Prepared on behalf of Board of Trustees and the LDCSB, the Community Update is designed to provide relevant information about progress on the LDCSB’s 2023-27 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP).
CATHOLICITY AND COMMUNITY
Development and Peace Resources for Schools
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has developed a new program called Development & Peace Schools. The program consists of a series of social and global justice resources and challenges for which schools/classrooms can earn badges. Inspired by Laudato Si’, the D&P Schools Program provides concrete challenges to help students develop a global and social relationship and responsibility. Individual classrooms, entire schools, FIAT groups, social justice clubs, etc. can register to receive the Program Kit and direct support from a D&P local animator.
Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day
Ash Wednesday fell on February 14, which was also Valentine’s Day. Schools were encouraged to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). St. Valentine's Day is an optional memorial on our Church Calendar and Ash Wednesday always takes precedence over an optional memorial. Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a day for "eating large" in preparation for our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving and this would be an appropriate day to include Valentine’s Day festivities. It is the hope that schools mark Ash Wednesday each year with the appropriate reverence and the solemnity that it deserves.
EQUITY, INCLUSION AND WELL-BEING
February Well-Being Resources
Various Well-Being Resources were shared with staff to continue building mentally healthy classrooms.
Mental Health & Well-Being Resources for K-12
Wayfinder is a tool shared with K-12 educators that gathers mental health learning resources in an easy-to-use and sequenced way. The digital, clickable guide offers a variety of mental health lessons and activities organized by grade, including virtual field trips, lesson plans, read-alouds, grab-and-go activities, and much more.
Secondary Test & Exam Resources
Resources were shared with secondary staff to help prevent or reduce some of the stress students may feel related to tests and exams. The SMHO MHLIT - Student Mental Health In Action Lesson Plans are designed to help students manage and cope with life situations that may be stressful. Expansion packs included:
Test & Exam Stress: Strategies to Perform your Best
Test & Exam Stress: Strategies to Perform your Best Student Journal
Test & Exam Stress: Strategies to Perform at your Best Caregiver Handout
STUDENT LEARNING, ACHIEVEMENT AND GLOBAL COMPETENCIES
Mandatory Technological Education Credit Coming For Current Grade 8s
Starting in September 2024, all grade 9 students will be required to obtain a grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit. Supports and resources have been shared with secondary schools.
EQAO Webinars & Learning Modules
In the coming months, EQAO will continue hosting webinars and learning modules to support educators, parents and guardians. EQAO has new math resources for the primary, junior and Grade 9 assessments.
Learning Priority – Mathematics – EQAO Check-In Questions
System Goal: All students will become increasingly proficient in mathematics. The LDCSB utilizes a digital math tool that offers teachers a quick and easy way to check for student understanding in mathematics using curriculum aligned questions. Custom activities have been created for Grade 3 and 6 teachers as a quick curriculum check-in for students as we move closer to the administration of the Primary and Junior EQAO assessments.
STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES
Construction Projects and Updates
There are a number of construction projects happening across the LDCSB. Click the links below to see updates on some of the projects:
- New NW London Elementary School
- St. Anne’s, St. Thomas: Addition
- St. Anne, London: child-care and EarlyON Child & Family Centre
2024-25 Budget Consultation Survey
The LDCSB invites parents/guardians, students, staff, parish, and community members to provide input into the 2024-25 budget development process. The 2023-2027 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) prioritizes student learning and achievement through the integration of Faith Formation, Equity, Inclusion and Well-Being.
The Board spends approximately 80% on staffing costs and 20% on operating costs. The 2024-25 Budget Consultation survey is voluntary and your responses to the survey are kept anonymous. The survey closes March 19.