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
Guidelines for School Chapels
The Diocesan Guidelines for School Chapels have been shared with Chaplaincy Leaders in the past and with those new to the role. The guidelines include what is and what is not permitted in the Chapel. For example, drama/music performances or practices unrelated to the liturgy, guidance presentations, awards assemblies, non-Catholic or non-Catholic prayer groups or reflection groups, etc. should not be taking place in the chapel. The secondary chapel is a place for the celebration of the liturgy and private devotional prayer.
Virtual Advent Retreat
The Catholic Association of Religious and Family Life Educators (CARFLEO) hosted its annual Virtual Advent Retreat at the end of November. The retreat was open to all Catholic educators in Ontario.
Finding the Readings for Mass or Prayer Services
Happy Church New Year! When you are looking for the readings of the day for upcoming Masses or prayer services, you will now be looking at the 2023-2024 Liturgical Calendar (Year B). You can also access the daily readings here. (You can see a few weeks ahead).
EQUITY, INCLUSION AND WELL-BEING
School Leadership Open House
A Leadership Open House was held in November for all teachers considering school leadership opportunities.
Family Well-Being Community Workshop Series Sessions
Two Family Well-Being Community Workshop Series sessions were held in November:
Nov 21: Understanding & Exploring Restorative Practices for Caregivers & Families
Nov 22: Combatting Cyberbullying: Internet Safety for Caregivers
Nurturing The Mental Health And Well-Being Of Your Family
All families were invited to a parent information session on supportive parenting, exploring strategies for nurturing the mental health and well-being of your family in early December. This session explored strategies and practical tools to create a positive and supportive environment that bolsters mental health and well-being. This workshop equipped parents with the knowledge and skills to help navigate the challenges of family life while prioritizing the mental health of their children.
December Equity Newsletter
The December Equity Newsletter for staff focused on taking time to learn more about the various and diverse Christmas traditions as well as other celebrations occurring in December.
STUDENT LEARNING, ACHIEVEMENT AND GLOBAL COMPETENCIES
New EQAO Mathematics Resources for Educators
EQAO has provided additional resources to support educators in relation to the mathematics component of the Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary and Junior Divisions. These resources explain how mathematics questions on each assessment are mapped to a category of knowledge and skills, and to an overall and a specific expectation in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1–8: Mathematics (2020) in the primary- and junior-division assessments.
Indigenous Education Learning Opportunity for K-3 Classes
In September, students were introduced to the Haudenosaunee Opening Address (also known as the Thanksgiving Address). In October, students learned about E twa tsi - Our oldest brother (the sun). As we approach winter, it becomes a time for storytelling. K-3 Classroom teachers and students were invited to hear stories related to plants and animals.
Learning Priority – Mathematics – Schema Instruction, An Evidence-Based Strategy
In the LDCSB, we use evidence-based strategies to teach the 2020 math curriculum. Teaching students to understand word problems according to the problem’s structure or schema is an evidence-based strategy. Do not focus on ‘key words’ in a problem. This can obscure students’ understanding of what is happening in a problem.
The 2020 Math Curriculum identifies three additive schemas: change, combine, compare. There is a general progression of when these schemas are explicitly taught to students.
STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES
New NW London Elementary School Construction Photos
Click here to see the photos of the construction progress. The page will be updated regularly.
Privacy Responsibilities Reminder
As the LDCSB works toward a digital Record Management Solution (digital records), all staff were reminded to take necessary steps to protect personal information in their custody or control against theft, loss or unauthorized collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification or disposal.
HEPA Filters in Classrooms
All schools have been strongly encouraged to utilize HEPA filters as much as possible to minimize the impacts of cold and flu season.