Upper Grand District School Board trustees have approved revised school year calendars for UGDSB elementary and secondary schools in 2020-21. The draft calendars will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.
The original draft calendars were approved by Trustees on April 28, 2020, however the Ministry put calendar approvals on hold amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
On June 30, 2020 the Ministry provided a provision for boards to submit a revised and/or modified calendar based on changing needs with respect to COVID-19, and the re-opening of schools in September 2020.
The UGDSB's revised calendars move a PA Day to from June 30, 2021, to September 1, 2020, for both elementary and secondary schools. This change will allow the board to provide additional professional development and training for staff prior to the start of the new school year.
The first day of school for students remains September 8, 2020.
The calendars were reviewed by a committee of stakeholders, including representatives from all bargaining units, principals, human resources, board staff and parents.
The proposed calendars meet all of the requirements under Ontario Regulation 304 and abide by the elementary and secondary teachers' collective agreements. Both calendars have 194 school days, including seven professional activity days. Ten instructional days have been scheduled for secondary exams.
Once approved by the Ministry, the calendars will be posted on the board website under School Year Calendars.
