Back to School 2026: UGDSB Dates and What Families Should Do
Written by Zoe Patterson • Published September 2, 2026 • Last verified September 2, 2026
What you need to know:
UGDSB's welcome back notice for 2026-27 is now online at ugdsb.ca.
Kindergarten registration for September 2026 opened in January; contact your home school if you missed it.
The first day of school for students is September 8, 2026.
Bus routes are posted about two weeks before school starts on the STOPSS site.
Update your emergency contacts and consent forms through the UGDSB online portal before the deadline.
The Upper Grand District School Board has posted its welcome back notice for the 2026-27 school year. That notice is now live on the board's website, and it's the first place to look for dates and procedures that affect every family with a child in a UGDSB school.
Kindergarten registration for September 2026 opened in January 2026, and the French immersion window ran at the same time. If you missed those windows, contact your home school directly. The board's website lists each school's catchment area, so you can confirm which school serves your address before you call.
For returning students, the notice points to the board's annual update process. That's when you verify emergency contacts, consent forms, and transportation information. The online portal usually opens a few weeks before school starts, and the board sends reminders through email and its mobile app. Watch for those messages so you don't miss the deadline.
Transportation is a separate system. Student Transportation of Ontario (STOPSS) handles bus routes for UGDSB, and the board's notice includes a link to check your child's route. Bus routes are posted about two weeks before the first day, and they can change, so check again the night before school starts.
School supplies lists are posted on individual school websites, not on the board's main page. If you can't find yours, the school office can help. Many schools also offer fee-based programs like before and after care, and those sign-ups often close before the first day.
The board also reminds families about the school year calendar. The first day for students is typically the Tuesday after Labour Day, and the notice confirms that for 2026 it's September 8. Professional development days and holidays are listed on the board's calendar page, and it's worth printing a copy to keep on the fridge.
One thing to know: the welcome back notice is not a one-time message. The board updates it as new information comes in, so check back if you're looking for a specific detail. For example, the notice will eventually include links to the school supply list portal and the transportation portal, but those aren't active yet.
If you're new to the board, or if your child is starting at a new school, the notice includes a link to the board's registration page. That page has forms for new students, including those coming from another province or country. You'll need proof of address, proof of age, and immunization records.
Finally, the notice reminds families to update their contact information with the school office before the year starts. That way, you'll receive all the time-sensitive messages about bus delays, school closures, and events. If you've moved over the summer, do this early.
For now, the most useful step is to bookmark the UGDSB welcome back page and check it weekly as September approaches. The board will post more details there, and it's the single source for accurate information.
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Related Reading
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- Guelph K-12 Schools and Daycare: Key Dates and Numbers
- Kindergarten Registration for 2026-27: Dates and Steps
- UGDSB 2026-27 School Year: Key Dates and Registration
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