Dear Families,
Welcome to another school year in ALCDSB! We are committed to working in partnership with families to support student learning, well-being, and success. To help foster safe, respectful, and welcoming learning environments for all students, we are sharing important information about Ministry of Education updates, resources available to support students and families, and key expectations that contribute to positive Catholic learning communities across our system.
Student and Family Support Office: Families play an essential role in their child's education, and Ontario school boards continue to strengthen the support available to them. While most questions and concerns are resolved through communication with your child's educator and school administration, the ALCDSB Student and Family Support Office provides an additional point of contact for parents and guardians seeking information, assistance navigating board processes, or support in addressing concerns. The office helps ensure families have access to clear information, timely assistance, and a responsive pathway when additional support is needed.
Families can contact the Student and Family Support Office through the ALCDSB Student and Family Support Office webpage and at (613) 354-2255 option 2.
Conduct of Community Members: We all share a responsibility to foster respectful, safe, and caring Catholic learning communities. Students, staff, volunteers, visitors, and families are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and responsibly at all times. This includes treating others with kindness and consideration, respecting school property, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and safe. Reminders of conduct expectations are clearly posted in all school entrances.
Consistent with Policy/Program Memorandum 128 and Board policy, all visitors and community members are expected to conduct themselves respectfully, and the Board may take appropriate measures, including restrictions on access to school property or communication with staff, when behaviour is disruptive, threatening, abusive, or otherwise interferes with the safety, well-being, or operations of the school community.
Enforcement of Substance Use Policies: In accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, Policy/Program Memorandum 128, and Policy/Program Memorandum 145, possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes (vapes), recreational cannabis, and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on all school properties and at all school-related activities. At a minimum, parents/guardians will be notified if a student is in possession of any prohibited substance.
Student Personal Mobile Device Use: We recognize the importance of technology in education; however, excessive or inappropriate use of personal mobile devices can disrupt learning and social interactions. To maintain a focused learning environment, we enforce restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices during instructional time and other designated school activities. Exceptions will be made to the use of personal mobile devices for health and medical purposes and to support educational needs. Educators will plan accordingly with parents/guardians when these circumstances occur.
Students in Grade 6 and below will be expected to store personal mobile devices out of sight and powered off throughout the full instructional day in an area designated by the educator. Progressive discipline measures will occur when students do not follow the expectations of the use of personal mobile devices.
Students in Grade 7 to 12 will be expected to store personal mobile devices out of sight and powered off during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator. Progressive discipline measures will occur when students do not follow the expectations of the use of personal mobile devices.
Collaboration for a Positive School Climate: We encourage open and positive communication between school administration, teachers, parents/guardians, and students to uphold these guidelines effectively. This means all community members treat each other with respect and refrain from using abusive language or engaging in harassing behaviour. Please note that any conduct that negatively affects the school climate will be addressed through appropriate resources to prevent it from continuing and to support the mental health and well-being of all community members.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we can ensure our Catholic learning communities remain safe, welcoming environments where every student is loved, inspired, and successful.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Gauthier
Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer