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David DeSantis
Chair of the Council of Ontario Directors of Education 2023-24

As a senior leader and educator, David has committed over 31 years to Catholic education. He has a Master of Education from Brock University, with undergraduate degrees in Education and Commerce from St. Bonaventure and McMaster. He is a Certified Human Resources Professional Designate (CHRP).

He has previously worked with the Halton and Waterloo Catholic District School Boards as a Department Head of Business, Secondary School Vice-Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Education: Student Success and Superintendent of Learning with portfolios in Student Success, Leadership, 21st Century Teaching and Learning and Safe Schools.

In 2017 David was seconded to the Ministry of Education as a Team Lead for the Student Achievement Supports Branch within the Student Achievement Division. His work included Strategic Planning and reporting for Early Years Learning, Student Success, School Effectiveness, and the Renewed Math Strategy for Ontario.

In January 2019, David joined the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board as Director of Education where he has led the development of the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This includes its current implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting bi-annually to the Board of Trustees and providing stakeholder updates accordingly.

David is the Chair the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and of the English Catholic Council of Ontario Directors of Education (ECCODE) where he represents the interests of K-12 education at the highest tables with the provincial government.

David facilitates Module I – The Personal Perspective of the Supervisory Officers’ Qualifications Program, and adjudicates the practicums for prospective Catholic Supervisory Officers through the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association (OCSOA) which operates the Supervisory Officers’ Qualification Program (SOQP) under the name of the Catholic Community Delivery Organization (CCDO).

David is a loving husband and father of five children and two German Short-Haired Pointers. He is passionate about hockey, reading, fitness and a very committed lifelong learner.

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David DeSantis , président du Conseil ontarien des directions de l’éducation 2023-24

En tant que cadre supérieur et éducateur, David a consacré plus de 31 ans à l'éducation catholique. Il est titulaire d'une maîtrise en éducation de l'Université Brock et a obtenu des diplômes de premier cycle en éducation et en commerce de Saint-Bonaventure et de McMaster. Il est conseiller en ressources humaines agréé (CRHA).

Auparavant, il a travaillé pour les conseils scolaires catholiques de district de Halton et de Waterloo en tant que chef de département des affaires, directeur adjoint d'école secondaire, directeur d'école, surintendant adjoint de l'éducation, chargé de la réussite des élèves et surintendant de l'apprentissage : Réussite des élèves et surintendant de l'apprentissage, avec des portefeuilles dans les domaines de la réussite des élèves, du leadership, de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage au 21e siècle et de la sécurité dans les écoles.

En 2017, David a été détaché auprès du ministère de l'Éducation en tant que chef d'équipe pour la Direction du soutien à la réussite des élèves au sein de la Division de la réussite des élèves. Son travail comprenait la planification stratégique et l'établissement de rapports pour l'apprentissage de la petite enfance, la réussite des élèves, l'efficacité des écoles et la stratégie renouvelée des mathématiques pour l'Ontario.

En janvier 2019, David a rejoint le Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board en tant que directeur de l'éducation, où il a dirigé l'élaboration du plan stratégique pluriannuel du conseil. Cela comprend sa mise en œuvre actuelle, son suivi, son évaluation, la présentation de rapports semestriels au conseil d'administration et la fourniture de mises à jour aux parties prenantes en conséquence.

David est président du Conseil des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (CODE) et du Conseil catholique anglais des directeurs de l'éducation de l'Ontario (ECCODE), où il représente les intérêts de l'éducation de la maternelle à la 12e année dans les plus hautes sphères du gouvernement provincial.

David anime le module I - La perspective personnelle du Programme de qualification des agentes et agents de supervision et évalue les stages des futures agentes et agents de supervision catholiques par l'entremise de l'Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers' Association (OCSOA) qui gère le Programme de qualification des agentes et agents de supervision (PQAS) sous le nom d'Organisme catholique de prestation de services communautaires (OCCP).

David est un mari aimant, père de cinq enfants et de deux chiens d'arrêt allemands à poil court. Il est passionné de hockey, de lecture et de fitness, et il est très engagé dans l'apprentissage tout au long de la vie.

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CODE is proud to recognize the recent appointment of Edith Dumont, former Director of Education, to the role of Lieutenant Governor for Ontario.

CODE est fière de souligner la récente nomination d'Edith Dumont, ancienne directrice de l'éducation, au poste de lieutenant-gouverneur de l'Ontario.

https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2023/08/03/edith-dumont

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CODE CODE OP ED

Upholding Human Rights and Restoring Civility in Public Discourse

In recent months, in board rooms across Ontario, Directors of Education and school board staff have been targets of verbal and emotional abuse, threats of violence and other forms of hate resulting from their work in support of the rights and freedoms of all students and staff who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. These expressions of intolerance are often made by adults, including some who are elected officials, while students are advocating for their 2SLGBTQ+ friends, teachers, and family members. The hate and racism displayed in some board rooms come from those who see efforts to protect human rights as ‘woke culture.’

Download the full article. (PDF)

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CODE CODE OP ED

Défendre les droits de la personne et rétablir la courtoisie dans le discours public

Au cours des derniers mois, dans les salles de conférence de l'Ontario, des directeurs de l'Éducation et des membres du personnel des conseils scolaires ont été la cible de violences verbales et émotionnelles, de menaces de violence et d'autres formes de haine en raison de leur travail en faveur des droits et libertés de tous les élèves et membres du personnel qui s'identifient comme des personnes 2SLGBTQ+. Ces manifestations d'intolérance sont souvent perpétrées par des adultes, dont certains sont des élus, alors que les élèves défendent leurs amis, leurs enseignants et les membres de leur famille qui s'identifient comme 2SLGBTQ+. La haine et le racisme affichés dans certaines salles de réunion proviennent de ceux qui considèrent que les efforts de protection des droits de la personne relèvent d’un mouvement extrémiste axé sur la justice sociale et la défense des minorités.".

Téléchargez l'article complet. (PDF)

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CODE was honoured to attend the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Canadian Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Toronto on April 25. CODE Chair, Paul Henry, a Gold level award recipient received his award from Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh at Rideau Hall in 1988. Paul also sits on the Provincial Local Council of the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Canada. Paul and Laura Elliott, ED, CODE also participated in the Non-Formal Educational Summit at the LG's Residence (Queen's Park) on April 25, led by Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, with the goal of fostering greater involvement of Ontario school boards and students in the award.

CODE a eu l'honneur d'assister à la célébration du 60e anniversaire du Prix du duc d'Édimbourg du Canada à Toronto le 25 avrildernier. Paul E. Henry, président de CODE et récipiendaire du niveau or, a reçu son prix des mains duPrince Edward, le duc d'Édimbourg, à Rideau Hall en 1988. Paul siège également auConseil local provincial du Prix du duc d'Édimbourg au Canada. Paul et Laura Elliott, directrice générale du CODE, ont également participé au Sommet de l'éducationnon-formel qui s'est tenu à laRésidence de la lieutenant-gouverneur de l’Ontario (Queen's Park) le 25 avril, sous la direction deSon Altesse Royale lePrince Edward, le duc d'Édimbourg, et de la lieutenante-gouverneure de l'Ontario, l'Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, dans le but de favoriser une plus grande participation des Conseils scolaires et des élèves de l'Ontario au programme du Prix au Canada.

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Role of CODE

MISSION

To lead, influence and build coherence in Ontario’s publicly-funded education system.

VISION

The Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE), listens to and represents the voices and perspectives of Ontario’s 72 school districts. Together we help create the best possible learning conditions for students and staff to reach high levels of achievement and personal well-being. We also implement and influence education policies and priorities and enhance public confidence in publicly-funded schools.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES & ACTIONS

• ADVOCACY Advocate for continuous improvement in student achievement and well-being through collaborative decision-making with stakeholders and for appropriate funding to maintain the high quality staff and programs necessary for increased student success.
• LEADERSHIP Enhance members’ leadership through networking, mentorship, professional dialogue and professional learning.
• EQUITY & INCLUSION Advance equity and inclusion in school districts to enable change in society.

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COUNCIL OF ONTARIO DIRECTORS OF EDUCATION (CODE)

FRANK KELLY SCHOLARSHIP

CODE will award 4 scholarships annually in support of student success and in recognition of the contributions of Frank Kelly to the Council of Ontario Directors of Education and public education.

A scholarship will be awarded to a student from each of the 4 boards of the CODE affiliate chairs (or an alternate board within the affiliate).

Criteria for the scholarship:

• Graduating student
• Has earned at least 1 dual credit
• Proceeding to an Ontario College
• Financial need could be a consideration

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CONSEIL ONTARIEN DES DIRECTIONS DE L'ÉDUCATION (CODE)

BOURSE D'ÉTUDES FRANK KELLY

CODE accordera quatre bourses d'études par année en appui à la réussite des élèves et en reconnaissance de la contribution de Frank Kelly au Conseil ontarien des directrices et directeurs de l'éducation et à l'éducation publique.

Une bourse d'études sera décernée à un étudiant de chacun des quatre conseils d'administration des présidents des comités affiliés de CODE (ou d'un autre conseil au sein du comité affilié).

Critères d'attribution de la bourse :

• Étudiant diplômé
• A obtenu au moins 1 crédit double
• Se rendre dans un collège de l'Ontario
• Les besoins financiers pourraient être pris en considération

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Recipients for 2022:

ALGOMA DSB:	SHAYCE FANTHAM
WATERLOO CATHOLIC DSB:	MEGAN OWENS
CONSEIL DES ÉCOLES PUBLIQUES DE L’EST DE L’ON TARIO :	JADE TANGUAY
CONSEIL SCOLAIRE CATHOLIQUE DU NOUVEL- ONTARIO :	CONNOR MACDONALD

Recipients for 2021: Download in PDF format

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Council of Ontario Directors of Education/Conseil ontarien des directions de l’éducation

Statement on Anti-Racism and Inclusion/ Déclaration sur l'antiracisme et l'inclusion

The directors of education in Ontario's 72 publicly funded district school boards are committed to equity and inclusion and the elimination of discrimination and racism in education.

Directors acknowledge that systemic racism, bias and discrimination exists in Ontario and is experienced by students, families and staff in Black, Indigenous and racialized communities. Directors commit to working with their communities to listen for understanding about their lived experiences and the harm caused by racism and to work in their boards to identify and eliminate barriers created by bias and systemic racism.

In particular, directors acknowledge that anti-Black racism exists and are committed to confronting anti-Black racism to ensure that Black students and staff can learn and work in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.

We must all work together to achieve our vision of a fully inclusive education system.

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Les directeurs de l'éducation des 72 conseils scolaires de district financés par les fonds publics de l'Ontario se sont engagés à assurer l'équité et l'inclusion ainsi que l'élimination de la discrimination et du racisme dans l'éducation.

Les directeurs reconnaissent que le racisme, les préjugés et la discrimination systémiques existent en Ontario et sont vécus par les élèves, les familles et le personnel des communautés noires, autochtones et racialisées. Les directeurs s'engagent à travailler avec leurs communautés pour écouter et comprendre leurs expériences vécues et les préjudices causés par le racisme, et à travailler au sein de leurs conseils scolaires pour identifier et éliminer les obstacles créés par les préjugés et le racisme systémique.

En particulier, les directeurs reconnaissent que le racisme anti-noir existe et s'engagent à lutter contre le racisme anti-noir afin de garantir que les étudiants et le personnel noirs puissent apprendre et travailler dans un environnement sûr, respectueux et inclusif.

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Anti-Sex Trafficking Resources

CODE, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and district school boards have prepared resources for the Ministry of Education Anti-Sex Trafficking eCommunity for use by Directors of Education. You will find them on our Current Projects page.

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What Are We Learning About Supporting English Language Learners in Ontario?

A 2020 research report examining the implementation of ELL Policies and Procedures (2007)in Ontario publicly funded English-speaking school boards.

This research was supported by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education. Principal Investigator: Dr. Jenni Donohoo, Praxis Engaging Ideas, Inc. Funding for the production of this publication was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Please note that the views expressed in the publication are the views of the Recipient and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of Education. An acknowledgement is made to Sharon Newmaster for her assistance in reviewing the report.

The increasing number of English language learners (ELLs) in Ontario’s elementary and secondary publicly funded schools has been well documented. Ontario is the province of choice for over 50% of newcomers to Canada (Statistics Canada, 2017). As ELLs continue to be a constantly growing demographic, it is vital that school and system leaders and classroom educators develop and implement programs and services needed to meet their unique needs.

The purpose of this study was to describe how components of the ELL Policies and Procedures (2007) are being implemented in publicly funded English-speaking school boards throughout the province.

This project was not intended to be an audit, rather it was intended to describe how educators view, understand, and engage in ELL Policies and Procedures(2007) implementation and to determine what we are learning about supporting English language learners in Ontario’s publicly funded English-speaking schools.

Download the report in PDF format.

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CODE Conversations 2021-22

Leadership during a Pandemic

Ontario Directors and Superintendents were invited to participate in online conversations with thought leaders to discuss Leadership during a Pandemic.

Conversation #1 - Dr John Malloy Lessons Learned

Download the flyer (pdf) - Watch the video (MP4)

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CODE Conversations 2020-21

Leadership during a Pandemic

Ontario Directors and Superintendents were invited to participate in an online conversation with Michael Fullan and Andy Hargreaves to discuss Leadership during a Pandemic. They provided insight and addressed questions from senior leaders from across Ontario.

Conversation 1

Download the flyer (pdf) - Listen to the audio (MP3)
Fullan presentation (pptx) - Hargreaves presentation (pptx)

Conversation 2

Download the flyer (pdf) - Listen to the audio (MP4)

Conversation 3

Download the flyer (pdf) - Watch the video (MP4)

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Conversation CODE

Leadership pendant une pandémie

Les directeurs et surintendants de l'Ontario ont été invités à participer à une conversation en ligne avec Michael Fullan et Andy Hargreaves pour discuter du leadership pendant une pandémie. Ils ont fourni des informations et répondu aux questions des hauts dirigeants de l'Ontario.

Conversations 1

Télécharger le dépliant (pdf) - Écouter l'audio (MP3)
Fullan présentation (pptx) - Hargreaves présentation (pptx)

Conversations 2

Télécharger le dépliant (pdf) - Écouter l'audio (MP4)

Conversations 3

Télécharger le dépliant (pdf) - Voir la vidéo (MP4)

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The Council of Ontario Directors of Education is committed to providing professional learning opportunities and building leadership capacity for Directors and Supervisory Officers regarding equity leadership, anti-racism, anti-oppression training and understanding the impact of biases and systemic barriers on decision making.

School board leaders need to have a foundational knowledge that helps them identify their own biases, and how these biases can impact daily decision making and school board processes and practices. To further its ongoing support for equity and inclusion in Ontario schools, CODE is pleased to introduce Strengthening Inclusive Schools: a Guide to Bias-Aware Decision Making and its companion User Guide.

As part of CODE’s ongoing partnership with Ontario school boards and the Ontario Ministry of Education to furthering equitable and inclusive education practices in all schools, this resource was developed by a CODE team of Directors of Education who shared their professional expertise, and supported the development of Strengthening Inclusive Schools: a Guide to Bias-Aware Decision Making. The Guide offers practices, strategies, policies and processes that they have implemented to build positive, engaging, safe, accepting and inclusive schools.

Education leaders hold significant influence over the culture of learning in Ontario school boards, including the capacity to build inclusive and bias-free school communities and lead effective change in these areas. Strengthening Inclusive Schools: a Guide to Bias-Aware Decision Making and its companion User Guide is another vital resource in assisting school and board leaders to continue this important journey.

To download the Strengthening Inclusive Schools: a Guide to Bias-Aware Decision Making and its companion User Guide which are interactive web based resources and include video comments from current Ontario Directors of Education please link to:

English: http://biasawaredecisionmakinginontarioschools.org/
Français : http://biasawaredecisionmakinginontarioschools.org/fr/

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The CODE Consortium for System Leadership and Innovation (CCSLI) releases Hargreaves and Shirley Report - Leading from the Middle: Spreading Learning, Well-being, and Identity Across Ontario.

The purpose of CCSLI is to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for all students and staff. The Consortium builds connections and mobilizes knowledge among and within school boards, researchers, and the Ministry as well as through partnerships at the provincial and local levels.

Since 2005 CCSLI has represented ten Ontario district school boards that have been involved in this province-wide initiative.

The Consortium held a symposium on November 2, 2017, attended by close to 150 participants to hear about the report from Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley. The report and executive summary are posted on the CODE Consortium web page.

Go to the CCSLI web page to learn more.

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Strong Districts and Their Leadership Learning Modules

The pursuit of exemplary leadership practices and improving the learning for all students is the fundamental role of school district leaders.

Quality leadership practices are necessary to support this.

Beginning in the 2012/2013 School Years CODE commissioned Dr. Ken Leithwood to document the qualities and conditions of Strong School Districts.

This was followed up with further work and study in Phase One (2015/2016) and Phase Two (Spring 2016 to present).

Go to the the updated SDL Project page to learn more.

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The CODE Student Injury Prevention Initiative

PhaseThree

The Ministry of Education (EDU) introduced the Student Injury PreventionInitiative (SIPI) in January 2013. As noted in the Deputy Minister’s June 2016 memo, a “key initial objective of this initiative was to help establish and maintain a culture of safety mindedness in all school boards and schools as well as ensure that student injury prevention and safety is the highest of priorities for all.

Now in Phase Three CODE has a key role in facilitating Phase Three of the SIPI. This phase focuses on ensuring that student injury prevention is approached in a sustained, proactive and systematic way.

Learn More

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The Technology and Learning Fund

Makes a Difference for Ontario’s Students

There is no doubt that classrooms and schools in Ontario are changing with the introduction of technology enabled learning and teacher and student innovation. District School Boards are reporting heightened student engagement, deeper learning of 21st Century skills and increases in student achievement. To learn about the exciting changes taking place I encourage you to read the Technology and Learning Newsletters that tell the story of technology changing teacher practice and the growth of 21st Century student learners. Recently posted Newsletter #4 shares board success stories of opportunities to increase student achievement, and includes student and teacher testimonies about the significant impact that technology has on their learning and their life.

Frank Kelly
Executive Director, CODE

On the Technology and Learning Fund site you will find the latest TLF Guides (February 2017), all of the the Newsletters plus Curriculum Services Canada reports and the artefacts developed by the district school boards.

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Strengthening Partnerships Between:
CODE and Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health

Student well-being "lives" in the context of child and youth well-being and as such, school boards and public health units share in this important mandate. Strong partnerships that focus efforts on strategic priorities can improve health outcomes for children and students, positively affect their achievement and reduce preventable illness and injuries, which in turn will contribute to a healthier and better-educated citizenry.

Working toward these shared mandates and common goals, in October 2013 the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) and the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH) formed a provincial partnership committee.

Now available: Commmittee Membership List updated August 27, 2020, April 13, 2018 Meeting Notes and the CODE/COMOH Committee's Terms of Reference updated April 2018.

Go to the CODE-COMOH Page to find out more.

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Leadership for Learning Academy

The Leadership for Learning Academy is developed in partnership with OCSOA, OPSOA and AGEFO and is intended to provide Ontario Directors and Superintendents with an opportunity to engage in an inquiry based professional learning experience that focus' on system – wide innovation and technology enabled pedagogical practice.

Find out more.

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New Equity and Education Web Resource

Responding to requests from school boards for a companion piece that builds on and enhances the information contained in Going Deeper, CODE is pleased to introduce a complementary online component to the Going Deeper rubric. Here you will find practical information, tips, resources and "Look Fors," conveniently broken down into modules reflecting the rubric's eight areas of focus. It's all designed to help guide your board toward effective implementation of Equity and Inclusive Education in Ontario's schools.

Visit the Going Deeper web resource at equityinontarioschools.org

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Equity and Inclusive Education: Going Deeper

"Every student has the opportunity to succeed,
regardless of ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender,
gender identity, language, physical
and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, socio-economic status
or other factors."


(Achieving Excellence, Ministry of Education)

Developed by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE), in consultation with a representative group of English- and French-language board system leaders and with support and funding from the Ministry, Equity and Inclusive Education: Going Deeper establishes a set of policy outcomes presented in the form of a Rubric. It is intended to assist and support boards in achieving the best academic and social outcomes among all students. Equity and Inclusive Education: Going Deeper provides an opportunity for boards to look to the future, and take those steps that will support continued implementation in order that all students can reach their full potential, regardless of background or personal circumstances. For more information and to use/download the Rubric.....

More Information and Downloads - Updated on November 27, 2014

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Parent Engagement is Important to Student Success

The Council of Ontario Directors of Education is pleased to provide two new resources to support parents.

Update October 2015 - New materials have been developed to assist Parents to inspire their children to learn and love math. (Elementary Grades)

Background - Several sets of materials have been developed by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Go to the Parent Engagement web page.

Accédez à la page Web la participation des parents

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CODE Summer Learning Project

2014 Planning Guide

CODE has developed a revised Summer Learning Program Planning Guide for district school boards. The Guide offers a brod range of examples and also details deliverables and expectations for summer learning programs.

2014 Planning Guide and more information in English & French

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CODE Health & Safety in Schools Project

As part of the CODE Health and Safety In Schools project and as a support to the Ontario Ministry of Education Student Injury Prevention Initiative a series of student safety resource guides and safety checklists have been developed for student safety in Grade 7 to 12 science labs and technological education facilities.

New: Executive Summary in English & French Posted April 16, 2014.

LEARN MORE

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Other CODE Projects Include: