PD Day Information


2023-2024 DSBN Professional Development Dates and Topics

All school and school board staff have an important role to play in supporting student success, safety, resilience as well as the mental health and well-being of all students. The DSBN recognizes and values the importance of professional learning that enhances educators’ knowledge and skills for the effective support of all students and staff. It is important to equip staff with the knowledge, skills and tools to provide relevant learning that supports curriculum differentiation based on specific needs of students and meets the diverse learning needs of all students. Staff at the DSBN engage in professional development in a variety of different ways. These include, but are not limited to, learning components of monthly staff meetings, job embedded learning with colleagues and instructional coaches during the school day, DSBN facilitated workshops after hours, additional qualification courses facilitated by DSBN staff in partnership with post-secondary institutions.


Professional Development Days (PD Days) are another valuable learning opportunity for school staff. For the 2023-2024 school year, professional development days are scheduled for the following dates: October 6th, November 24th, January 19 (Elementary Schools Only), April 8th, June 7th (Elementary Schools Only), June 21st (Secondary Schools Only), June 27th (Secondary Schools Only) and June 28th.

 

Summary of PA Day Activities for Elementary Schools:

 

Date

Monday, April 8, 2024

Location

All Elementary Schools

Time

AM

Focus

Literacy, Mathematics

Activities

  • Grade 3 and 6 EQAO Planning and Preparation
  • School Improvement Planning
  • Update Class Profiles
  • Reflections, revised action Planning for SIP Priorities (Early Reading, Math and School Culture)

Resources Used

  • DSBN Strategic Plan 2023-28
  • Curriculum Support Services

 

Time

PM

Focus

Student Well-Being, School Safety and Violence Prevention

Activities

This time will be used for staff to complete online occupational health and safety training modules and receive training on the development and implementation of student safety plans based on Ministry and Board policies.

Resources Used

DSBN and Ministry created online safety training materials/modules.

 

Summary of PA Day Activities for Secondary Schools:

 

Date

Monday, April 8, 2024

Location

All Secondary Schools

Time

AM

Focus

Literacy, Mathematics and De-Streaming

Activities

Principal led professional development activities that focus on action planning for School Improvement Plan priorities including:

  • Student achievement and credit accumulation across all grades
  • Grade 9 EQAO Math
  • OSSLT
  • Indigenous Education
  • Department Goals

Resources Used

  • EQAO (Grade 9 Math & OSSLT) results
  • Semester 1 Credit accumulation & Achievement Data
  • DSBN Strategic Plan 2023-28
  • Curriculum Support Services

 

Time

PM

Focus

Student Well-Being, School Safety and Violence Prevention

Activities

This time will be used for staff to complete online occupational health and safety training modules and receive training on the development and implementation of student safety plans based on Ministry and Board policies.

Resources Used

DSBN and Ministry created online safety training materials/modules.