CIS Ontario

Dear CIS Ontario Community,

 

Welcome to the Spring 2021 edition of the quarterly CIS Ontario Newsletter. This week, the Ontario government declared a third provincial emergency which includes a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to stay at home except for essential purposes due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.

 

As always, your leadership and resilience set a strong and positive example for our students and school communities. In my role, I value connecting with our member community and appreciate when you share your challenges and solutions with me - your stories demonstrate how you lead with creativity and thoughtfulness... and humour.

 

Access to COVID-19 vaccines for all education workers, teachers and staff, in our member schools is finally on the horizon. As schools in most regions remain open for in-person learning during the four-week stay-at-home order, education workers in hotspot regions will become eligible for vaccines. Read more about the Ontario government's plan as shared in a news release this morning. In addition, please review the COVID-19 Vaccination Resources on our COVID-19 Resource Hub of our Member Portal. The resources include links and infographics to support understanding and answer questions that might help to prevent vaccine hesitancy.

 

On behalf of the CIS Ontario Board and our Chair, Alan Whyte, please join me in welcoming a new Director, Dr. Rulan Parekh. Also a current Governor at the Bishop Strachan School, Dr. Parekh is Associate Chief, Clinical Research at SickKids Research Institute and also the Division Director of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto. Dr. Parekh's knowledge and expertise in paediatric health and research will be a tremendous asset to the association. Learn more about Dr. Parekh on the Meet the Board section of our website. 

 

Last, but most definitely not least, I extend a sincere thank you to all members of the CIS Ontario community for the support you have given to students and each other, all while navigating your own personal challenges. A big thank you, as well, to our sponsors for their business leadership and their support of our programs. We continue to be in this together. 

 

Wishing you all a safe, healthy and relaxing April Break.

 

Sarah Craig

Executive Director

CIS Ontario

CIS ONTARIO: TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIRS

It's a Wrap! Teacher Recruitment Career Fairs 2020-21

 

CIS Ontario remains committed to promoting our member schools to graduating students in Bachelor and Master of Education programs and highlighting the rewarding careers and benefits of working in our independent schools. This year’s Teacher Recruitment Career Fairs, traditionally offered at universities throughout Ontario, including McGill in Quebec, pivoted and went online with a virtual format. Commencing in December and ending in April, CIS Ontario participated in 11 Virtual Fairs. 

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It's a Wrap! Teacher Recruitment Career Fairs 2020-21
 

MACLACHLAN COLLEGE

Informing the future with the lessons of history at MacLachlan

 

A defining feature of our school is the dedication and passion of our teachers. At no time has this been more evident than in the past several months. The necessity to adapt and pivot is well known in our community and this includes finding new ways to engage our students’ curiosity. There are many wonderful examples of initiatives at MAC. One stands out as we reflect on a globally historic year. Before the holidays our grade 10 history teacher Samantha Campbell, launched a new history project for her students in 2021 where she is challenging them to discover how the lessons of history should inform our future readiness.

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Informing the future with the lessons of history at MacLachlan
 
 
Informing the future with the lessons of history at MacLachlan
 

BRANKSOME HALL

Teaching through a Pandemic with Empathy and Creative Confidence

 

"How can I be a better teacher?” It’s not just Branksome Hall students who pursue the “growth mindset” values at the pedagogical core of an International Baccalaureate school. For the fifth year, Geography and Design teacher Allison Campbell-Rogers has been part of CIS Ontario’s Cohort 21, now on the coaching team—in a year of weighty themes that include Pandemic Pedagogies, Leading through Crisis, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Clearly, the opportunity for educators to hone their craft together has never been of greater value.

 
Teaching through a Pandemic with Empathy and Creative Confidence
 
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UPPER CANADA COLLEGE

The Pan(demic) Pals Project

 

Compassion and creativity is driving a UCC student-led program to connect young people with seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

 
The Pan(demic) Pals Project
 
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THE BISHOP STRACHAN SCHOOL

From Inclusion to Belonging

 

How can schools foster an environment where ALL their students flourish and thrive? It is through ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, sexuality, faith background, race, ability or circumstance is valued and appreciated. It is through ensuring that every unique individual belongs. In the winter of 2021, the Bishop Strachan School hosted the student led, YouBelong Student Diversity Leadership Summit, where 42 schools across Canada, Bermuda and Australia came together to discuss issues of diversity, equity and belonging. For many students, this was the first time they felt seen and understood, through connecting courageously with peers of similar identity. This half-day event sparked significant change, and continues to make waves as students carry forward the ideas and inspiration from this day.

 
From Inclusion to Belonging
 
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CIS ONTARIO SPONSOR: OUR KIDS MEDIA

It’s personal

 

We’ve been working with schools a long time—next year will mark a quarter century—and something we’ve learned is that it's always about a relationship.

It’s about the connections between a student and a mentor, a coach and a developing athlete, a family and a principal. Ultimately families want to connect with people who share their visions, recognize their aspirations, and understand their challenges.

Schools and Our Kids share similar bonds.

Click on the link below to learn how this special bond keeps Our Kids on a mission—to connect the right families with the right schools.

Read Full Article
 
It’s personal

KEMPENFELT BAY SCHOOL

Kempenfelt Bay School celebrates Unity!

 

Over the course of a school year, the KBS community reflects on a monthly value that is introduced and taught by a grade of students. For the month of March, Grade 1 students taught the KBS community about Unity.


To kick off the month, the Grade 1 students coordinated a community-building activity for the school. They ensured everyone had an individually packaged box of Smarties and created posters that assigned each color of the smarties to a conversation starter.


After spending the start of the year apart, it was wonderful to see staff and students alike sharing, munching, and laughing.

Kempenfelt Bay School celebrates Unity!

BAYVIEW GLEN

Challenging Ourselves to Stay Active

 

Bayview Glen’s Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership class wanted to get students up and moving. Their solution? BVG’s Greatest Athlete: a series of simple challenges to test athletic prowess and get students active. Competing for a gold, silver, or bronze award in each challenge, the idea is to participate as much as possible, whether at school or at home, and score the best results in as many of the activities as you can. Senior students lead their peers in the Lower and Prep Schools in scooter board relay, football hoop throws, volley tosses, and badminton hulas.

 

So who will be BVG’s Greatest Athlete? Follow us @BayviewGlen_Toronto to find out.

Challenging Ourselves to Stay Active

BANNOCKBURN SCHOOL

Bannockburn Students Love Sending Sunshine

 

This year, as part of learning about global issues, our students participated in the Sending Sunshine Program. This program collects letters and cards from students and distributes them to seniors living in various care facilities across Canada. Our students’ joy and diligence in creating beautiful messages and drawings to go with each card was truly heart warming. These cards from children provide uplifting rays of sunshine for seniors, especially in this time when many are feeling very isolated. We are so thrilled our Bannockburn students could participate in this amazing program, which aims to “spread love; one card at a time.”

Bannockburn Students Love Sending Sunshine

GREENWOOD COLLEGE SCHOOL

Raising Spirits at Greenwood

 

Spirits were at an all-time high as the Greenwood community celebrated our annual Spirit Week, both in school and at home!

Throughout the week, students and staff competed against each other in a number of initiatives in order to win the championship title for Spirit Week 2021. Activities included trivia on the morning announcements, a March Madness Badminton Bracket, a QR code scavenger hunt, a lip sync battle and more!

After an incredible week filled with strong participation and a lot of Greenwood Spirit, our Grade 12s took the win as Spirit Week champions!

Read Full Article
Raising Spirits at Greenwood

CIS ONTARIO SPONSOR: VS AMERICA

On-Demand Webinar: How Physical Spaces Impact Student Well-Being

 

It’s possible to create physical spaces that help build opportunities and break down barriers for deep connection, healing, and exploration. Watch this conversation with diverse practitioners – including a school administrator, clinical officer, social justice specialist, learning designer, as well as students – to discover how schools can create the spaces students need.

The webinar is available to watch anytime, simply click the link below and fill out a few details to start watching.

Watch the Webinar
 
On-Demand Webinar: How Physical Spaces Impact Student Well-Being
 

Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby, ON

 
On-Demand Webinar: How Physical Spaces Impact Student Well-Being
 

Kenora Catholic District SB, Kenora, ON

TRINITY COLLEGE SCHOOL

TCS clubs work together on pronoun button initiative

 

Two of Trinity College School’s clubs – Trinity Students for Social Justice (TSSJ) and the Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) – collectively organized the making of personal pronoun buttons for students and staff recently. This student-led initiative was conceived as a means of standing up for others and helping our school community become more inclusive. For many people, pronouns (such as he/him, she/her or they/them) are an important part of their gender identity. For others, the buttons are a visible sign of their support for a culture of respect for all gender identities. Thank you to TSSJ and GSA for their efforts!

Read Full Article
 
TCS clubs work together on pronoun button initiative
 
 
TCS clubs work together on pronoun button initiative
 

CRESCENT SCHOOL

New Crescent School Podcast Explores How Boys Learn Best

 

WELLRead, a podcast launched by the Crescent Centre for Boys’ Education (CCBE), shares perspectives from students, alumni and educators on how boys learn best. Each episode in the four-part series explores a particular area of the CCBE’s research, says Dr. Sandra Boyes, Executive Director of the CCBE. The first episode, on Diversity, was released in February to align with Black History Month. The newest episode, released on March 24, focuses on how boys benefit from experiential learning through community service and outreach opportunities. Future episodes will focus on Active Learning and Relational Learning.

Listen to the Podcast
New Crescent School Podcast Explores How Boys Learn Best

VILLANOVA COLLEGE

Hands-on Virtual Learning an Immersive Experience

 

Grade 4 students at Villanova College turned remote learning into an immersive experience through an application project in their light and sound unit. Students were tasked to create a shadow puppet show to explore the properties of light. As they were learning remotely, students were challenged to use materials they could find around the house. Some guidance was provided regarding how to create shadow puppets and a theatre, but students were given free reign as to the story they told – some chose songs, some retold well-known stories while others wrote their own skits.

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Hands-On Virtual Learning an Immersive Experience
 
 
Hands-On Virtual Learning an Immersive Experience
 

CRESTWOOD PREPARATORY COLLEGE

Crestwood Prep Students Sending Care During Pandemic

 

CPC students have spent this year actively finding ways to support those who have been affected by the pandemic. Students delivered lunches to thank frontline healthcare workers, sent handcrafted cards to elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities and assembled and donated hygiene kits for the homeless. These opportunities have allowed our students to develop empathy while strengthening and supporting their local communities.

Read Full Article
 
Crestwood Prep Students Sending Care During Pandemic
 
 
Crestwood Prep Students Sending Care During Pandemic
 

CIS ONTARIO SPONSOR: GOLD MEDIA

Video is the Key to Clear Communication & Connection

 

Covid-19 drastically impacted schools - especially how they connect with students, parents, faculty, and their communities. In 2021, greater focus is necessary to create impactful content and authentic interaction through dynamic video production.

Video is the best solution to keep everyone informed, promote your school to prospective students and parents, and is the driving force to ultimate engagement. Gold Media is here to help you with your school’s journey to optimize your digital marketing and communications.

Find out more at www.goldmedia.ca or contact me at john@goldmedia.ca or (416) 526-8237.

Visit Gold Media
Video is the Key to Clear Communication & Connection

TMS

TMS Races [Virtually] Coast-to-Coast

 

This term, TMS embarked on a virtual race across Canada! Tracking all student and staff steps through ‘myvirtualmission.com’, the 4 TMS Upper School Houses have been walking, running, and moving toward the 5,061.2 kilometer goal (the distance between St. John’s, N.L. and Victoria, B.C.). TMS Grade 6s also created a team and have been tracking their progress with pedometers. Since the Race’s launch in February, teams have collectively logged over 13,000 kilometers in movement. This has been an amazingly fun wellness initiative that has captured the Titan Community and inspired all of us to get moving this Spring!

 
TMS Races [Virtually] Coast-to-Coast
 

PICKERING COLLEGE

Pickering College student participates in youth roundtable with Deputy Prime Minister

 

Youth voice, income inequality, and global leadership were just some of the topics brought up when Grade 10 student Shyam Subramanyam had the opportunity to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland last month. Shyam was one of 12 students from across Ontario selected to participate in the Student Budget Consultation, an event hosted by CIVIX, a non-partisan, organization dedicated to building active and engaged citizenship among young Canadians.

Read Full Article
 
Pickering College student participates in youth roundtable with Deputy Prime Minister
 

HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL

HTS Students Titled Youth Wetland Experts

 

HTS became a Ducks Unlimited Wetland Centre of Excellence in 2012 and ever since, our students have become more and more familiar with the wetland on our campus forming part of the headwaters of the Rouge River. Students in the Grade 11 environmental science class researched, entered and presented at the Wetland Centres of Excellence Case Study Competition resulting in a great achievement.

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HTS Students Titled Youth Wetland Experts
 

HAVERGAL COLLEGE

Havergal College’s Rowing Team: Strong Alone, Unstoppable Together

 

There’s nothing like a good workout to release endorphins. With student wellbeing in mind during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 39 members of Havergal’s Rowing Team met virtually three times each week for early home morning erg (rowing) workouts. Anyone who did not have access to an erg had one loaned to them from Havergal. They also had weekly strength and conditioning workouts, which required minimal equipment, challenged all levels of athletes and were tailored for rowing performance and injury prevention. This training schedule not only helped them stay fit, but also allowed them to grow stronger as a team.

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Havergal College’s Rowing Team: Strong Alone, Unstoppable Together
 

CIS ONTARIO SPONSOR: NELSON

Supporting the Education of Black Students through Content and Community

 

The call for a need to further understand the Canadian Black Experience has been made clear, and Nelson is committed to providing tools and resources for educators that support students in the classroom and beyond. To ensure the conversation of Black History Month continues all year long, Nelson is dedicated to putting together Professional Learning opportunities for everyone in education, such as the See Us Learn Us nine-part webinar series. Nelson’s Edwin team is also working hard to reflect all this information into the digital ecosystem for educators to access, with a range of topics on the Black Canadian Experience.

Read Full Article
 
Supporting the Education of Black Students through Content and Community
 
 
Supporting the Education of Black Students through Content and Community
 

ST. JOHN'S-KILMARNOCK SCHOOL

No Limits to Learning at SJK

 

Natural, serene and expansive, the 36-acre campus at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School has always been an integral part of ‘The SJK Experience.’ As the pandemic shifted many previously indoor activities to the outdoors, the SJK community embraced this opportunity to further utilize our outdoor spaces, explore new activities and challenge themselves through exciting learning opportunities.

The sight of our senior students wearing snow pants a year ago would have been a rarity but this winter, it was a regular occurrence! Calming walks along the boardwalk and quiet study groups in the peaceful outdoors have become new favourites for our students. Outdoor classroom spaces, including the learning lookout situated on Chalmers Pond, have been popular destinations for learners of all ages. Activities such as our low ropes course, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, scavenger hunts, and the increasingly popular maple sap tapping of some of our large maple trees have provided students with an opportunity to learn new skills and engage with the outdoors like never before.

The pandemic has challenged us all to approach school differently. Fully embracing the outdoors is one change that we are confident will continue at SJK long after the pandemic is a distant memory.

 
No Limits to Learning at SJK
 
 
No Limits to Learning at SJK
 

UTS

Changing the culture of consent at UTS

 

University of Toronto Schools embarked on a transformative journey for the 2020-21 school year to strengthen the culture of consent at our school, and students are the driving force. After a small group of students and young alumni bravely raised several concerns last summer, the school responded by setting a strategic goal to create a school culture free of sexual harassment and assault, and established a joint student-staff committee to lead the change. Students worked with school lawyers to revise the policy so it is more empathic and easier to understand, as well as creating a video on consent for parents, and much more.

Read Full Article
 
Changing the culture of consent at UTS
 

APPLEBY COLLEGE

Appleby College’s Annual United Way Week

 

From February 22 to 26, Appleby College councils and student groups coordinated events for United Way Week. There were some old favourites like Dress in Red Day and Paint the Prefects, as well as new additions including Firewood Bundles, Gratitude Grams, and an auction was held for two sets of one face cord (4’ x 8’ stack) of dry, mixed wood from trees felled around campus. Funds raised were donated to the United Way of Halton and Hamilton and Appleby's Financial Assistance Programme. Approximately $5,000 was raised in addition to the $16,000 contributed through Appleby’s employee campaign which took place in January.

 
Appleby College’s Annual United Way Week

HAWTHORN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

The Hawthorn Exhibition: Where "Wisdom Begins in Wonder"

 

On the evening of March 18, 2021, we were thrilled to launch The Hawthorn Exhibition Google Site, inviting our families to view a snapshot of their child(ren)’s pathway towards wisdom. We were proud to showcase our students’ learning through videos of day-to-day activities. Hawthorn’s classical liberal arts education, in truth, goodness, and beauty, was on full display.

Learning is an odyssey, and ultimately we embark on this adventure for the love of learning. In the words of Socrates: “The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.” Where are you on your pathway towards wisdom?

 
The Hawthorn Exhibition: Where ''Wisdom Begins in Wonder''
 
 
The Hawthorn Exhibition: Where ''Wisdom Begins in Wonder''
 

CIS ONTARIO SPONSOR: ESSENTIAL ERM - TRACKER NETWORKS

Management Best Practices for School ERM

 

The last 12 months have clearly shown the value of being prepared. An enterprise risk management (ERM) program is a best practice management discipline that can help schools lower future risk and improve goal attainment.

Schools face unique risks, based on student populations and unique activities. The Essential ERM system from Toronto-based Tracker Networks is an easy and economical ERM solution, proven in 44 countries. The web-based software can be preloaded with school-related risks and implemented in a matter of hours. CIS Ontario members receive a special discount and free training & onboarding assistance. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Contact Tracker Networks
 
Management Best Practices for School ERM
 

HOLY NAME OF MARY COLLEGE SCHOOL

43 HNMCS Students on a Transformational Journey

 

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a self-development programme aimed at encouraging young people, aged 14 to 24, to set their own goals and challenges, work towards achieving them, and then be recognized after completion for sustaining the commitment they have made. The fundamental principle is self-motivation.

Holy Name of Mary College School currently has 43 students working towards various levels of this prestigious award that encompasses service, skills, physical recreation and an adventurous journey. This year, despite many barriers, our girls have been working diligently to volunteer in the community and plan experiences that help them fulfill the criteria of each of these sections in a meaningful way.

Read Full Article
 
43 HNMCS Students on a Transformational Journey
 
43 HNMCS Students on a Transformational Journey

ST. MICHAEL'S COLLEGE SCHOOL

Service Initiatives Take on New Meaning during the Pandemic

 

Restrictions, lockdowns and other disruptions necessitated by the pandemic has only fuelled the imagination of many students at St. Michael's College School when it comes to fulfilling community and Christian service requirements.

Traditional service initiatives like volunteering at a soup kitchen or preparing and delivering sandwiches for the homeless have not been available this year in their conventional form. So, students have challenged themselves to think outside-the-box to develop ideas that are safe, permissible and impactful.

The result has been a wide range of creative initiatives spanning tutoring, wellness, music, and even support for the pandemic-related needs of community organizations.

Read Full Article
 
Service Initiatives Take on New Meaning during the Pandemic
 
 
Service Initiatives Take on New Meaning during the Pandemic
 

THE YORK SCHOOL

A-Day-In-The-Life. The York School Taps School Spirit to Tell Its Story.

 

Under the blanket of the pandemic, many of us have been asking: How do we showcase all our school has to offer to prospective students when we can't even invite them in to fully ‘see’ our space? How do we show them what school culture is like? What exciting and challenging academic, sports and extracurricular activities might they enjoy? How do we do this safely? Our students supplied the answer!

Read Full Article
 
A-Day-In-The-Life. The York School Taps School Spirit to Tell Its Story.
 

CIS ONTARIO SPONSOR: APPLY TO EDUCATION

Diversity In The Classroom

 

ApplyToEducation is working with CIS Ontario schools who value diversity and inclusion in the classroom to attract and hire teachers from diverse backgrounds.

Our Applicant Tracking System, Job Board, and Diversity Job Fair on May 13 make this easy to accomplish. Email Kelsie at kmcpherson@applytoeducation.com for details.

 
ApplyToEducation
 

FROM THE DESK OF TIM WHITE: CISAA SPRING 2021 SPEAKER SERIES

CIS Ontario and the CISAA are pleased to present an 8-part speaker series to take place during April and May of 2021.

 

The Spring 2021 Speaker Series will offer ALL CISAA Athletic Directors and Coaches the chance to participate in unique, after school and evening presentations by eight individuals with varying backgrounds in sport. The intent is to provide an opportunity for coaches and athletic directors to look ahead to the return of inter-school sport and be energized and equipped with new ideas or new ways of looking at existing issues in the sports environment.

 

We are able to offer this PD at no charge to CIS Ontario member school employees this year due to the cancellation of CISAA games, playoffs and championships and through the generosity of our sponsors.

 

Please review the 2021 Spring CISAA Speaker Series package here and register in advance for as many sessions as you feel will fit into your schedule.

 

Thank you for your continued dedication in offering flexible physical activity and sport-specific training to students during a very challenging time. We hope this Speaker Series will provide a chance for reflection, inspiration and continued learning.

 

Tim White,

CISAA Director

 
Spring 2021 CISAA Speaker Series
 
Speaker Series Package
Speaker Series Registration

CIS ONTARIO: CITE  CONFERENCE 2021

Registration is Open!

 

Calling all English and ESOL teachers! Register today for the CITE Conference happening Saturday, April 24, 2021 hosted virtually by The Bishop Strachan School.

 

The theme for this year is 20/20 Vision: Focus on Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging. Join us and hear from keynote speaker Britta B, attend 8 great workshops and enjoy socializing with friends. 

Learn More and Register
 
CITE Registration is Open!
 

COVID-19 COHORT STUDY FOR TEACHERS AND EDUCATION WORKERS

Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto are looking for volunteers.

 

Would you like to participate in a COVID-19 Cohort Study? CIS Ontario is not affiliated with the study, however in the interest of supporting medical research, we agreed to distribute the information to our member school community on behalf of the research team at Mount Sinai Hospital.

 

Join a COVID-19 research study for teachers and other school personnel in Ontario elementary and secondary schools - both public and independent. Researchers at Sinai Health are looking for teachers, ECEs, TAs, principals, administrative assistants, bus drivers, lunch room and maintenance staff and others - whether they have direct student contact or not. No vaccines or drugs involved; just surveys and blood samples. Join whether or not you have been or plan to be vaccinated or not. If you are interested or know someone who might be, check out http://www.tibdn.ca/covid-19/education 

 

Please note: The consent form states that one has to work in an Ontario "public" school. Those who work at a private institution can select YES for that question. Please disregard any "public" wording, including on the consent form and the website - all educators/school personnel in Ontario are welcome regardless if it is in the public or private sphere.

 
Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto are looking for volunteers.
 
Learn More

THANK YOU CIS ONTARIO 'SUPPORTER PLUS' SPONSORS

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Nelson
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THANK YOU CIS ONTARIO 'SUPPORTER' SPONSORS

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CIS Ontario -- Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario

Enhancing excellence within our member schools through exemplary student programs, professional learning and collaborative initiatives.
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