March 5th, 2014

As you may be aware, the Waterloo Region District School Board’s school year calendar has designated March 7, 2014 as a Professional Development Day. Students will not be at school on this day.

Traditionally, teaching staff participate in professional learning activities on days such as March 7, 2014. However, based on direction provided by the Ministry of Education permanent contract elementary teachers in our elementary schools as well as elementary teachers who work at the Education Centre will be taking March 7th as an unpaid day and therefore will not be at work on that day.

March 7th, is a regular paid work day for all other staff including Long Term Occasional teachers. Staff attending work on March 7, 2014 will be participating in professional learning opportunities either through the board or through their appropriate Union. By way of example, all Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECE) not working in the Extended Day Program will be participating in a full day Professional Development session off site. Child and Youth Workers assigned to elementary schools and Educational Assistants currently working in a kindergarten assignment and not working in the Extended Day Program will be attending a full day Professional Development session off site. All other paraprofessionals will participate in self-directed activities that may include but are not limited to, on-line professional reading materials, development of student related programming and preparation of materials for specific student needs.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to meet the needs of our students as well as agreements in place with our employee groups and the Government of Ontario.