News

SCDSB partners with Dell and Staples to provide affordable technology options	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/74	SCDSB partners with Dell and Staples to provide affordable technology options	<p>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to announce two partnerships for the 2017-18 school year. The SCDSB has worked with Dell Canada and Staples to provide affordable options for families considering a technology purchase. Both programs are approved by the SCDSB.<br><br>Information about both programs, including product details and how to order, is available below. If you have questions about the programs, please contact either a Dell Education Advisor or your nearest Staples store, as appropriate.<br><br><a href="http://scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/SimcoeCountyDSB-Dell%20BYOD_June2017.pdf">Dell Canada BYOD program letter</a><br><a href="http://scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/SchoolToolsBYOD_SimcoeLetter_EN.pdf">Staples BYOD program letter</a><br> <br></p>
The Fidget Spinner Craze	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/40	The Fidget Spinner Craze	<p>Questions about the newest craze to hit Willow Landing! Watch this video to debunk the myth about fidget spinners and focus! A must see for all parents! </p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-embedcode ms-rte-embedil ms-rtestate-notify"><iframe width="540" height="303" src="/_layouts/15/videoembedplayer.aspx?site=24b07500ce594f61a2fcfb2ae8245b07&web=09feec36dc3c4de4a2bbc7c6fa2ace91&folder=8b464664c26c4fd0bae89048bddfa2ee&img=http%3A%2F%2Fwil%2Escdsb%2Eon%2Eca%2FStyle%2520Library%2FMedia%2520Player%2FVideoPreview%2Epng&" data-title="A psychologist debunks the claim that fidget spinners help kids focus" data-duration="0"></iframe> </div>
Ministry of Education seeks online engagement regarding implementation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/72	Ministry of Education seeks online engagement regarding implementation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework	<div>The Ontario Ministry of Education is working with researchers to gather feedback and input to inform the development of the Third Progress Report on the implementation of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework. <br><br>Students, parents/guardians and families, teaching and nonteaching staff, Indigenous communities, organizations and partners, and school boards are invited to participate in an online survey and/or online focus groups to capture successes and help to identify promising practices and opportunities to provide further support to enhance the achievement and well-being of Indigenous students. <br><br>Third Progress Report - <a href="https://sondages.outsidesoft.com/Engine/Default.aspx?surveyID=6A64A645-0C53-4CFF-9495-6E1A5E830F36">English survey</a></div><div>Troisième Rapport D’Étape - <a href="https://sondages.outsidesoft.com/Engine/Default.aspx?surveyID=6A64A645-0C53-4CFF-9495-6E1A5E830F36&idlang=FR">French survey</a> <br><br></div><div>It is important to note that:</div><div><ul><li>Participation in this survey is voluntary. </li><li>This survey is confidential. That means that all answers will be combined anonymously (without any identifying information) with the answers received from other participants. No one who sees the answers will be able to link them to any individual person. </li><li>Anyone can stop doing this survey at any time without any repercussions.</li></ul></div><div>All stakeholders are invited to participate in the online focus groups. To participate, RSVP to thirdprogressreport@gmail.com indicating which session you would like to attend. Please note that while we will make efforts to accommodate everyone spaces are limited to 10-12 people per session on a first come, first served basis. <br><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Students</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Parents/Guardians</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Teaching/Non-Teaching Staff</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Indigenous Organizations & Partners</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, May 23 </p><p style="text-align:center;">8-9pm EST (English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 12 7:30-8:30 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, May 25 6-7pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1 2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 15 7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Friday, June 2</p><p style="text-align:center;">2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 19 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Wednesday, June 21</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 15 7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 8 2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 19 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;"> (French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 26</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, June 20</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, June 27</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Indigenous Education Office of the Ministry of Education would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have regarding the process of engagement and data collection to inform the development of the Third Progress Report. Please send any questions directly to Jennifer Feasby, Manager Education Policy and Programs Unit (Jennifer.Feasby@ontario.ca).<br><br><br></div><div><br></div>
Netflix series 13 Reasons Why – information for parents/guardians	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/71	Netflix series 13 Reasons Why – information for parents/guardians	<div>Recently there has been significant media coverage of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The show is a fictional account of one teen’s suicide and the factors leading to it. <br><br>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has advised staff that they are not to use the series as a teaching tool. This decision is based upon the advice of mental health professionals from across the province, who have stated that the material is graphic and potentially triggering for vulnerable young people. While the themes in this series may not pose a risk or potential harm to most students, for those struggling with mental health issues and/or suicide ideation, this series includes graphic content, glamourizes suicidal behaviours and portrays helpers (school guidance counsellors) in a negative way. <br><br>We recognize that your children may watch the series on their own. If they do, we encourage you to talk with them about their thoughts and feelings. The SCDSB has supports in place for students and staff, and there are many community resources you can access as well. More information and contact details are available on the <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Safe-and-Healthy-Schools/Pages/Mental-Health.aspx">SCDSB website</a>. <br><br>The National Association of School Psychologists has also developed <a href="http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators">information regarding the series</a>. You may also find this helpful in discussions with your children about suicide and mental health. <br><br>If you have questions or concerns please contact your principal.</div><div><br></div>
Work on your Blueprint	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/35	Work on your Blueprint	<p>All students are creating their own blueprint! E-portfolios help students collect samples of work throughout their school career, make good choices about chosen pathways and allow parents to reflect on all the amazing things their children are doing! <br>Click <a href="https://www.myblueprint.ca/simcoe">here</a><a href="https://www.myblueprint.ca/simcoe"></a><a href="https://www.myblueprint.ca/simcoe"> </a>to access your e-portfolio!</p>
Information for parents/guardians of Junior Kindergarten students	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/52	Information for parents/guardians of Junior Kindergarten students	<p> </p><p>Do you have a little one starting school for the first time this fall? We know that is it an exciting time for both students and parents. Here is some information about Kindergarten in the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and what you can expect and how to plan for the first day of school:</p><div><ul><li>Senior Kindergarten students begin school on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.<br></li><li>Junior Kindergarten students begin school on Thursday, September 8, 2016.<br></li><li>Note that <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/School%20Documents/16-17-Elementary-Calendar-Modifed.pdf">Ernest Cumberland ES</a> is on a modified calendar. The first day of school for Ernest Cumberland JK students is Wed. Aug. 24.<br></li><li>On the first day, proceed to the Kindergarten yard or entrance to meet your educators and find out what class your child will be in.<br></li><li>Please <a href="https://sharingsimcoe.com/2016/07/21/kindergarten-what-your-child-needs-on-the-first-day/">pack the following items in your child’s backpack</a> to be left at school:<br></li><ul><li>Indoor running shoes (Velcro or elastic laces)</li><li>A large Ziploc bag with extra clothes (one pair of pants, one shirt, two pairs of underwear, two pairs of socks)</li><li>Please ensure everything is labelled</li></ul><li>Pack a lunch and snacks in reusable, labelled containers, including a bottle for water. For healthy lunch ideas, check out <a href="http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/School-Health/Articles/Healthy-lunch-ideas-for-the-new-school-year.aspx#.V7SKAPkrK71">EatRight Ontario</a>.<br></li></ul></div><p>If your child will ride the school bus, the <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/sites/default/files/SCSTC%20-%20Bus%20Tag%20Program%20-%202016-17.pdf">Bus Tag</a> program provides each Kindergarten student with a coloured tag that identifies the child’s name, route number, bus colour and stop location. All students with a bus tag must be met at their stop by a parent/guardian. To practice riding the bus and learn about bus safety, attend a <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/sites/default/files/SCSTC%20First%20Rider%20Program%20Summer%202016_0.pdf">First Rider</a> session provided by the <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/">Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium</a>. </p><p>If your child is turning four years old before Dec. 31, 2016 and you have not yet registered them for Kindergarten, you can do so by calling 705-734-6363 x11750 or emailing <a href="mailto:studentregistration@scdsb.on.ca">studentregistration@scdsb.on.ca</a> to schedule an appointment to register in person at the SCDSB’s Education Centre (1170 Hwy. 26 in Midhurst) until August 26 while school offices are closed. Starting August 29, please contact your <a href="https://scstc.ca/Eligibility.aspx?Page=School">home school</a> to register as school offices will re-open that week.</p><p>If you have any further questions about your child’s first day, please <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Pages/SchoolSearch.aspx">contact your school</a> the week of August 29.</p><p></p>
Our Crosswalk	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/14	Our Crosswalk	<p><span style="font-size:11pt;line-height:107%;font-family:calibri, sans-serif;">Many of our parents use the Lennox Park parking lot on the south side of Big Bay Point Road and then access the school via the crosswalk. We have been asked by the police to remind parents that <strong style="text-decoration:underline;">it is illegal to make a left turn</strong> out of the parking lot when the crosswalk lights are red and/or <strong style="text-decoration:underline;">if there is anyone</strong> <strong style="text-decoration:underline;">on any part</strong> of the crosswalk. Thank you for being extra vigilant whenever you park or drive around the school.</span></p>
Check out our new website & subscribe to stay up-to-date!	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/2	Check out our new website & subscribe to stay up-to-date!	<div><div><div><div><div>Our website was recently upgraded with a fresh look and new features. It is now fully mobile and tablet friendly, with a special adaptive design that works on all devices. Read about some of the highlights below.<br><br><strong>Subscribe to stay up-to-date</strong><br>Our <a href="/about-us/news">What's New</a> section is where you'll read about all the exciting things going on in our school. It's also where we will post updates during emergency situations. Keep an eye on this section to stay up-to-date. <a href="/subscribe">Subscribe</a> to receive these updates by email so you can stay informed wherever you are! <br><br><strong>Find out what's happening</strong><br>Check out our <a href="/about-us/events">Events</a> calendar to see the great things upcoming in our school. All Board-wide dates like PA Days and Holidays are available, as well as our school-based events. <br><br><strong>Learn about high school</strong><br>The <a href="/students/high-school">High School</a> page under Students gives an overview of what to expect in high school, and provides resources for parents to help their teen with the transition.<br><br><strong>Pay fees online</strong><br>The <a href="/parents/pay-fees"><span lang="EN-CA">Pay Fees</span></a> page is found under the Parents menu, and provides the link to access SchoolCash Online to pay for things like field trips and lunch days. Credit Card payments are accepted.<br><br><strong>Newsletters</strong><br>All of our monthly school newsletters will be posted on the <a href="/parents/newsletters"><span lang="EN-CA">Newsletters</span></a> page under Parents. They will also be emailed out to you when you sign up for a subscription to our website.<br><br>Take a look around our new website and try out all the new features. Tell your friends and family to visit us too!</div></div></div></div></div>
Willow's Pan-Am Games: Opening Ceremonies	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/6	Willow's Pan-Am Games: Opening Ceremonies	<p>Check out our amazing opening ceremonies for the 2015 Pan-Am Games at Willow Landing!</p><p></p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-embedcode ms-rte-embedil ms-rtestate-notify"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V9sq369gA5I" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p><br></p>
Pay for field trips, lunch days, etc. with SchoolCash Online	http://wil.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/31	Pay for field trips, lunch days, etc. with SchoolCash Online	<p>The SchoolCash Online program is now available at all schools, offering parents the option to pay online for field trips, lunch days and other items. The program is intended to reduce paper, eliminate the need for students to travel with money, and for money to be counted and stored at schools. Payment by credit card has now also been added.<br><br>Parents who sign up will receive a notification when a new item becomes available for purchase. Items are personalized to each student. Parents will use a secure online account to process payments, and can either make a one-time payment for each item as it occurs, or load money to carry a balance in the online account to make payments in the future.<br><br>To create an online account, go to <a href="https://simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com/" target="_blank">https://simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com</a>. Please contact the school office with any questions.</p>