Dear Wellington Catholic DSB Families,
We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to school in the coming week for the start of the 2023-24 school year. It promises to be a great year of learning and faith formation at the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
This year’s Ontario Catholic School Trustee’s Association theme for Catholic Education is, “We are called to Love.” It is grounded in Pope Francis’ message that we are called to be, “artisans of a new history, weavers of hope, builders of the future, peacemakers”, in our relationships with one another, our Christian service to others, our response to Truth and Reconciliation, and in answer to those needing our love and support. This unifying message in all Catholic school boards across the province will be a source of inspiration for the year ahead.
Please see the following updates as we begin the 2023-24 school year.
School Year Calendar: Please see the following link to the 2023-24 School Year Calendar.
The first day of school will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. For Kindergarten entry schedules, please consult with your child’s school.
Professional Development Day – Monday, September 18: The first professional development day for staff this year will be held on Monday, September 18. The focus of the first day Is annual Health and Safety Training, new curriculum implementation including Literacy and Math, as well as destreamed courses in secondary school. For more information about the September 18 Professional Development Day, please visit: https://www.wellingtoncdsb.ca/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1083041&type=d&pREC_ID=1391173
Student Transportation Updates: Our local student transportation consortium is STWDSTS: https://stwdsts.ca/
Please ensure you check your Parent Portal Account on or after September 2 to ensure you have the most up-to-date transportation information effective September 5. Click here to subscribe, which will notify you via e-mail if your child’s bus has been cancelled or delayed: https://www.findmyschool.ca/default
Bus operators have been actively recruiting for bus drivers over the summer to ensure adequate coverage of routes for the 2023-2024 school year. If we experience bus delays for any reason, the information will be posted to the consortium website.
The 2023-2024 STWDSTS Newsletter can also be viewed here:https://stwdsts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/STWDSTS-2023-2024-NEWSLETTER-ENGLISH.pdf
The Wellington Catholic DSB Catholic Education Centre has Moved: Over the month of August, our Catholic Education Centre has moved to 255 Speedvale Ave. W, Guelph. This new facility has improved accessibility features for staff and visitors and provides operational efficiencies. For mailing deliveries or in-person assistance, please note our new location at 255 Speedvale Ave. W. N1H 1CS or contact us at (519) 821-4600 or [email protected]
21st Annual Bishop’s Dinner for Community Needs: On Thursday, October 5, the Wellington Catholic DSB, in partnership with the Diocese of Hamilton, will be hosting the 21st Annual Bishop’s Dinner for Community Needs. Together we support families in need through the Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington, Canadian Mental Health Association, Centre Wellington Food Bank, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. For more information on how to purchase tickets, donate to, or sponsor this event, please click here: https://www.wellingtoncdsb.ca/apps/pages/bishopsdinner.
Home Stay Families Needed in Guelph: Wellington Catholic secondary schools will, once again, be welcoming international students throughout the year. The Wellington Catholic DSB’s partner agency, MLI Homestay, is currently looking for host families for students while they are attending our schools. If you, or someone you know, may be interested in welcoming an international this year, please contact Shanice at [email protected] or 416-731-4457 or visit www.mlihomestay.ca.
We are Hiring!: We currently have a number of openings for various positions including custodians, school and classroom supervisors, educational assistants and more. If interested, please feel free to check out our Careers page: https://www.wellingtoncdsb.ca/apps/pages/jobopportunities
Registrations for School: If you have friends, neighbours or relatives looking to register their child in a Catholic school, it is not too late! Schools continue to register students this week through our online registration system. Families who are seeking a faith-based education in our Catholic schools are invited to register, information can be found on our website at: https://www.wellingtoncdsb.ca/apps/pages/registration
We wish you and your family all the best as we begin this school year.
Mike Glazier
Director of Education