The Bluewater District School Board is celebrating national recognition for a groundbreaking initiative that improves accessibility for secondary students and their families when choosing courses.
The board's digital course calendar has won the Coup de Coeur category at the BRAVO! Awards Program, hosted by the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education during its annual conference in Calgary.
BWDSB’s Learning Services – Student Success department developed the tool to offer a centralized, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper-based calendars.
The digital calendar is accessible on the board’s website, with a consistent format, to simplify course selection, and provide multilingual access.
It also streamlines updates to align with Ministry of Education curriculum changes.
While the focus is on sustainability and digital engagement, print versions of the calendar remain available for those who prefer them. This recognition highlights Bluewater’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and student success.
Kim Harbinson, Learning Services Administrator – Student Success, recognized the significant time commitment of guidance teachers and administrators in reviewing printed course calendars, and proposed an online platform with direct links to ministry courses, graduation requirements, and course code explanations.
“I am so very pleased to have been involved with the collaboration of this innovative idea for BWDSB,” said Harbinson.
“Seeing this project recognized on a national stage is an incredible honour. Our digital course calendar represents a collaborative effort to provide students and families with increased access to information, to aid in engaging with their educational choices,” said Intermediate Senior Technology Coach Hillary Weppler. “This recognition is also a testament to the transformative potential of thoughtful communication tools. The calendar is more than a resource – it is a bridge connecting students, families, and educators with clear pathways to success.”
“Congratulations are extended to our staff, whose efforts have resulted in our board receiving this prestigious honour,” added Director of Education Lori Wilder. “We appreciate the work they are doing to foster and enhance communications and engagement for our students and families.”
Print versions of the calendar will continue to be available at the schools for those who prefer a paper-based format.
The board-wide digital course calendar can be viewed at this link: https://www.bwdsb.on.ca/programs/secondary_programs/course_calendar