June 23rd, 2015

On Monday, June 15, staff presented trustees with an update regarding implementation of the new Health & Physical Education Curriculum.

Since 2010, the Ministry has engaged in extensive consultation regarding the revised curriculum for Health & Physical Education, Grades 1-8 and Health & Physical Education, Grades 9-12. On February 23, 2015, the Ministry released both of these curriculum policy documents, which are scheduled for mandatory implementation in September 2015.

To prepare for the implementation of the new curriculum in September, a team of WRDSB staff attended in training offered by the Ministry of Education. Staff that participated in the training include: superintendent of education, learning services coordinator, equity and inclusion officer, mental health lead, elementary and secondary principals, and elementary and secondary teachers.

Based on the content presented at these sessions, the team is developing training sessions for both elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators, as is typical whenever a revised curriculum policy document is released. Some of this training is scheduled in June 2015 to assist teachers with implementing the revised curriculum in September 2015. Other training components and the development of resources to support teachers will take place during the 2015-16 school year.

Looking for more information on the new curriculum?

The Ministry of Education has lots of resources available on their website.

Some of these resources include:
Myths Vs. Facts for the new curriculum
Key Messages about the new curriculum
Parents’ Guide to the new curriculum

I have concerns about my child learning the new curriculum, what can I do?

There has been a great deal of confusion about the content of this curriculum, and we encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher, or principal for clarification.

Parents/guardians who feel that aspects of the curriculum are in conflict with their faith or religious beliefs should be aware that the WRDSB has both a Faith and Religious Accommodations policy and procedure in place. This helps to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes acceptance, and respect. Please speak with your principal for more information about this policy.

View the Faith & Religious Accommodation Policy and Procedure

Is the WRDSB hosting information sessions on the new curriculum?

Trustees passed a motion to invite Education Minister Liz Sandals to host information sessions in Waterloo Region this fall. A letter will be sent to Minister Sandals inviting her to the region to provide information to parents. We will keep you updated on the progress of this request as we receive information.

Categories: Board · Broadcast · Parents/Guardians/Community