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April 2024 Community Update

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

 

Supporting Students in De-Streamed Mathematics

The LDCSB District Parent Involvement Committee will host an evening in support of students in de-streamed mathematics on April 17 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at John Paul II Catholic Secondary School's cafeteria/auditorium. Click here for more information.

 

Catholic Education Week

Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the distinct identity and significant contributions of Catholic Education during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration is titled, “Catholic Education: We are called to love” and will take May 5-10. Educators have access to various resources (lesson plans, classroom activities, worship resources, etc.).

 

Resources for Social Justice Initiatives

Schools that are working with a Social Justice Club; looking to engage students with social justice/awareness activities that relate to your curriculum, running the FIAT team, or running an Eco-Club or Environment Club are able to access various program resources from Development and Peace.

 

The Grand Theatre High School Project

The 2024 Grand Theatre High School Project is Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. The project offers an exceptional opportunity for students to receive education and training in the working environment of a professional theatre at no cost to the participants. High School students from the London area are mentored by professional artists and coaches in all departments (performance, stage management, props, wardrobe, scenic art, orchestra, sound, lighting, marketing and more), culminating in a production staged at the Spriet Stage.

 

 

 

EQUITY, INCLUSION AND WELL-BEING

 

Wellness Wednesday 

A variety of Wellness Wednesday resources have been shared over the past few weeks, including tips on how to get some sleep & be creative; how to count our blessings & give; and information on how to be creative & see another perspective.

 

We encourage everyone to practice and share the Wellness Wednesday initiatives. Enjoy! 

 

Mental Health Resources & Supports  

As you may be aware, School Mental Health Ontario has been supporting the development and implementation of the new, mandatory mental health modules for grades 7 and 8 released by the Ministry of Education. These modules will help equip students with inclusive, culturally responsive, evidence-informed knowledge, skills, and strategies to support their mental health and well-being. 

 

Parent’s Guide to Screentime

In today's digital age, screen time has become an integral part of our lives, especially for children. While technology offers numerous benefits, it's crucial to strike a balance to ensure our children's well-being and development. This resource provides guidance for parents on appropriate screen time for learners and can be shared with families in your school community.

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING, ACHIEVEMENT AND GLOBAL COMPETENCIES

 

OYAP Information Night for Students and Parents/Guardians

Students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an information session on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). OYAP provides students with an opportunity to try a Skilled Trades during Secondary Co-op Courses and potentially become registered apprentices while still in secondary school. Learn more about this program by attending the OYAP Information Presentation on April 8, at 7 pm at the London Marconi Club with the option to join earlier for a light dinner. View this OYAP Information Night Event Flyer for further details and for the RSVP Link (all participants are asked to RSVP).

 

Code to Learn Webinar

A Code to Learn session for educators was held last month, which focused on demonstrating some cross-curricular activities for grades 6 through 9 by coding the micro:bit. Participants wrote code to collect information and alert when environmental conditions are outside of optimal ranges. They also saw how large amounts of data can be collected over time using the micro:bit’s built-in sensors through automation.

 

STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES

 

School Board Receives Funding for New Elementary School Just West of London

The Ministry of Education has announced that it has granted approval and $20.6 million in benchmark funding for a new elementary school and childcare centre in Middlesex Centre. The new school, to be built just west of London in the Kilworth-Komoka area on a site yet to be determined, will have a capacity for 424 students as well as a five-room childcare centre.

 

“This is great news for the LDCSB” said Vince Romeo, Director of Education. “Our schools in Delaware and the west end of London are bursting with students. This new school will relieve pressure on our existing schools and will also be able to accommodate new students moving into an area that is experiencing significant residential development."

 

LDCSB’s Newest Elementary School: St. Gabriel, Set to Open Early 2025

The LDCSB’s newest school, currently under construction and on track to open in early 2025, will be named St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School.

 

The 507-student school is located in NW London off Burloak Drive, near Hyde Park Road and Sunningdale Road. St. Gabriel will welcome students from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School, with more than 400 students transferring to St. Gabriel.

 

In anticipation of a move during the school year, classes of future St. Gabriel students will be created, who will move as a group to the new school. A principal has already been assigned to the new school and will share additional details with families and staff over the next few months.

 

The latest photos of the St. Gabriel school site are on the LDCSB website: LDCSB.ca > Schools > New School Construction.

 

About the LDCSB

The LDCSB has 43 elementary schools (soon to be 46) and 9 secondary schools, with 4,400+ staff working together to educate and support more than 26,000 students.

 

The London region is one of the fastest growing areas in Canada, and the LDCSB is growing rapidly as well. Our student population has increased approximately 30% over the past five years.

 

 

Solar Eclipse Information for Families

The following is being sent on behalf of our local public health units:

 

On April 8, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, most of Elgin County, Oxford County, Middlesex County and London will experience a solar eclipse, with the peak time estimated to be around 3:17 PM. In some areas, this will be a total solar eclipse, while in others, this will be a partial solar eclipse.

 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface.

 

Importance of Eye Safety

It is not safe to look at a solar eclipse without approved eye protection. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes. While the eclipse presents a unique opportunity for observation, we strongly emphasize the importance of your child’s eye safety. Whether you plan on watching the eclipse or are outside in the community, looking at even a small sliver before or after the eclipse without appropriate solar eclipse eye protection can be harmful to your eyesight.

 

Symptoms of Eye Damage

Eye damage may not be noticed immediately. Symptoms of eye damage can take 12 to 48 hours to appear and can include retinal burns, temporary or permanent vision loss (immediate or delayed onset), and blurred vision.

If you experience temporary vision loss or blurred vision during or after the event, speak to your optometrist or health care provider as soon as possible. Blindness symptoms require immediate emergency care.

 

How to Avoid Eye Damage

  • Keep a close eye on children during an eclipse. They may not understand the risks associated with a solar eclipse. Their eyes also let in more light to the retina than adult eyes, so they are at higher risk of harm if they look at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
  • Do not look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection.
  • If you plan to watch the eclipse, only use filters or glasses that meet international standard ISO 12312-2.
  • Indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors, can be used to experience an eclipse.
  • Cameras, phones, telescopes, and binoculars do not offer adequate eye protection.
  • Instead, consider alternate viewing methods such as an eclipse box or LiveStream if proper eyewear is unavailable.
  • Drive carefully with your headlights on, as the solar eclipse can create night-like conditions.

 

Additional Resources

Attached Files