We extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all new and returning Bluewater District School Board students, staff, and families as we begin the 2026-2027 school year!
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and senior leadership staff, we hope everyone enjoyed a fulfilling summer and had a chance to rest and reset for the year ahead. This includes many of our Bluewater staff from different employee groups who worked during July and August ensuring continuity of our operations and preparing for our big September return.
Just visit a few of our schools, and you will see the results of some of this hard work through rejuvenated and pristine looking facilities. Whether it is a fresh coat of paint, revitalized yard, or enhanced classroom, gym, or washroom space, we are always impressed to see the results of summer projects supported by the Ministry of Education to renew and improve our schools. We also recognize playground improvements that have occurred, and which would not be possible without the hard work and fundraising efforts of parent/guardian and community volunteers. Thank you to all involved in helping to make Bluewater a great place to learn and work!
If you have been following news headlines these past several months, you will know that it has been an eventful time in public education with provincial changes to school board operations and governance, and the start of labour negotiations. We know how unsettling some of this can feel and remind everyone in our school communities that this too shall pass. During uncertain times, we can stay resilient by allowing the process to take its course, showing respect towards each other, and keeping our focus firmly on our students.
With the municipal election happening next month on October 26, new school board governance changes will apply to the incoming group of Bluewater trustees serving for the 2026-2030 term. We understand that there will be some returning faces to our Board of Trustees, along with a few new ones. As we await further ministry direction on the duties of trustees going forward, we can assure our Bluewater families that the strong advocacy and voice of locally elected trustees on behalf of our Grey-Bruce communities will remain intact. We encourage you to visit our
municipal election web page to learn more about how trustees play, and will continue to fulfill, an important role in representing our schools.
One new development effective this school year is the ministry mandated
Student and Family Support Office to help families understand and navigate the communication process for addressing and resolving concerns. As in the past, parents/guardians are encouraged to address school-based concerns at the school level first. The new central office will be available if further escalation is needed and to provide guidance and ensure appropriate steps and processes have been followed.
August brought some uncertainty through labour negotiations that jeopardized student bus transportation to start the school year. We acknowledge the stress and anxiety this caused many families (and staff) and are extremely pleased – and relieved – that an agreement in principle was reached to avoid any service disruptions. Families requiring transportation for their children are reminded to sign up for the new
Edulog Parent Portal App, which includes some exciting features to make it easier to manage student busing information.
Another change that we are pleased to share this year is our newly designed and easily downloadable
elementary and secondary school year calendar. The new format includes important dates, such as Professional Activity Days, holidays, and exam schedules in one convenient and visually appealing document.
The coming weeks will be marked by back-to-school activities, family-friendly events, and the onset of new routines to better acquaint everyone with their environment and peers, while building crucial relationships between school and home. It is a period of transition for many – first-time students entering junior kindergarten, Grade 9 students starting high school, staff changing locations for a new assignment, and students and staff who are new to Bluewater altogether. Whatever your situation, caring and experienced staff are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them at your school or work location.
We look forward to a successful, productive, and rewarding year of learning and growth for all who are attending Bluewater over the next 10 months. Good luck and best wishes in 2026-2027!
Jane Thomson
Chair of the Board
AJ Keene
CEO