September 8th, 2026

Today marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year and we are excited for the many learning opportunities and experiences that this year will bring for Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) Students.

For many staff in the WRDSB the summer break is an opportunity to recharge and connect with family and friends, while for others it was an extremely busy time. Thank you to those who worked tirelessly throughout the summer to ensure that our schools are ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

In the coming school year, we will continue to focus on supporting the skilled, caring and dedicated WRDSB Educators, Staff and System Leaders who ensure WRDSB Students reach key milestones in their learning journeys, from Kindergarten to graduation.

One of many highlights to start off this school year, is the opening of Giinawind Public School. We are grateful to the staff members and contractors whose efforts have made this new school a reality! We look forward to another year of learning, growth and discovery, together, and cannot wait to see all that will be accomplished at Giinawind PS, and throughout the WRDSB in the coming weeks and months.

Guided by the WRDSB’s Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan, staff will continue to work collaboratively to inspire students and help to spark a passion for reading and writing, while supporting students in reaching their literacy learning goals. We know that student success is rooted in the mastering of fundamental literacy skills.

Similarly, the WRDSB Math Achievement Action Plan will support educators in offering every student from Kindergarten to Grade 12 the opportunities and learning experiences they need to learn key mathematical skills and concepts on their learning pathways. From the Education Centre to the classroom, this plan means that every WRDSB student experiences opportunities to encounter success in building an understanding of mathematics.

August marked the beginning of the terms for incoming Student Trustees Anuraj and Yoo, who will represent the voices of all WRDSB Students at Board and Committee Meetings. We look forward to hearing their important student-centred insights as they help to guide and inform decisions which impact student learning and experiences.

Student voice in the WRDSB expands beyond the Board Room through our Student Voice stories, which are shared on the WRDSB website and through social media channels. We also look forward to continuing to hear from former students, through our series of Alumni stories, which highlight the countless pathways that an education in the WRDSB can support after graduation.

Should students, parents, caregivers or families have any questions or require support throughout the school year, please reach out to your child’s educator, school administrator, follow the Process for Addressing Concerns or contact the Student and Family Support Office.

Whether this school year marks your first year in the WRDSB, your last year, or somewhere in between, we look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

With our sincere thanks,

Maedith Radlein
Chair of the Board of Trustees

Scott Miller
Chief Executive Officer

Categories: News