A message from Director Dance
The 2021-22 school year was one of hope and emergence. While we continued to face a number of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as a system we recognized many significant accomplishments and opportunities deserving of celebrations. As the Director of Education, I am very proud of our students and their families for the resilience and perseverance they displayed, and our staff for their optimism, collaboration, and support that allowed for our education system to continue with the important work that we do. For me, the significant highlights from the 2021-22 school year included:
- Launching the Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO), including hiring the SCDSB’s first Human Rights and Equity Advisor, and the development of board policy to support the work of the HREO.
- Opening Maple Ridge SS, the sixteenth secondary school in the SCDSB and home to the only artificial turf field and artificial track in the board.
- Publishing the first ever student and workforce censuses.
- Implementing de-streamed mathematics in secondary schools.
- Building upon and extending efforts in the area of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Developing innovative resources and learning materials for staff in all panels and learning modes to access and use in a virtual environment.
- Initiating the Sustainability and Equity Advisory Committees.
- Completing a consultation to review and renew the SCDSB Strategic Priorities.
- Extending the graduation coach programs to include the first Indigenous-focused positions, and the addition of two graduation coaches for Black and 2SLGBTQ+ students.
- Adopting Ophea’s Healthy Schools Certification program that resulted in 90 SCDSB schools earning Healthy Schools certifications from Ophea for the 2021-22 school year, which represented more than half of the certifications earned throughout the province.
- Attending graduations, proms, and assemblies – in person, and the return of extracurricular activities and field trips.
- Recognizing Pride Month with activities throughout the SCDSB, including flying the Progressive Pride flag at the Education Centre, and displaying the flag at all schools.
Graduation is a pivotal moment in a students’ education journey. A moment to be celebrated and shared with family, friends, and all those who support and encourage a student to be successful. After two years of virtual celebrations, the graduation ceremonies in June 2022 were some of the most memorable events. They truly captured the spirit and resilience of our school communities as we emerged from the pandemic with hope and excitement for what the future would hold.
I encourage you to take a moment to watch this short video that highlights each SCDSB secondary school commencement ceremony:
SCDSB renews focus on existing Strategic Priorities for 2022-27
In June 2022, the SCDSB Board of Trustees approved the refreshed SCDSB Strategic Priorities 2022-2027, affirming our continued focus on Well-being, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Community, and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
In early 2022, the SCDSB held a consultation with Grade 7 to 12 students, staff, the Board of Trustees, and the broader SCDSB community, including parents and guardians and community organizations, to support the development of the Strategic Priorities. With participation from nearly 2,700 stakeholders, the SCDSB took the information gathered and refreshed the Strategic Priorities to reflect all voices and acknowledge the progress we have made. The board’s focus over the next five years will be to create a culture of belonging, engagement and success for all through our Strategic Priorities.
The consultation process also revealed key themes that were commonly referenced by all stakeholders in relation to each of the Strategic Priorities. These ten themes will be woven throughout our operational plans and will provide guidance and intentionality to the working and learning we do as a system. The key themes are Collaboration, Identity, Safety, Accountability, Innovation, Respect, Support, Trust, Transparency, and Celebration.
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Graduation coach pilot project supports positive outcomes for Black and Indigenous students
In January 2021, the SCDSB initiated a pilot project and hired two graduation coaches for Black students. In the 2021-22 school year the program was expanded to include three graduation coaches for Indigenous students. The graduation coaches have lived experience and provide support to students and their families, with the goal of helping each student achieve credits, graduate, and successfully transition into their chosen post-secondary pathway.
As a result of the success of the pilot project, the graduation coach program was further expanded for the 2022-23 school year to include additional graduation coaches for Black and Indigenous students as well as a graduation coach for 2SLGBTQ+ students.
School community recognizes Remembrance Day with outdoor art installation
In November 2021, in lieu of an in-person Remembrance Day ceremony, Barrie North CI created an outdoor art installation of ceramic poppies. For over a month, students and staff worked together to produce hundreds of ceramic poppies that were ‘planted’ on the front lawn of the school. Poppies were made available for sale to the public, and proceeds were donated to the Royal Canadian Legion.
SCDSB staff recognized with local and national awards
SCDSB staff members continued to shine on the local and national stage, being recognized as award winners for their contributions both inside and outside the school environment. In 2021-22, the following SCDSB staff received awards:
- Louis McIntyre and Jessica Napier (teachers), Knowledgehook Annual Impact Awards - Impact Influencers
- Heather Barker and Hailey Mills-Knapp (special education consultants) and Rachel Vieira (special education resource teacher), Empower Simcoe Inclusion Excellence Awards
- Natasha Berry (Hewitt's Creek PS), Barrie Rotary Club Teacher of the Year
WELL-BEING
Professional development on outdoor education and well-being offered to SCDSB staff and partners
In May 2022, staff and community partners were invited to participate in ‘Spring Back to Nature’, an outdoor conference providing the opportunity to reflect on wellness and learning in the outdoors. This event marked a return to in-person professional development at the SCDSB’s outdoor learning conferences, which were offered virtually during the pandemic.
‘Spring Back to Nature’ featured guest speakers from across Simcoe County and the province and included a wide variety of topics such as learning in the outdoors for Grades K-12, child, youth, and adult mental health and wellness, self-regulation, and connecting with nature.
SCDSB staff reminded that 'you make a difference' during Education Week
Education Week is celebrated during the first week of May each year. In 2022, the SCDSB recognized staff for the continuous efforts they make to support our students, families, and school communities. Buttons highlighting the statement that ‘#youmakeadifference’ and a special video message were sent to all staff.
SCDSB schools show commitment to health and well-being with 90 Ophea Healthy Schools certifications
Students and staff at 90 SCDSB schools earned Healthy Schools certifications from Ophea for the 2021-22 school year, more than half of the certifications earned throughout the province. SCDSB schools earned 52 gold, 24 silver, 12 bronze, and two certifications.
The Healthy Schools certification program recognizes and celebrates school communities for promoting and enhancing the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader community.
COMMUNITY
Andrew Hunter ES partners with Barrie and Urban Pantry for community garden
The students and staff at Andrew Hunter ES worked with a variety of community partners, including the City of Barrie, Kempenfelt Rotary Club, and Urban Pantry, to build, plant, and harvest nine raised garden beds in their community garden.
This garden supported student learning opportunities both inside and outside, as students participated in planting, upkeep of the garden and harvest, and then used the fruits (and vegetables) of their labour to prepare healthy meals. Members of the local community also had access to the food grown in the garden.
Celebrating the SCDSB's growth with new schools and additions
In 2021-22, the SCDSB celebrated our continued growth with the opening of a new secondary school and the announcement of capital funding for new schools, additions, and child care spaces.
In September 2021, Maple Ridge SS opened its doors to students from the Hewitt’s Creek PS, Hyde Park PS, and Algonquin Ridge ES attendance areas. The new school can accommodate 1,005 students and is home to the first artificial turf field in the SCDSB.
From December 2021 to February 2022, members of provincial parliament announced that the Ministry of Education had approved funding for the following capital priorities:
- New elementary school in west Orillia
- Banting Memorial HS replacement school in Alliston
- Child care addition at Tecumseth Beeton ES in Beeton
- 184 pupil-place addition at Killarney Beach PS in Innisfil
SCDSB formalizes partnerships to support students, staff, and families
In 2021-22, the SCDSB signed memorandums of understanding with a number of community partners, committing to working together to provide programs and services within our schools and school communities.
In November 2021, the SCDSB and the Centre for Family Initiatives Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) committed to working together to support student mental health and well-being with SCDSB families and staff over a three-year period. The partnership is intended to promote cooperation and collaboration between the two institutions, and includes a comprehensive learning series promoting the positive mental health and well-being of students.
In February 2022, the SCDSB and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka (YMCA) committed to working together to support newcomer and immigrant students and their families through the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program. The SWIS program will provide newcomer and immigrant students and their families with culturally sensitive and inclusive services to assist with settlement, integration, and full participation within SCDSB schools and communities.
Also in February 2022, the SCDSB and COPE Service Dogs (COPE) committed to working together to facilitate the delivery of the Canines in the Classroom program in schools. The Canines in the Classroom program gives secondary school students an opportunity to learn how to train service dogs, while also strengthening their essential literacy skills, personal leadership skills, and confidence as learners. The program is responsive to the needs of SCDSB students, while also providing an opportunity for the dogs to hone their skills in preparation for their eventual work as service and therapy animals.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Results of first-ever SCDSB student and workforce censuses highlight diversity of Simcoe County
During the 2020-21 school year, the SCDSB conducted its first student and workforce censuses. Beginning in October 2021, the SCDSB reported on results of the census and how the data is being used. The census results are being used on an ongoing basis to inform our planning and identify where there are opportunities for additional programs, supports, and resources.
More than 3,700 staff completed the workforce census, while 51 per cent (or 26,978 students) participated in the student census. Fifty-two per cent of students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 had a parent/guardian participate in the census on their behalf, while 50 per cent of students in Grades 7 to 12 participated in the census themselves.
The census results clearly show the rich diversity present across the SCDSB, with students and staff representing a variety of abilities, ethnic backgrounds, races, religions/creeds, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
SCDSB marks Juneteenth with a celebration of Black excellence
On June 17, 2022, members of the SCDSB community celebrated Juneteenth at a Black Excellence Celebration hosted by the graduation coaches for Black students from Nantyr Shores SS and Bradford District HS.
Attendees shared a meal and enjoyed a presentation from former politician Celina Caesar-Chavaness. The event highlighted Black students graduating from Nantyr Shores SS and Bradford District HS, and included a variety of performances by students and local artists.
Georgian Bay District SS celebrates Pride Month with unveiling of crosswalk
In June 2022, members of the Georgian Bay District SS (GBDSS) community gathered together to unveil the first Pride crosswalk in the SCDSB. The rainbow crosswalk was the product of months of planning and fundraising by GBDSS students, including the leadership class and student council, in partnership with the Town of Midland and first responders from the South Georgian Bay OPP and Midland and Penetanguishene fire departments.
Funds for the crosswalk were raised through a first responders versus students and staff ball hockey game, held earlier in the year. Students chose to paint the Progressive Pride flag, which represents the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
SCDSB undertakes audit to explore workplace equity, diversity and inclusion
In winter 2022 the SCDSB engaged an external consultant to complete an equity audit. The intent of the SCDSB Equity Audit was to build on the SCDSB Workforce Census, completed in 2021, and further explore issues of workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion. It examined employment policies and practices to identify any potential barriers to hiring, advancement, and full inclusion of employees.
The audit included a variety of ways for staff to engage, including the Workplace Equity and Inclusion Survey, voluntary focus groups, and one-on-one interviews. The use of an external consultant ensured the objectivity of the audit, and anonymity for staff who participated.
The SCDSB plans to report on the results of the equity audit and next steps during the 2022-23 school year.
2021-22 Senior Administrative Team
John Dance | Director of Education
Dawn Stephens | Associate Director/Superintendent of Student Achievement (7-12)
Superintendents of Education
Lisa Coffey
Michael Giffen
Daryl Halliday
Dean Maltby
John Playford
Charlene Scime
Susan Sidlofsky
Superintendent of Business and Facility Services
Corry Van Nispen
Superintendent of Human Resource Services and Information Technology
Brian Jeffs
Superintendent of Student Achievement (K-6)/Special Education
Chris Samis
2018-2022 Board of Trustees
Donna Armstrong | Innisfil
Peter Beacock | Oro-Medonte and Springwater
Sarah Beitz | New Tecumseth
Tyler Boswell | Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay, and Tiny
Debbie Connors | Bradford West Gwillimbury
Jodi Lloyd (Chairperson) | Orillia, Ramara, and Severn
Beth Mouratidis | Barrie, Wards 4, 5, 6
Robert North (Vice-chairperson) | Adjala-Tosorontio, Clearview, CFB Borden, and Essa
David O'Brien | Barrie, Wards 1, 2, 3
Paula Jade (P.J.) Sandy | Representing First Nation Communities
Tanya Snell | Collingwood and Wasaga Beach
Lisa-Marie Wilson | Barrie, Wards 7, 8, 9, 10
2021-22 Student Trustees
Abby Goneau | Georgian Bay District Secondary School (left)
Nyla Nasir | Bear Creek Secondary School (centre)
Ife Oluwatayo | Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School (right)