May 4th, 2026

On May 4, 2026, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will enable access to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools for WRDSB students in Grades 7 to 12. The approved tools include:

  • Gemini Chat
  • NotebookLM

This initiative is part of the WRDSB’s ongoing work to ensure our students graduate with the tools and education to prepare them for the future. 

To access GenAI tools, students must sign in using their WRDSB accounts to ensure use is:

  • Secure 
  • Private
  • Accountable

GenAI in Learning Guidelines

To support students, parents, caregivers, and families, the WRDSB has launched the GenAI Student Guidelines. These guidelines are designed to promote the safe, ethical, and educational use of AI in learning environments and address the following areas:

Educator-Led

GenAI can be an exciting and innovative way to enhance learning. However, there will be times when using GenAI is not appropriate for tasks or assignments. The use of GenAI tools in classroom learning is ultimately guided by educator professional judgment.

GenAI is an optional learning tool available to students in Grades 7 to 12 to use under the guidance of their teacher for school-related work. At their discretion, teachers may choose to include, limit, or omit the use of GenAI tools. 

Support for Parents, Families and Caregivers

Student use of GenAI tools is guided by educators, in collaboration with parents, families, and caregivers.

To support students at all stages of their learning, we have created a webpage with resources for parents, families and caregivers. This page provides:

  • Information about how GenAI tools are integrated into learning
  • Guidance to help parents and caregivers support students at home

Monitoring and Feedback

The integration of GenAI into learning is a collaborative and ongoing process. We will continue to offer training, support and professional development to support administrators and educators as they integrate programs and tools into their classrooms.

Parents, families, caregivers and students with questions about GenAI and its use in learning should speak with their teacher or school principal.