April 7th, 2026

Friday, April 24, 2026, is a professional development (PD) day 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. The PD Day learning aligns with the Ministry of Education’s Mandatory Professional Activity Days for the 2025-26 School Year requirements.

What Elementary Staff Are Learning

Friday, April 24, 2026 – Full Day Session

  • Focus: Artificial Intelligence and School Learning and Improvement Process
  • Format: In-Person
  • Learning delivery method:
    • Small and large group discussions
    • Individual work
  • Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Waterloo Region District School Board
  • Schools Participating: All Elementary

Content of Staff Learning

  • School Learning and Improvement Process with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital literacy and student safety:
    • Staff will learn to use board-approved AI tools effectively and safely to support student learning while upholding cyber safety, security, and privacy expectations.
  • Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) Training for applicable staff

What Secondary Staff Are Learning

Friday, April 24, 2026- Full Day Session

  • Focus: Artificial Intelligence and School Learning and Improvement Process
  • Format: In-Person
  • Learning delivery method:
    • Small and large group discussions
    • Individual work
  • Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Waterloo Region District School Board
  • Schools Participating: All Secondary

Content of Staff Learning

  • School Learning and Improvement Process with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital literacy and student safety:
    • Staff will learn to use board-approved AI tools effectively and safely to support student learning while upholding cyber safety, security, and privacy expectations.
  • Behaviour Management Systems (BMS) Training for applicable staff

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