February 6th, 2020

Dear WRDSB families,

We are writing with an important update on your child’s Semester One Report Card.

We know how important these reports are to parents, caregivers and students. They are a reflection of the work done thus far in the year, and the marks, learning skills and teacher comments are valuable in determining your child’s progress.

Currently, public secondary teachers across Ontario are taking part in strike action. This action includes not completing a full report card, specifically the comments section. Instead, secondary teachers are producing Semester One Report Cards for students with marks and learning skills, but no comments. Please see the summary below which contains more detail, including what families can expect.

We understand that this information is disappointing – we share that disappointment.

Secondary teachers are skilled professionals who keep families informed about the progress of their children throughout the school year. As always, if you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s progress this school year.

Thank you for your understanding.

John Bryant Director of Education

Jayne Herring Chairperson of the Board

Background Information for families regarding Secondary School Report Cards

Secondary teachers in Ontario are currently taking part in a legal job action. This means that they are able to withdraw services, up to and including a full withdrawal (strike action). Current job action being taken by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) will have an impact on Semester One Report Cards and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in school boards across the province.

Here’s what you can expect in the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB):

Secondary Semester One Report Cards

While regular assessment practices continue, this semester, per job sanctions, secondary teachers are producing a Semester One Report Card for students with marks and learning skills, but no comments. As always, families can contact their child’s teachers to learn about their child’s progress.

Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

IEPs will be updated for Semester Two, but will not be provided to families at this time. As always, families can contact their child’s teachers to learn about their child’s progress.