Dear Families and Staff:

We have important information to share with our staff and families. The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) continues to face funding shortfalls in its transportation portfolio and as a result we will be making changes to Monsignor Castex Catholic School's start and end times. 

Transportation has been underfunded across the province for many years, which has resulted in school boards making difficult decisions related to the delivery of transportation services in their respective communities. In addition, most school boards in the province are experiencing budget deficits and funding pressures in a number of areas, including SMCDSB. 

One way that we can achieve cost savings is by changing bell times. This enables the Simcoe County Student Transportation to double up routes with other schools in the area, e.g., one bus and driver will transport students to and from one school and then go back out and transport students to and from another school in close proximity. 

The following bell time change will be made beginning in September 2025: 

We recognize that this change may present challenges for some staff and families. Our Board is currently facing financial challenges and we are working to find as many cost-savings measures as possible. Implementing these bell time changes is one way to achieve meaningful cost-savings without impacting academic programming for our students.  

In June, the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC), who delivers transportation services on behalf of our Board, will provide letters to families of students who currently take the bus to outline the details of new pick-up and drop-off times. 

This Question and Answer Document (PDF) outlines more details about these changes. As always, please feel free to contact the school directly if you have any questions or concerns. 
 

Yours in Faith,

Kevin Kuiack
Superintendent of Student Engagement and Learning (K-12)