Guide contains important information about Rainbow Schools

Families in Rainbow Schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island can access the 2023-2024 Guide for Students and Parents/Guardians online at rainbowschools.ca. A link to the publication will be sent to families the first week of school. A school year calendar will also be distributed to all students to bring home as a handy reference.

Rainbow District School Board Chair, Bob Clement, extends a warm welcome to new and returning students and staff in schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin Island. “On behalf of Trustees, we are excited to begin a new school year as we continue to focus on our priorities. In Rainbow Schools, we instill in students the skills they need to lead independent and productive lives and become responsible and respectful citizens who care about each other and the world in which they live.”

Chair Clement encourages parents/guardians to take an active interest in their child’s education. “Ensuring your child attends school regularly is a good place to start,” he says. “When parents/guardians value education, students value education.” He adds: “When the home, the school and the community work together, we maximize learning opportunities for students and help them achieve their full potential.”

Director of Education Bruce Bourget invites students to make the most of every opportunity in arts, athletics and academics. “When students are fully engaged in school life, supported by a strong circle of caring adults, and given opportunities to be active and interact with their peers, they gain a sense of belonging which has a positive impact on mental health and well-being, and student success and achievement,” he says.

As a child’s first teacher, Director Bourget says parents/guardians can support the success of their student or students and the work of the school by focusing on reading, writing and math at home. Reading at home each evening has a positive impact on student achievement. “Strong skills in literacy and numeracy are fundamental to learning in all subject areas,” he says. “With practice comes improvement. This creates excitement for learning, inspires students to challenge themselves, and builds confidence and resilience as students progress in their studies.” He adds: “It also engages parents/guardians as partners in the learning process.”

The Guide for Students and Parents/Guardians contains information about services, programs and policies, including the Code of Conduct, as well as opportunities for parents/guardians to get involved in their child’s school. It also features key dates, such as school holidays, provincial assessments, professional activity days, secondary school examination days and system-wide events.