The WRDSB is committed to sharing information to help parents, families and caregivers stay up-to-date on what your child is learning in school and to access necessary resources.

Code of Conduct

All students, staff, Trustees, families and caregivers, volunteers and visitors deserve to feel safe, and learn and work in caring, inclusive and respectful school communities. Any threatening, abusive or otherwise inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. The WRDSB Policy 6001: Code of Conduct outlines expectations and responsibilities for all members of the school community to promote positive school environments.

WRDSB Board Policy 1002: Occupational Health and Safety outlines expectations to support a safe working and learning environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. WRDSB does not tolerate harassment or workplace violence.

The Human Rights Branch is available to address matters specific to Ontario Human Rights Code-related harassment and discrimination complaints.

Parent, Family and Caregiver Engagement

When families are engaged in their child’s learning, students perform better. We know that in order to improve students’ academic outcomes, we must work together with families and caregivers to support student achievement and well-being.

The WRDSB aims to follow-up in a timely manner to parent and caregiver inquiries. At minimum, WRDSB staff will acknowledge a parent and caregiver inquiry within two business days. Central staff will facilitate communication between the school and families, or refer the inquiry to other board-level staff where appropriate to respond.

We will make our best efforts to provide an estimated date of response if a parent or caregiver inquiry cannot be fully addressed within two business days of receiving the inquiry.

WRDSB staff will follow the relevant Policies and Procedures, and/or legislative requirements when responding to an inquiry. Refer to the Process for Addressing Concerns.

We also invite parent, family and caregiver participation through their child’s school council, Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils (WRAPSC).

Families of Multilingual Language Learner (MLL) Students

Ongoing communication between home and school is important. Families and caregivers can always reach out to their child’s school if they have questions or concerns, and schools will do their best to provide an interpreter if needed.

Other ways to stay engaged:

Websites

Subscribe to receive email notifications about news and information posted on your child’s school or the school board websites.

School-Day

Many WRDSB schools have chosen to use School-Day as a communication tool, and as a way to pay for school items such as field-trips, required supplies and other commercial activities. Sign-up today to receive electronic communications to your inbox.

EngageWRDSB

EngageWRDSB is a hub to support families and caregivers with quick and easy access to resources and information to support community engagement.

Guest Speakers in Schools

Community members play a significant role in supporting students’ education. At times, guest speakers may be invited to a school to support students’ learning in connection with curriculum-related topics. Schools will provide specific information to parents, families and caregivers whenever external speakers or groups are invited to speak to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students at school based events, at least 14 calendar days in advance of the date the presentations are to take place.

This requirement applies to a school event that takes place during the school day:

  • involving a third-party speaker or group (e.g., guest speakers, live performances);
  • organized by a school, a department, a teacher or other staff member, school council, or a student group; and,
  • that involves all students in a school, or students in multiple classes.

Families will be notified in advance of a planned event through existing communication tools supported by the school board or school, including:

  • Date and time of the activity;
  • Name(s) of the guest speaker(s) and the organization they represent, if any;
  • Title and location of the activity, together with the names of the presenters or performers;
  • Topic or focus of the activity; and,
  • Connections to the curriculum and/or the purpose of the activity.
  • Details of any handout materials, give-aways, or literature that will be provided.

If, at any time, there is a change to a planned event or should arrangements at the school level not allow for 14 calendar days’ advance notice (i.e., change in speakers, limited planning time), the school will be required to provide this information to parents, families and caregivers as soon as final arrangements are confirmed.

School boards are permitted to exclude certain information (such as date and time of activity) where the school board determines that posting this information would pose a safety risk to students and/or staff.

Information about Professional Development Days

Professional Development (PD) Days are held throughout the school year to provide learning opportunities for school-based staff. This professional learning focuses on providing educators and staff with the knowledge and skills needed to support and enhance student achievement and well being.

Information about the professional development learning is posted on the WRDSB website 14 calendar days before the PD day. This information includes the focus; format; learning delivery method; presenter(s)/facilitators; schools participating and content of staff learning.

The Process for Addressing Concerns

From time to time, there may be a misunderstanding, a lack of communication, or a serious situation that needs attention. When this happens, everyone must work together to resolve the matter. Families and caregivers have the right to express concerns, school staff have the right to respond and the Board has an obligation to support students, families and caregivers and staff.

Learn more about the process for addressing concerns.

Supporting Student Learning and Accommodating Creed

WRDSB is committed to fostering welcoming schools where everyone feels they belong, while upholding the:

  • Ontario Human Rights Code
  • Education Act
  • Safe and Accepting Schools Act
  • Other relevant legislation

We know that families and caregivers teach students about beliefs. Schools work with families and caregivers to help students reach their full potential.

WRDSB supports safe and welcoming schools where all students feel:

  • Welcome
  • Included

We must uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Ontario Human Rights Code and provide creed accommodations within the limits of the Code. According to these a student can express their beliefs based on their creed. Human rights legislation determines the limits to freedom of expression, and this guides our approach. The Board will make reasonable efforts, on an individual basis, to accommodate students within the curriculum.

However, in alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Board cannot excuse students from learning opportunities which address protected identities, outside of Strand D of the Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Learn more about how WRDSB supports student learning and accommodating creed, as well as exemption from instruction.