UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

On Wednesday, March 5, students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) took part in the Regional “Hammer and Nails” SKLZ Competition within the state-of-the-art training facility at the Carpenter’s Union (Local 93) in Ottawa.

Full details on presentations, reports, and discussions can be found in the agenda or reviewed in the recorded broadcast. March 6, 2025 – Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

SFDCI is thrilled to announce the opening of nominations for its prestigious Wall of Honour, which recognizes outstanding alumni and community members who have made significant contributions to their field, the school, or society at large.

Work with your child to answer the questions found here: March Break Family Math Question and be entered into a draw to win prizes, such as a $50 gift card for Indigo Books or a UCDSB prize pack.

The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal is keeping residents in the loop, thanks in part to some creative and committed students at South Grenville District High School (SGDHS). Students from the school have collaborated with the township to design the Edwardsburgh Cardinal Newsletter, a new monthly publication that is distributed throughout the region.

On Tuesday, February 25, 120 students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) showed off their skills at the Eastern Ontario SKLZ competition, clinching a total of 26 gold, silver, and bronze medals, with 11 individuals and teams advancing to upcoming competitions.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Student Senate held its annual Student Trustee Election on Monday, Feb. 24 and elected Alexander Moussa from Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School and Allison Gibson from Rideau District High School as the 2025-26 Student Trustees. Moussa will also serve as Chair of Student Senate and Gibson as Vice-Chair of Student Senate.

Students at Maynard Public School, Nationview Public School, South Branch Elementary School, and Wellington Elementary School are making a meaningful impact on children and families through a creative fundraising initiative.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

A group of Grade 4-6 students from Central Public School (CPS) has taken a hands-on approach to supporting Pink Shirt Day on February 26, an annual event to raise awareness about bullying, by designing and selling custom stickers to promote this year’s theme, “I Belong.”

The Student Voice Committee at Rockland Public School wants students to know that it’s okay if they don’t feel like themselves. The group, currently made up of four students—three in Grade 5 and one in Grade 6—has created a bulletin board at the school displaying a variety of emotions and explanations of what they mean.

Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1 students from Pleasant Corners Public School (PCPS) showcased their creativity and generosity by donating $637 to the CHEO Foundation, along with copies of their bilingual book Fall, a Season of Gratitude/Automne, Une Saison de Gratitude.

The North Dundas District High School Devils emerged as the top senior boys’ basketball on Monday, Feb. 3.

The Upper Canada District School Board is pleased to share that the Ministry of Education has approved funding for an addition at Cambridge Public School in Embrun.

Throughout February, staff and students within the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be celebrating Black History Month with a wide range of lessons, activities, field trips, and events that emphasize ongoing learning about the history, culture, and contributions of the Black Community.

A new 4-week initiative called One School, One Book at Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES) has brought families, staff, and the community together by encouraging the joy of shared reading.

Gananoque Intermediate and Secondary School (GSS) has plenty to cheer about. Competing as team 63 in the Secondaire Ouvert 2NT Division, the GSS Trojans won first place at the Winterfest Finals in Oshawa on January 18, securing an invitation to the Canadian School Nationals in Ottawa.

On January 6, 2025, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) announced that it was responding to a cyber incident. Unfortunately, the investigation has revealed that the perpetrators of this cyberattack stole personal information about members of the UCDSB community.

The spotlight was on creativity and student talent at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) during the school’s Arts and Culture Week, held from January 13 to 17. The week’s highlight was the Arts Showcase, where families and friends were invited to experience an inspiring evening of art, drama, dance, and music.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is excited to announce the launch of a new sports initiative that will be piloted in 2025 called All-In Sports. If the pilot is successful, this initiative will expand sport opportunities for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students across the district.

Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) is breaking new ground by transforming a recently built, 1,200-square-foot geodesic dome into a hub of hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and cutting-edge technology. Built in March 2023, the dome is now bustling with activity as students and staff alike harness its potential to grow food, plants, and ideas.

To celebrate inclusivity and diversity within the Rockland District High School community, the intermediate students at Rockland District High School have created an Inclusivity and Diversity Tree — and it’s in full bloom.

Celebrating its thirteenth year, the Elf Army at R. Tait McKenzie Public School has been spreading holiday cheer while making a tangible difference in the lives of local families in need.

Students at Char-Lan District High School are thriving with hands-on, outdoor learning as part of the school’s collaborative Experiential Farm project. This innovative initiative, involving Green Industries classes, the Green Team club, Agriculture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students, and several other courses, fosters real-world skills and deepens ties to Williamstown’s agricultural heritage.

At Brockville Collegiate Institute (BCI), the “RAMbassador Program”— one of 15 student ambassador programs across UCDSB secondary schools — has become a standout example of how student leadership and school spirit can create a welcoming environment for international students.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and the Thousand Islands Playhouse Young Company are thrilled to invite the public to experience the magic of student-driven theatre with their upcoming production of Pirates Don’t Babysit! Public performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque. Thanks to generous community donations, the cost of these performances is free.

A new room inside Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School (CCVS) is now open for students looking to recharge, reflect and find sanctuary amidst the demands of school life.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

The Senior Girls Basketball Team from Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) made history by competing at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Championships, held November 21-23 in North Bay. Although they didn’t secure a medal, the team played with skill, determination and heart, leaving a lasting impression and representing their school with pride. This is the first time in 20 years that a girls basketball team from TISS has qualified for this tournament.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) continues to show healthy financial results while delivering quality, innovative programs and opportunities for UCDSB students.

The cafeteria at Perth & District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) was buzzing last week as the school’s international students prepared and shared traditional dishes.

Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Director of Education Ron Ferguson presented the 2023-24 Annual Report to the Board of Trustees during the November 13 organizational board meeting.

Students from Brockville Collegiate Institute welcomed Global News Kingston into their classroom on November 14 to discuss their recent trip touring WWI sites across Europe.

Trustee Jamie Schoular and Trustee Lynda Johnston will continue as Chair and Vice-Chair for the Upper Canada District School Board’s (UCDSB) Board of Trustees for the 2024-2025 school year.

Grade 7 & 8 students from Carleton Place High School (CPHS) have launched Bears Broadcast, a new digital monthly newspaper featuring student-written articles, interviews, comics, and more.

Today, North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) students and staff, members of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 108 in Winchester and local dignitaries gathered to formally recognize the collaborative Field of Crosses project at the school.

Sixteen students from around the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) took part in a unique, hands-on learning experience through Europe in October as part of the We Were Here Project, to understand the impact of war and Canada’s role on the global stage through the eyes of soldiers who lived it.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

The Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) Treasure Chest has received a generous $11,700 grant from 100 Women Who Care – Thousand Islands. This funding will ensure the continued success of the student-led initiative that provides essential resources such as food, clothing, and hygiene products to students who need it.

On Thursday, Oct. 17 students at Chimo Elementary School were treated to a day of informative presentations and hands-on activities, helping spark their interest in careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors.

Char-Lan District High School played host to an exciting day of soccer as Intermediate students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) competed in the annual Upper Canada (UC) Cup Soccer Championships on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The event showcased the impressive talent of young athletes from the region, with 16 teams competing from 13 different schools.

Premier Doug Ford, Labour Minister David Puccini and MPP Steve Clark were in Brockville last Friday to announce $2.1 million in funding through the SkillsnDevelopment Fund (SDF) to train over 700 workers and young people for careers in the skilled trades in Leeds-Grenville.

In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, the students, staff and families at Arklan Community Public School have come together to raise an incredible $11,754 for the Terry Fox Foundation. This year’s fundraising efforts were deeply personal, inspired by UCDSB student Sam Rudge, daughter of Arklan Vice-Principal Sarah Rudge, who has been bravely battling osteosarcoma, the same cancer that Terry Fox had.

Grade 3 and 4 students at Viscount Alexander Elementary School explored the value of language in cultural preservation and the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows. 

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is excited to report it has seen a significant increase in student achievement in all areas of the EQAO provincial assessments. According to EQAO, the UCDSB was the only school board in the province to improve in every area and the only board to see a greater than 5 per cent increase in the Grade 3, 6 and 9 Math assessments.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) provides students with opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and history, and to take meaningful actions towards reconciliation throughout the year by integrating Indigenous education into regular classroom learning.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) was excited to host the Grand Opening of Swift Waters Elementary School today, with Minister of Education Jill Dunlop and Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, among many other local dignitaries and community members, being present at the ceremony.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

The Upper Canada District School Board is excited to share that for a third consecutive year, students are graduating from UCDSB schools at a higher rate than ever before.

Swift Waters Elementary School is set to welcome its first students through the doors on Wednesday, Sept. 4, the first day of school for the 2024-25 school year for the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB).