As the 2020-21 school year has now come to a close, we offer our sincere thanks to you for your partnership through this past year. In Renewing the Promise, the Pastoral Letter on Catholic Education, Catholic schools are described as communities of accompaniment, where we walk the path together and support one another in our learning and faith development. Throughout the many challenges faced this past year, it has been a journey of accompaniment and we have been very grateful to have you as patient, understanding and supportive companions.
Changes in school settings throughout the year and provincial lockdowns disrupted the experience of a regular school year. Despite these many interruptions, our students have demonstrated perseverance and determination and have learned many life lessons such as the importance of human connection, caring and kindness, about personal responsibility and the common good, among many other. We have all learned hard truths about equality in our world as a result of this pandemic as well as the knowledge that each of us can make a difference and together we can overcome great challenges.
Throughout this summer, we will continue to plan and prepare for the 2021-22 school year with Ministry of Education and Public Health officials to ensure a safe return this September. We will provide information as it becomes available this summer and post these updates on our school board website (www.wellingtoncdsb.ca). It is anticipated that we will receive updated guidance in early August and will have further information for you at that time.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health have asked us to provide you with information concerning vaccination opportunities over the summer. Please see the following:
Accelerated Second Dose Eligibility: Ontario has announced that they are accelerating second dose eligibility. Detailed instructions on how to book second dose appointments can be found here.
Also, if you or anyone you know is still requiring a first dose, WDG Public Health is making it as easy and convenient as possible for individuals to get vaccinated. You can now visit any of their clinics for a drop-in first dose appointment. Clinic locations and details are available here.
Finally, there are a number of Mental Health and Wellbeing supports available to students and families over the summer months. While we are not in school, we understand the need to stay connected and are here to help.
The following supports are available at Wellington Catholic District School Board and can be viewed here:
Be Well Line
If you need mental health support for your child or teen over the summer months, you can leave a voice mail at 519-821-4600 ext 296. We have Mental Health Clinicians available and voice mails will be checked regularly during July and August.
Please note that this is not a crisis line. If your matter is time sensitive and you need support right away, please call (CMHA) Here 24/7 at1-844-437-3247.
Living Life to the Full Program
This program is for Grade 8-12+ students. Students who participate will earn community service hours. The program begins on July 6 and takes place twice a week for 1.5 hours for the month of July. To learn more & register (there are limited spots), please visit the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/living-life-to-the-full-for-youth-tickets-154025547559
Parent Workshops
In partnership with Strong Minds Strong Kids, Psychology Canada, we will be offering two parent workshops over the summer.
July 20, 2021 at 6:30pm: Stress Management for Parents & Caregivers. Learn more & register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3XzCatztSOWXINUVBSlnrQ
August 24, 2021 at 6:30pm: Fireside Chat with Dr. Robin Alter: This workshop will look at how parents/caregivers can support their children during difficult times, foster resiliency, and support transition back to school in the fall. The link to register will be posted on our website by the end of July.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy summer and look forward to welcoming you back after the summer holidays.