Community Connects - May 2024
Published on May 22, 2024 15:42

Community Connects Newsletter

On the move in Oro-Medonte
In February 2024, the Ontario government provided the SCDSB with approval to proceed with awarding a tender for the new Oro-Medonte elementary school and community centre. Groundworks resumed earlier this spring on the construction of the school that is designed to accommodate 570 elementary school students. The multi-use facility will include a full-sized gymnasium with an auditorium and stage, and a multipurpose kitchen. Trails surrounding the property will be upgraded and maintained to facilitate school and community use. This innovative new school would not have been possible without the early commitment of land and funding from the Township of Oro-Medonte. Follow the progress on the SCDSB website .

Well underway in Wasaga Beach
Construction on the new Wasaga Beach elementary school is well underway! The attendance area review to determine the boundaries for this new school was approved by the SCDSB Board of Trustees in March 2024. Members of the local community were invited to submit suggestions for the school's name. The naming committee, comprised of students, SCDSB staff, parents/guardians, and community representation, has met to consider and discuss the submitted names. Their recommendation will be brought to the Board of Trustees for consideration in June. Special thanks to the naming committee pictured below. The school is expected to open in fall 2024.

Group photo of members of the Wasaga Beach elementary school Naming Committee

Volunteers make a difference

Volunteers are an important part of what makes our schools great places to learn and grow. We value and appreciate the support of our volunteers. Every year the SCDSB celebrates Volunteer Week. This year, it landed on the week of April 21 to April 27. Watch the video below to learn about just a few of the SCDSB's amazing volunteers.

Volunteer shaking hand with student

If you are interested in volunteering at a school in your community, visit the SCDSB website. To become a volunteer in an SCDSB school, you must:

  1. Create an account within the Volunteer Portal through SCDSB Community Apps. Please remember to choose the school you wish to volunteer with.
  2. Complete accessibility training.
  3. Submit a current (dated within six months) Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Schools require all VSCs to be in their original form and emailed directly to the school for processing. Please note, volunteers are unable to upload VSCs directly to the Volunteer Portal.

If you do not have a computer or require assistance, please contact the school.

On the map
The SCDSB has 87 elementary schools, 16 secondary schools, and seven adult learning centres spread across Simcoe County. Over the past five years, the county has experienced significant growth in population, resulting in a one per cent increase in SCDSB students year-over-year. The map below shows the areas that have experienced the greatest increase in population growth in recent years.

Population growth map

Go green
Did you know that the SCDSB has a Sustainability Advisory Committee? The committee helps to ensure that the board is recognizing and meeting its commitment to the principles of system-based and school-based sustainability. The SCDSB is proud to announce that work has begun on the board's Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. This assessment encompasses several key components:

  • Climate Science Report: A detailed analysis outlining the specific risks posed by climate change to our region.
  • Impact Assessment: An evaluation of the potential consequences of climate-related events on the SCDSB's operations, built environment, natural environment, and socio-economic considerations.
  • Vulnerability Assessment: Identifying areas within the organization that are particularly susceptible to climate impacts.

To learn more about the SCDSB's green initiatives, visit the Environmental Initiatives page on the SCDSB website.

HR Community of Practice
Are you a human resource (HR) professional looking to expand your network and connect with others in the industry? Linking to our Strategic Priority of Community, the SCDSB is establishing a community of practice for HR professionals to share expertise, gain insights, and discuss successes and challenges related to human resources. The HR Community of Practice aims to foster collaborative discussions and enhance the knowledge and skills of HR professionals in medium to large-sized businesses operating in Simcoe County.

To learn more or get involved, contact Iain McMeekin, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, at [email protected].

HR highlight
The SCDSB is always looking to add new people to the team! We are currently looking for supply educational assistants (EA). Visit Apply to Education (ATE) to apply for this position before it closes on May 27.

Be sure to check Apply to Education regularly for more opportunities with the SCDSB.