January 23rd, 2020

Dear Parents/Caregivers:

We are writing with an important update on the term one report card.  

At this point in the year, you would normally receive your child’s term 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 elementary teachers across Ontario are taking part in strike action. This action includes not completing a full report card or inputting student marks electronically for the purpose of producing report cards. As a result, your child will not be bringing home a report card this term. Please see the attached summary which contains more detail including what parents can expect. 

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

Elementary 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 Elementary Report Cards, Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Individual Education Plans (IEPs),

Elementary 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. Current job action being taken by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will have an impact on Kindergarten Communication of Learning, 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:

 

Elementary Term One Report Cards 

The WRDSB production of Report Cards for elementary students relies on the electronic inputting of data by teachers. While regular assessment practices continue, this term, per job sanctions, elementary teachers are writing and providing marks, but are not inputting them electronically. At this time, we are unable to provide parents/guardians with Term One Report Cards for elementary students. 

Marks will also not be provided to families or students at this time. Beyond the logistical challenges, providing marks without comments and context would not be considered fulsome feedback on student achievement of curriculum expectations. As always, parents/guardians can contact their child’s teachers to learn about their child’s progress. 

 

Kindergarten Communication of Learning

During this phase of work-to-rule, Kindergarten teachers will write, but not electronically input, a brief comment for each section of a student’s Kindergarten Communication of Learning. Given this challenge, families will not receive a Kindergarten Communication of Learning for their child at this time. As always, families can contact their child’s Kindergarten teacher and/or designated early childhood educator to discuss their child’s growth in learning.  

 

Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

IEPs will be updated with goals and expectations. For students who are on alternative expectations, teachers will provide a comment to administrators for each of the expectations. For students with IEPs who have accommodations and/or modifications, a mark will be reported to administration along with an indication that they have an IEP for that subject. IEPs will be updated, but will not be provided to families at this time. As always, parents/guardians can contact their child’s teachers to learn about their child’s progress.