HDSB PA Day Agendas

Please be aware that we will be updating this content shortly.  

Timing/Format

• The timing and format of the activities and the name of the entity hosting the activities

Facilitators: ​

• The names and titles of persons presenting or delivering the material

Learning Materials:

• A description of the material to be covered

• A description of the methods by which material is to be presented and the methods of learning that are to be engaged.

• The titles of any resources that will be used as part of the activities and publication information in respect of those resources

Additional information:

Timing/Format

• 9:00am-3:20pm

• 9:00am -12:30pm: Literacy, Mathematics, Mental Health and Well Being

Literacy 

• • In this module, Kindergarten To Grade 8 staff will engage in professional learning focused on implementation of the revised 2023 Language Grades 1-8 curriculum. Kindergarten to Grade 2 staff will engage in learning related to using information from early reading screening to inform literacy instruction. Grade 3 to 8 staff will participate in learning to support the use of diagnostic assessment data to inform responsive literacy instruction.

Mathematics 

• • The learning will engage Kindergarten to Grade 8 staff in the collaborative analysis of student work, diving into student work samples from the suggested common task. This session will facilitate key monitoring strategies, reflections, and guiding questions to support the collaborative analysis process and considerations for intentionally planning responsive instruction based on student data.

Leading Mentally Healthy Schools 

• • The learning will engage Kindergarten to Grade 8 staff in the  focus on social-emotional learning programming in the classroom.

• 12:30 Lunch 

• 1:30 Travel to Orchard Park for a guest speaker (with JW Boich PS)

• 2:00-3:00 Equity Speaker Aubrey Noronha from Hello Hope

Facilitators: 

• The learning will be led by principals and vice-principals and school-based staff

Topic: Student Growth, Progress Reports & Effective Strategies and Practices

Format:

• Full-day

• Elementary: In-person or remotely

• Secondary: In-person

Description: Elementary school teams will engage in student/parent/guardian/teacher conferences focused on Student Growth and Progress Reports.

Secondary school educators will participate in learning related to the Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction/Assessment. Learning will also focus on the on-going implementation of de-streamed Grade 9 courses, supporting student achievement in math, as well as strategies and curriculum planning for students with special education needs.

Facilitators:

• Elementary programming will be led by teachers

• Secondary programming will be led by the School Programs Department, System Principals and school-based educators

Learning/Delivery Method:

• ​Elementary: Small group conferences with students and parents

• Secondary: Whole group presentations and small group work​

The HDSB, along with all school boards in Ontario, have several Professional Activity (PA) Days throughout the school year. The purpose of these days is to enhance student success.  Staff focus on professional development activities, participate in training or planning sessions. There are no classes for students on these days.

PA Day Summary of Activities - January 27, 2025

Elementary Schools

Date: Monday, January 27, 2025

Topic: Assessment and Evaluation Activities

Length: Full-day

Format: In-person or remotely

Description: Elementary educators will be engaged in assessment and evaluation activities including report card writing. This is time designated by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) collective agreement.

Presenter(s)/Facilitators(s): Self-Directed Day for teachers

Learning/Delivery Method: Individual work time

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to announce an upcoming guest speaker working with our staff. This event aligns with the Ontario curriculum and the Halton District School Board (HDSB) School Improvement Plan for Student Achievement (SIPSA), with a focus on Literacy, Numeracy, and Mental Health and Well-Being. Below are the details:

Date, Time, and Location:
February 14th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Library

Title and Focus:
Unlearn: Challenging Bias and Promoting Inclusivity

Connections to the Curriculum and SIPSA Goals:
This presentation supports key elements of the Ontario curriculum, including:

• Literacy: Developing critical thinking and communication skills as students analyze and discuss bias and inclusivity.

• Numeracy: Promoting problem-solving skills and equitable practices in collaborative learning environments.

• Mental Health and Well-Being: Encouraging positive mental health by fostering empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging within the school community.

These objectives align with the HDSB SIPSA goals to enhance student achievement and well-being through inclusive and engaging learning opportunities.

Guest Speaker(s) and Organization:
Representatives from Unlearn, a leading organization specializing in equity-focused education, will facilitate the session. Unlearn is an organization dedicated to sparking critical conversations through thought-provoking visuals and activities that challenge bias, promote equity, and inspire action towards building more inclusive communities.