As staff and students prepare to head back to the classroom, local school boards will be offering more support to families.
The Lambton Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, and Providence French Catholic School Board all now offer centralized resources through the Student and Family Support Office.
The offices were first introduced by the Ontario government at select school boards in January, 2026, but have now been expanded province-wide.
Local officials say the offices provide a centralized resource, helping students, families, caregivers, and other community members to access information, navigate concerns, and connect with supports across the school system.
While it is recommended any concerns first be raised with classroom teachers or school administration, the SFSO is available for additional support, clarification of next steps, and to provide resources and advice.
According to Minister of Education, Paul Calandra, the province will regularly collect information from all 72 Ontario school boards to identify patterns and trends about the types of concerns parents are raising, helping to find ways to improve processes so students and families receive better support.
“Parents should have a clear and consistent way to raise concerns and get answers when it comes to their child’s education,” Calandra said in a news release. “We are strengthening accountability across our school boards and making sure families can get the support they need when they need it. Everything we are doing is focused on improving student achievement and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
