PA Day Agendas

Format: Full day, In-person

Description: School staff will participate in learning focused on student and school safety, support for students, curriculum and assessment and school improvement. Topics will include safety in schools, bullying and violence prevention, student support and reporting responsibilities, Special Education planning and effective assessment and evaluation practices. 

Staff will also learn about new Ontario curriculum expectations, including Kindergarten STEM and updated History curriculum, as well as changes to secondary school evaluation requirements, including final evaluations, attendance and participation. 

School teams will use this learning to support consistent, safe and effective practices for students across Kindergarten to Grade 12. 

Facilitator(s): School administrators and school based staff supported with materials and guidance from central departments including Student Mental Health and Well-Being, Safe Schools and Special Education

Learning/Delivery Method: Whole group presentations and small group work 

Topics: Consistent Classroom Delivery and New Curriculum Updates - Kindergarten and Core French Teachers (with Ministry Updates included) (full day), Special Education and Individual Education Plans, AI and Cyber Security

Format: Full day, in person or remotely

Description: Staff will take part in learning focused on supporting students with special education needs. This will include reviewing key components of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), including student strengths and needs, accommodations, modifications, learning expectations, teaching strategies and ways to monitor student progress.

Educators will also strengthen their understanding of how to develop clear and measurable learning goals, use appropriate instructional and assessment strategies and effectively implement and update IEPs in classroom practice. Learning will also focus on communication and consultation with families about special education programs and services, as well as educators’ roles in the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process.

Kindergarten Staff will focus on the new Kindergarten Curriculum related to Literacy and Numeracy expectations, integrating Science and Technology and effective instructional approaches.

Additionally, staff will explore required learning in the Ontario curriculum related to artificial intelligence, digital literacy and cyber security. This will include professional learning on cyber safety, online privacy and technology-related risks to help support student safety and responsible use of digital tools.

Facilitators/Entity Hosting Event: School administrators and school based staff supported with materials and guidance from the Special Education Services  and Information, Communication and Technology Services departments.

Learning/Delivery Method: Whole group presentations (in person) and small group breakout

Topic: Elementary - self directed (full day)

Format: Elementary -small group conferences with students and parents

Description: Elementary school teams will engage in Student/ Parent/Guardian/Teacher conferences focused on Student Growth and Progress Reports.

Facilitators/Entity Hosting Event: self directed

Learning/Delivery Method: Teachers hosting small group conferences with students and parents.

Friday February 5, 2027

Topic: Elementary-individual work time - Self-Directed Day for teachers

Format: self directed (full day)

Description: Elementary educators will be engaged in assessment and evaluation activities including report card writing. This is time designated by the ETFO collective agreement.

Facilitators: self directed (full day)

Learning/Delivery Method: Whole group presentations and small group work

Monday April 19, 2027

Topic: Cyber Safety and Artificial Intelligence -  Elementary and Secondary

Format: In person

Delivery Method: 

Description: Cyber Safety & AI: Educators learn about LUMI and board-approved AI tools; explore Ontario curriculum on AI, digital literacy and cyber security; and receive cyber awareness training on phishing/malware, responsible use, privacy/EDSTA duties, incident response, student risks (cyberbullying, scams, deepfakes), and the Trustworthy AI Framework.

Schools will also complete Part 2 of the HDSB Suicide Protocol training and introduce the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Protocol

Facilitator/Entity Hosting Event: School administrators and school staff

Friday June 4, 2027

Topic: Elementary PA Day only - self directed (full day)

Format: In person or remotely - Full day

Delivery Method: Elementary-individual work time 

Description: Elementary educators will be engaged in assessment and evaluation activities including report card writing. This is time designated by the ETFO collective agreement.

Facilitator/Entity Hosting Event: Self-Directed Day for teachers.