025. Recommendations must be made by filling out this form: tinyurl.com/yt3jmcde.
Join the SCDSB for a virtual special education information series
During the 2024-25 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Transition planning
Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
This virtual session will include SCDSB special education staff and community partners to explore the importance of collaborative planning for transitions, and discuss available resources and supports.
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions
You’re invited to a learning series with Pine River Institute (PRI)
Mental health and well-being continue to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Worry or anxiety
Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
Understand what is considered normal and when additional support may be needed. Learn how to talk to your child about their emotions and navigate challenging situations confidently.
To join in this learning, please visit the SCDSB website to register: scdsb.on.ca/about/well-being___mental_health/pine_river_institute_learning_series. Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at pineriverinstitute.com.
New year, new math activities!
New math problems, games, and activities are added to Math at Home monthly. Visit www.scdsb.on.ca/MathatHome to find fun, engaging ways to support your child(ren) in learning math.
In January, activities in school and on Math at Home may include representing fractions using tools, and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers and fractions.
SCDSB Indigenous Education
Have you seen the SCDSB Indigenous Education icon? You may notice graduation coaches, Indigenous social workers, and student advisors wearing attire featuring this Indigenous Education icon. We recognize and respect a distinctions-based approach to honour each nation individually while understanding that many nations call Simcoe County home.
The SCDSB Indigenous Education icon represents the rich and diverse Indigenous nations within our schools and wider communities. On this icon, you will see the Medicine Wheel, also known as the Four Directions Wheel. The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the First Nation communities and Knowledge Keepers who have lived in this region since time immemorial. Next to the Medicine Wheel is the Infinity Symbol. The Infinity Symbol represents the Métis Nation and its enduring culture and history in this area. The Inukshuk represents Inuit students and families who call Simcoe County home. All three motifs are surrounded by sweetgrass which signifies the unity and mutual respect among Indigenous nations.
To view this icon and learn more about Indigenous Education in the SCDSB, visit: scdsb.on.ca/cms/one.aspx?pageId=372035
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions in need of foster homes
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is in need of families in our communities to open their homes to children and youth requiring foster homes. By opening your home, you can make a difference in their lives by keeping them close to their family, school, and community. Help us keep kids close to home. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, please visit familyconnexions.ca or check out a few of our videos to better understand what it takes to become a foster care provider: familyconnexions.ca/fostering-resources.
Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions.
Your child’s immunization record
The Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires the health unit to have up-to-date immunization records for all students attending school. According to ISPA (2014), students are required to be vaccinated against the following diseases:
▪ Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, and Pertussis (whooping cough)
▪ Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (must have two doses after first birthday)
▪ Meningococcal Disease (must have one dose after first birthday and Men-C-ACYW in Grade 7)
▪ Varicella (chickenpox, only required for those born 2010 and after)
The health unit does not receive immunization information directly from doctor’s offices. Please contact the health unit each time your child receives a vaccine from their health care provider.
What you can do:
▪ Check your child’s yellow immunization card
▪ Contact your child’s healthcare provider to obtain records, or to get missing vaccinations
▪ Visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Immunization/Report-an-immunization to enter the complete record, or fax a completed record to 705-726- 3962.
Contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 1-877-721-7520 or visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/ with questions or for more information.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Stay healthy this school year!
Respiratory infections, like a cold or influenza, can spread easily from person to person. These germs can spread quickly when someone coughs or sneezes directly on another person, or when germs land on hard surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and keyboards. These germs can then enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick and stop the spread of germs is wash your hands! Wash with soap and warm running water for at least 15 seconds (or try singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice). If your hands are not visibly dirty you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 15 seconds. Also, make sure you and your children are up to date with your immunizations, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home for at least 24 hours if you are sick.
For more tips to keep you and your family healthy this school year, contact Health Connection at 1-877-721-7520 or visit simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
January PA Days
Please note that Friday, Jan. 24 is a PA Day for elementary students, and Friday, Jan. 31 is a PA Day for secondary students. Please refer to the 2024-25 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/school_year_calendar.
Below is a summary of the activities planned for the Jan. 24 elementary PA Day:
Length: Full day
Topic: Evaluation and reporting
Host: Simcoe County District School Board
Elementary educators will be working to complete the first provincial report card which will reflect students’ achievement of curriculum expectations introduced and developed from September to January/February of the school year, as well as students’ development of the learning skills and work habits during that period. This process includes both evaluation and reporting.
Elementary report cards will go home to parents/guardians on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
Days of Awareness 2024-25
