August 18th, 2026

Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3, 2026, are professional development (PD) days for elementary and secondary school staff.

  • Students will not attend school, in person or virtually
  • All board-operated Extended Day and Youth Development programs will be closed

About Professional Development (PD) Days

PD days are held throughout the school year to provide learning opportunities for school-based staff. This professional learning focuses on providing educators and staff with the knowledge and skills needed to support and enhance student achievement and well being.

What Elementary School Staff Are Learning

Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3, 2026 – Full Day Sessions

  • Focus: Mandatory Health, Safety and Awareness Training and School Learning and Improvement Process
  • Format: Online and In-Person
  • Learning delivery method:
    • Individual work
    • Small and large group discussions
  • Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Waterloo Region District School Board
  • Schools Participating: All Elementary

Content of Staff Learning

  • Individual online mandatory training modules hosted on a web platform, which include videos and presentation slide decks, dedicated to the following topics:
    • Anti-Human Trafficking
    • Anaphylaxis Training
    • Concussion Awareness
    • Cyber Security Awareness Training
    • Violence and Harassment in the Workplace
    • Workplace Violence Prevention Training
    • Asbestos Awareness
    • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
    • Accessibility Awareness – For New Employees Only
    • Worker Health & Safety Orientation – For New Employees Only
    • Supervisor Health & Safety Orientation – For New Employees Only
    • Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) Training for applicable staff
  • School Learning and Improvement Process with a focus on literacy, numeracy and inclusion:
    • Staff will participate in professional learning on curriculum, assessment, IEPs and artificial intelligence to support student achievement through equitable and inclusive practices.

What Secondary School Staff Are Learning

Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3, 2026 – Full Day Sessions

  • Focus: Mandatory Health, Safety and Awareness Training and School Learning and Improvement Process
  • Format: Online and In-Person
  • Learning delivery method:
    • Individual work
    • Small and large group discussions
  • Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Waterloo Region District School Board
  • Schools Participating: All Secondary

Content of Staff Learning

  • Individual online mandatory training modules hosted on a web platform, which include videos and presentation slide decks, dedicated to the following topics:
    • Anti-Human Trafficking
    • Anaphylaxis Training
    • Concussion Awareness
    • Cyber Security Awareness Training
    • Violence and Harassment in the Workplace
    • Workplace Violence Prevention Training
    • Asbestos Awareness
    • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
    • Accessibility Awareness – For New Employees Only
    • Worker Health & Safety Orientation – For New Employees Only
    • Supervisor Health & Safety Orientation – For New Employees Only
    • Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) Training for applicable staff
  • School Learning and Improvement Process with a focus on literacy, numeracy and inclusion:
    • Staff will participate in professional learning on curriculum, assessment, IEPs and artificial intelligence to support student achievement through equitable and inclusive practices.

Learn more about Professional Development for School Staff on the WRDSB website.