In November 2008, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board adopted a new board-wide homework policy and procedures for Kindergarten to Grade 12 to be implemented in September 2009. The policy and procedures approach homework from a Catholic perspective that recognizes the importance of family time and honours the bonds between school, family and parish. As a community, we recognize that the stronger these bonds, the more effectively our students are able to learn and to develop the unique talents and gifts with which they are blessed.

The policy and procedures do not require that homework be assigned daily. When homework is assigned, however, it must be directly related to what the student is learning in class and has the following characteristics:

• it is meaningful and relevant;

• it is purposefully planned to avoid student overload;

• it is clearly articulated by the teacher and understood by students;

• it is differentiated, as appropriate, to meet student learning needs;

• it is reviewed in a timely manner.

Homework is not necessarily limited to pencil and paper tasks. It may include other tasks such as practising, observing, rehearsing, interviewing, researching and studying, for example.