“Parents play a vital role in the development and education of their children and in the success of schools. They are the most important influence in a child’s life outside of school. Long after direct learning from parents in a child’s early years gives way to formal education, parents continue to play a key role in student success through the attitudes they help to share and the direct supports they provide.”

Ontario Ministry of Education

Parent engagement: how to get involved
School councils, the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and the Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils (WRAPSC) are all ways in which parents can engage with and support students. Visit our parent engagement summary page to be directed to more information on how to become involved.
The Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Department (IEHR)
The Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights Department (IEHR) engages with students, staff, and community partners. As a department, our role is to provide support, informed advice, and monitoring for the development of an equity focussed culture that is rooted in human rights and recognizes Indigenous perspectives. The IEHR Department fosters equity consciousness and nurtures inclusive practices across the organization to promote positive student outcomes.

The WRDSB is committed to meeting its obligation under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,the Ontario Human Rights Code and Board Policy 1017 – Human Rights by providing inclusive, safe and caring schools and workplaces that respect the rights of every individual.

Visit our Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Department page to be directed to more information on supports available for students and caregivers.

Voluntary First Nation, Métis and Inuit self-identification information for families
The Voluntary First Nation, Métis and Inuit Self-Identification process allows us to work toward the goal of improving Indigenous student achievement through specific programming, targeted initiatives, resource support and increased family and community involvement with the Board. If a student is of First Nation, Métis or Inuit ancestry, we encourage you to consider participating in this voluntary self-identification process when registering for school or updating student information.