UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

A fascinating Real-World Learning project has come to life in Almonte thanks to Mrs. Costello’s Grade 5/6 class at R. Tait McKenzie Public School – and now the project has been featured in The Millstone newspaper!

Oxford-on-Rideau Public School was featured in The North Grenville Times on July 3!

Carole Dufort has informed the Upper Canada District School Board of Trustees that she is resigning from her role as Trustee due to health reasons.

The dedicated staff of Lyn Public School were among the 31 honourees recognized at the 2025 Asset Builder wards, held Sunday, June 22 at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario in Brockville. Hosted by the Every Kid in our Communities (EKIOC) Coalition of Leeds and Grenville, the annual celebration honours individuals, organizations, and businesses that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth in the community.

June 25, 2025 (Chesterville, ON) – This school year North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) was a grateful recipient of a $45,000 grant through the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s L.E.A.F. Initiative.

June 23, 2025 (Smiths Falls, ON) – Students from Anne McGarrity’s Grade 6 class at Lombardy Public School have made a lasting mark on their community through an inspiring Real-World Learning project that brought play, learning and inclusion to local parks.

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings that impact all schools across our district. During extreme heat conditions, staff are taking the following precautions where necessary, and following the guidance of our local health units (South East Health Unit and Eastern Ontario Health Unit:

IN THE NEWS - Students from Laggan Public School and Longue Sault Public School (LSPS) were enjoying another baseball game on Wednesday as part of two ongoing eight-week Jays Care Affiliate programs.

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

Grade 10 and Intermediate students from Rideau District High School visit the Red Brick School to try their hand at archiving

The Upper Canada District School Board is investing an additional $500K into music education across the district so that more students can have access to quality music education and enriched musical experiences. This investment is in addition to the funding that is already allocated in school budgets to school music programs and initiatives.

Two individuals from within the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) have been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for their remarkable service and dedication to their communities.

Students at The Stewart School are helping educate their community on water, fire, and personal safety through informative messaging all developed and produced by the students themselves.

In early June, 16 students who have been involved with the We Were Here history project, a partnered initiative between the Hill 70 Memorial Group and the Upper Canada District School Board, launched a documentary that starred them, their learning, and the lasting impact this project has had.

There are a lot of kids in the Brockville area that will have a happy birthday, thanks to two classes at Westminster Public School. April Bischof and Pam Russell's Grade 1/2 and Grade 3 class worked together to make birthday kits for the Brockville and Area Food Bank when they learned that items for special occasions were always in need.

As part of a province-wide Ministry of Education initiative, Grade 9 and 10 students at seven high schools within the Upper Canada District School Board were able to get an inside look at some potential careers.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) recognized outstanding employees on Monday, June 9, during the annual Board Celebration Evening held at North Grenville District High School. Twenty-two staff members were recognized for their outstanding work and contributions to the UCDSB with one of four awards – Service Excellence Award, Ontario Principals’ Council Award of Character, Creativity & Innovation Award, and Director’s Red Apple Award.

Maheen Riaz, a Grade 12 student and Student Trustee with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), has been named one of two recipients of the Ontario Public Student Trustee Leadership Scholarship, awarded jointly by the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Public Board Council of OSTA-AECO. Her work to create Multi-Faith Rooms in schools across the board is being recognized as a powerful example of inclusive, student-led change. She’s winning this award for her work to create Multi-Faith Rooms in schools across the UCDSB.

Students from Bridgewood Public School's Grade 4/5 and Power Up Program classes recently took part in a special day of hands-on learning and cultural connection at the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre.

A student-led initiative at Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) is proving that innovation, community service, and education can go hand in hand—thanks to the leadership of Grade 12 student Caretta Harder.

Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School was featured in the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder on Tuesday, June 3.

South Grenville District High School made headlines in the Brockville Recorder & Times on Friday, May 30!

Students in Grades 4 and 5 at South Edwardsburg Public School rolled up their sleeves recently and dove into hands-on learning with a visit from the Mobile Training Lab, a travelling classroom designed to introduce young learners to the skilled trades.

St. Lawrence Secondary School was featured in the Cornwall Standard Freeholder on Wednesday, May 28.

A unique partnership between Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) and Lyn Public School is reshaping what it means to learn with purpose. In a powerful demonstration of creativity, innovation, and Real-World Learning (RWL), secondary and kindergarten students teamed up to design and build outdoor learning features that will support play, exploration, and early education for years to come.

May 15, 2025 - Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

May 15, 2025 (Brockville, ON) - Arklan Public School and Char-Lan District High School are this year’s proud recipients of the Ted Kennedy Legacy Award, given annually to the elementary and secondary schools that raise the most money per capita for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Students and families across the UCDSB can expect to see significantly expanded classroom libraries and school book collections for the fall, as the UCDSB is making a historic single investment of $1.5 million to purchase reading books for students.

Athens District High School was featured in the Brockville Recorder and Times on Saturday, May 10.

Students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) participated in the annual Skills Ontario Competition in Toronto on May 5-6, 2025. 57 students competed as individuals, teams of two, and teams of four. A total of five medals were won by UCDSB schools, with Glengarry District High School, St. Lawrence Secondary School, and Rideau District High School all bringing home hardware in a variety of challenges.

A very special Black history activity has been taking place at Perth and District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) thanks to students in the Grade 7 French Immersion Class. They’ve launched a real-world learning project that will see large cutouts of prominent Black Canadians displayed at the Perth Museum and the Ontario Provincial Police East Region Headquarters in Smiths Falls. In addition to the displays, QR codes will be placed next to each cutout that will link to a student-created podcast episode of the person’s life and accomplishments.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is proud to announce that two student-led projects from our schools have been recognized as Ingenious+ regional award winners. This nation-wide contest is part of the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Ingenious+ challenge that connects youth with funding and resources to expand and improve their projects.

The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to four secondary schools throughout the Upper Canada District School Board this spring thanks to a continued strategic partnership with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) for Holocaust Education.

Grade 6 students at Naismith Memorial Public School have made a meaningful impact by leading an accessibility project, officially unveiled April 29 at the John Levi Community Centre.

Grade 6 students at Naismith Memorial Public School are making a real-world impact—and getting recognized for it! On Wednesday, they were featured on CTV Morning Live in Ottawa to share their inspiring Real-World Learning (RWL) project focused on accessibility.

A Real-World Learning project from students at Carleton Place District High School (CPHS) is aiming to break down barriers in physical education for blind or low vision students across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB).

On April 15 and 16, the gym at Chimo Elementary School was buzzing with excitement, laughter, and the rhythmic pop of pickleballs as 144 Grade 5 - 8 students from six area schools came together for the first-ever pickleball tournament under the UCDSB’s new All-In Sports initiative.

April 15, 2025 (Oxford Mills, ON) - Valuable lessons in life sometimes extend beyond the classroom. At Oxford-on-Rideau Public School, a group of dedicated students is demonstrating the power of compassion, community, and action in response to a heartbreaking diagnosis.

Full details on presentations, reports, and discussions can be found in the agenda or reviewed in the recorded broadcast. April 10, 2025 - Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, Apr. 9, 2025. Key items discussed in the public session are as follows.

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance student mental health, physical health and sense of belonging, the Upper Canada District School Board plans to invest $10.4 million in sports infrastructure updates and $1.8 million in the All-In Sports initiative.

From blueprint to build and concept to code, approximately 115 Grade 7 and 8 students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) put their creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills to the test at the 2025 Intermediate SKLZ Competition in Kemptville on April 8.

April 9, 2025 (Kemptville, ON) - Robert Lachance's Grade 5 class at Kemptville Public School had an exciting and informative visit on Thursday, April 3 from North Grenville Mayor, Nancy Peckford, as part of their social studies unit on government.

Grade 8 French immersion students at Glengarry District High School (GDHS) are bringing local history to life through a unique Real-World Learning project that will enhance the experience of the Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame (HOF). Through video production and digital storytelling, students are preserving the rich sports legacy of Glengarry County while developing valuable research and media skills.

They say music is the universal language, and for a passionate group of Grade 7-12 students at Char-Lan District High School, it’s also a way to start an important conversation about mental health. Clanstock, a student-led band initiative, is using their talents to raise funds and awareness for mental health services in their rural community —all while participating in a unique real-world learning experience.

The Upper Canada District School Board is pleased to share that the Ministry of Education has approved its request for funding to acquire land in Cornwall for the construction of a new secondary school.

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) continues to enhance early childhood learning opportunities through its growing Early Years Learning Program. Now in its third year, the program has expanded from an initial six-school pilot to 16 schools in the 2024-2025 school year, with the potential for growth in the future.

Grade 7/8 students at Russell High School (RHS) are focusing on sustainability and expressing their creative sides through a real-world learning initiative students have named “Thrifty T’s.” The activity is giving students entrepreneurial experience while making a positive impact on their community and bringing awareness to the impact of consumer trends on the environment.

Curtis Jordan recently informed Upper Canada District School Board Trustees that he is stepping down from his role as Trustee to accept a position elsewhere. Jordan was elected in the Stormont-Glengarry area in 2022.

The Upper Canada District School Board and the UCDSB Parent Involvement Committee are hosting free info sessions for parents and guardians that will build knowledge around vaping and technology use. These sessions will help you gain skills to support your child or youth in developing healthy habits.

Students from the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) used their creativity to shed light on the realities of human trafficking through the Take A Stand art exhibit, a show developed by Maison Baldwin House, a women’s shelter in Cornwall. Seven UCDSB schools participated in this initiative, which challenged students to turn white jeans into powerful artistic statements.

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).