This is the image for the news article titled Our 2025 Outstanding Graduates
Our 2025 Outstanding Graduates
05/16/2025
From healing newborns to building thriving businesses, from protecting our coastlines to mentoring future professionals, this year’s recipients of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Outstanding Graduates program are making a difference around the world — and right here at home.
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Cardinal Robert Prevost is elected pope and adopts the name Leo XIV. (Photo: Vatican Media)
A New Shepherd for Our Church
05/08/2025
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! It is with great joy and hope that the SMCDSB shares the news that a brand new pope has been elected: Pope Leo XIV, the successor to our beloved Saint Peter!
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This is the image for the news article titled Catholic Education Week: Thankful for Principals, Vice Principals and Clergy
Catholic Education Week: Thankful for Principals, Vice Principals and Clergy
05/08/2025
As Principals and Vice Principals, you shape the conditions for our teachers and students to learn and succeed in a faith-filled environment.
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Catholic Education Week: Grateful For Our Support Staff
05/07/2025
The theme for Catholic Education Week 2025, Pilgrims of Hope, drawn from the Holy Jubilee year, invites us to journey together in faith, hope, and love, trusting in the promise of Christ’s presence and action among us.
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This is the image for the news article titled Catholic Education Week: Appreciating Our Board Office Staff
Catholic Education Week: Appreciating Our Board Office Staff
05/06/2025
Central office staff are an integral part of our operations. Your dedication to each of your roles, whether it be in supporting our facilities, central business operations or providing academic support to schools, is integral to the growth and success of Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
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This is the image for the news article titled Virtual Presentation With Monique Gray Smith
Virtual Presentation With Monique Gray Smith
05/06/2025
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board would like to welcome staff and parents/guardians of students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 to a virtual conversation with Monique Gray Smith.
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This is the image for the news article titled Catholic Education Week: Celebrating Our Teachers
Catholic Education Week: Celebrating Our Teachers
05/05/2025
As teachers, you have demonstrated your faith and unwavering commitment to provide students with learning opportunities in a faith-filled environment. Your work inspires hope, ignites imagination and instills a love of learning in relation to the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.
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Catholic Education Week
05/04/2025
Each year, Catholic Education Week invites us to reflect on the profound gift of Catholic education in our lives and our community.
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This is the image for the news article titled Beyond the Bell: Understanding Youth Substance Use
Beyond the Bell: Understanding Youth Substance Use
05/01/2025
When it comes to substance use, many parents and caregivers feel unsure about how to support the young people in their lives.
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Death of Pope Francis
04/21/2025
With deep sadness, we join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. As the 266th Pope and successor of St. Peter, he led the Catholic church with humility, service, and mercy, touching the lives of millions—including our school communities.
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This is the image for the news article titled French, Hip-Hop, and High Energy with Missy D
French, Hip-Hop, and High Energy with Missy D
04/15/2025
Last week, more than 1,500 Core French students from Grades 6 to 12 enjoyed an exciting musical experience as part of a series of concerts featuring Missy D, a talented French-English hip-hop artist. Held on April 8 and 9, the concerts brought students together from across the region. The event celebrated the connection between the French language and music in a fun and engaging way!
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This is the image for the news article titled Ministry Approves 2025-2026 School Year Calendars
Ministry Approves 2025-2026 School Year Calendars
04/10/2025
Get out your planners! The Ministry of Education has approved the elementary and secondary calendars for the 2025-2026 school year.
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This is the image for the news article titled Hearts Across the Board
Hearts Across the Board
04/07/2025
At Holy Cross Catholic School in Innisfil, elementary school teacher Aynslie Hahn had a simple idea and big hopes—how much fun would it be if students could share love and kindness beyond their own school walls? That idea grew into Hearts Across the Board, a meaningful initiative that brought together 11 schools within our board to exchange messages of love and joy and strengthen a sense of community.
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This is the image for the news article titled Embracing a Growth Mindset
Embracing a Growth Mindset
04/01/2025
Math. For many of us, it’s a subject that brings back memories of struggle, frustration, or even downright avoidance. How often have you said, “Math isn’t my thing” or “I’m just not a math person”? As someone who’s uttered these exact words, I can definitely relate. But after listening to the latest episode of Beyond the Bell, I was left questioning my attitude about math.
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This is the image for the news article titled The Monsignor Lee Angels
The Monsignor Lee Angels
03/28/2025
Monsignor Lee Catholic School is proud to introduce The Monsignor Lee Angels as our new co-curricular name, reflecting our Catholic faith-filled community and rich history.
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Facilities Team Recognized For Preserving Heritage
03/21/2025
Capital Projects Manager Craig Elliot and Trustee Janice Hutchison were on hand at a recent City of Barrie council meeting to receive an award from Barrie’s Heritage Committee.
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This is the image for the news article titled Free Parent Webinars to Support Your Child’s Well-Being
Free Parent Webinars to Support Your Child’s Well-Being
03/21/2025
Looking for ways to support your child’s well-being? School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) is offering a series of free online webinars for parents and caregivers.
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This is the image for the news article titled Hands-On Learning, Real-World Success
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Success
03/20/2025
When Miigwans Oakes was called to the guidance office in Grade 12, he didn’t expect it to change his future. What started as a simple conversation led him to the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s (SMCDSB) Custodial Training Program—a decision that put him on a new career path.
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This is the image for the news article titled Community Connect - Spark'd: Newcomer Support
Community Connect - Spark'd: Newcomer Support
03/05/2025
In the latest episode of Community Connect, a special series of Beyond the Bell, host Chantelle Quesnelle explores the Spark'd Program at CFS Counselling and Well-Being. She’s joined by Noor Siddiqui, Newcomer Outreach Coordinator, to discuss the support available for newcomers in Simcoe County.
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Celebrating Excellence Nominations Now Open!
02/24/2025
We know that our staff and students have been doing incredible things in our schools and beyond. From Inclusion Excellence to academic and athletic achievements, we want to hear about it!
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This is the image for the news article titled SJO Grad Gains Experience at Indspire Conference
SJO Grad Gains Experience at Indspire Conference
02/21/2025
At the heart of education is the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. For Katelyn Cudmore, a St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School graduate, that journey took her to the Indspire National Education Conference in Winnipeg. This event, which took place in December, celebrates Indigenous identity, knowledge, and education.
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This is the image for the news article titled Looking for the Perfect Outfit for Grad or Prom?
Looking for the Perfect Outfit for Grad or Prom?
02/11/2025
Prom Glitz Boutique Days are back! All dresses are free, but cash donations are always welcome and help the program to continue each year.
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Bus Cancellations - How Come So Many This Year?
02/10/2025
Wondering how school bus cancellations are made? Let’s take a deeper (snow) dive into how the decision to cancel buses is made.
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The Path to Understanding
02/03/2025
Keeping students safe is a top priority. In the latest Beyond the Bell podcast, school counselor and threat assessment trainer Lisa Hickling-Miller breaks down the threat assessment process and how it helps ensure safety for everyone involved.
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It's Time to Register for Kindergarten!
02/03/2025
It’s time to register for Kindergarten! Children who are four years old by the end of December 2025, are eligible to register for the 2025-2026 Kindergarten school year.
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Celebrate Black History Month
02/01/2025
February is Black History Month! While we recognize Black history throughout the year, this month gives us a focused opportunity to honour the ongoing contributions of Black Canadians and their role in shaping Canada's story.
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This is the image for the news article titled New Additions for Beeton and Orillia Schools
New Additions for Beeton and Orillia Schools
01/28/2025
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is happy to announce two new additions coming to Monsignor J.E. Ronan Catholic School in Beeton and Notre Dame Catholic School in Orillia.
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This is the image for the news article titled New Additions to Bradford & Tottenham High Schools
New Additions to Bradford & Tottenham High Schools
01/27/2025
Many of our Simcoe Muskoka Catholic communities are growing quickly, creating the need for more space to welcome new families.
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This is the image for the news article titled EQAO Hosting Free Virtual Math Night for Parents/Guardians
EQAO Hosting Free Virtual Math Night for Parents/Guardians
01/21/2025
Want to support your children as they prepared for the EQAO math assessments? The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is hosting free virtual math nights for parents and guardians.
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This is the image for the news article titled Community Connect - PFLAG & The Gilbert Centre
Community Connect - PFLAG & The Gilbert Centre
01/07/2025
The latest episode of Community Connect, a special series of Beyond the Bell, focuses on supporting queer and trans youth, featuring Ellis Greenberg and Daniela C. from The Gilbert Centre and PFLA
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This is the image for the news article titled 2024 Christmas Card Artwork Winner
2024 Christmas Card Artwork Winner
12/20/2024
We are so pleased by the incredible artwork submitted by our schools this year, showcasing the amazing talent of our students. Narrowing down so many submissions to the top ten was no easy task, but we are excited to announce this year's winner and honourable mentions:
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This is the image for the news article titled 2023 - 2024 Director's Annual Report
2023 - 2024 Director's Annual Report
12/19/2024
The 2023-2024 school year was a time of continued growth for SMCDSB. We experienced increases in enrolment and our students continued to grow in their learning and faith. I am motivated by the brilliance of each and every student and the dedication of each and every staff member. . . this provides great optimism about our shared future together as a faith-filled community.
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This is the image for the news article titled Grade 9 Students Take on the Future at "Future Forward" Challenge
Grade 9 Students Take on the Future at "Future Forward" Challenge
12/11/2024
SMCDSB’s Professional Activity Center was bustling with STEAM generated energy as grade 9 students from across the board gathered to participate in the highly anticipated "Future Forward" STREAM Challenge.
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This is the image for the news article titled Finding My Place Without a Seat at the Table
Finding My Place Without a Seat at the Table
12/09/2024
In the latest episode of Beyond the Bell podcast, Chantelle Quesnelle speaks with Tarra Madigan, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) co-chair, about the many ways parents can get involved in their children’s school community. From attending events to simple gestures of support, Tara shares how parents can make a difference—whether or not they’re on the council. Tune in to the podcast for practical tips on fostering a stronger school community!
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This is the image for the news article titled Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Seeking Foster Caregivers
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Seeking Foster Caregivers
11/28/2024
Want to make a difference in your community? Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is seeking foster care providers throughout Simcoe County and Muskoka to provide safe homes and temporary solutions for children and youth.
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A powerful message
Beyond the Classroom - Secondary Symposium
11/28/2024
I was recently invited to tag along at our school board’s full-day Professional Activity (PA) symposium for secondary teachers, held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Barrie. And let me tell you, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when over 600 teachers descend upon one school, it’s a bustling hive of energy and collaboration.
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This is the image for the news article titled SMCDSB Names Chair & Vice-Chair for 2024-25
SMCDSB Names Chair & Vice-Chair for 2024-25
11/21/2024
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is pleased to announce the acclamation of both Maria Hardie as Board Chair and Susan Van Amelsvoort as Vice-Chair for the 2024-2025 school year.
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This is the image for the news article titled The Role of Community Partners in Advocacy and Support
The Role of Community Partners in Advocacy and Support
11/18/2024
We’re proud to present our new mini-series, Community Connect, which shines a light on the incredible work of our community partners. While we strive to support every student and family, we know we can’t do it all. This is why we value organizations that step up to provide care, create safe spaces, and ensure no one is left behind.
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This is the image for the news article titled Catholic School Board Renews Safety Protocol With Local Police Services
Catholic School Board Renews Safety Protocol With Local Police Services
11/07/2024
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, together with other local school boards and police services, signed an updated Police/School Board Protocol on October 31st, formalizing a shared commitment to school safety and supportive partnerships.
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This is the image for the news article titled Online Bullying Reporting Tool
Online Bullying Reporting Tool
10/15/2024
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring our schools are safe places for our students, we have developed an online bullying reporting tool.
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This is the image for the news article titled Adult, Continuing and Community Education Becomes a School at SMCDSB
Adult, Continuing and Community Education Becomes a School at SMCDSB
09/27/2024
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the official naming of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Continuing Education School, a vibrant learning community that has been serving students since 2009.
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This is the image for the news article titled 2024-2025 School Year Calendars
2024-2025 School Year Calendars
08/12/2024
Get out your day planners! The 2024-2025 school year calendars are available for staff, families and community members.
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