DSBN Welcomes Students and Staff Back to School 

This is your year! 

The Niagara landscape was awash in smiles this morning as students and their families arrived at school, reconnected with old friends and introduced themselves to new ones. Teachers, administrators and support staff also featured wide grins as they navigated through busy school yards warmly welcoming new and returning students.  

Once they crossed the threshold of their schools, students arrived in bright, beautiful classrooms expertly prepared by teachers with many engaging learning materials and educational activities. “This is the best time of year, I’m really happy to be back with all my friends,” said one eager student as he crammed his oversized backpack into his new locker.  

Part of the reason for all the excitement is the DSBN’s commitment to student success. Everyone at the DSBN, from teachers and principals, to support staff, senior leaders and trustees is dedicated to creating positive outcomes for students.  

Here are just a few of the supports in place to help make this a successful year: 

• Parents and students new to Niagara are invited to make an appointment with the Welcome Centre. The staff can help you start the year off on the right foot by identifying schools closest to you, helping with the registration process and assisting parents to access language support. 
• Parents and caregivers interested in giving younger children a head start in their learning are invited to visit one of the DSBN’s Parenting and Family Literacy Centres. These new centres give parents and children an opportunity to learn and play in a safe and stimulating environment. They’re free to attend and snacks will be provided. 
• Students in Grades 7-12 can now get help with their math homework online. Through the DSBN’s Homework Help network, students can get free, real-time math tutoring by certified Ontario teachers.  
• All DSBN schools with Kindergarten programs now offer Full Day Kindergarten. Through these programs, four and five year old students develop socially and emotionally while building a strong foundation of language and mathematics skills. Students also engage in healthy physical activities and the arts.