December 20, 2024 - News, Upcoming Events, Resources, and Helpful Links.

Dear Families, 

Last week, I visited A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School and participated in their "duck families activity," which focused on empathy and character development. I also had the chance to pop into Riverview and was impressed by the staff's dedication to student learning and wellness particularly in terms of the utilization of rooms as productive safe spaces. And this week, I attended the 'Fisher & The Chocolate Company' event at Fisher Park/Summit where our intermediate students baked treats as a fundraiser for site-based activities. 

Last but not least, a special shout-out to Bells Corners for being recognized as a 'Kindness Certified School' through the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. The students and staff have worked tirelessly to cultivate kindness on site all year long. Way to go, Bulldogs! 

In the coming weeks, many in our OCDSB community will be celebrating holidays or marking important occasions together. In December this includes Christmas, Ghambar Maidyarem, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Sharaf, Solstice, Tohji-taisai, Yalda, Yule and the Anniversary of the Death of Prophet Zarathustra. In early January, many will observe new year celebrations, the Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Epiphany, Orthodox Christmas and Theophany. My heartfelt wishes to all participating in the festive occasions during the winter holiday season. Have a wonderful holiday break with family and friends.

News

• Glebe Collegiate Institute Hosts Unified Champion Schools Provincial Soccer Qualifiers.
• 2024 Winter Break Schedule: Important Dates.
• 2024 Valuing Voices - Identity Matters Student Survey - Results Released.
• OCDSB Invites Feedback On Proposed Privacy Policy Changes.
• Advisory Committee On Equity Revisions Approved.
• Nominations Now Open! 2025 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teachers and Early Childhood Educators. 
• Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant Applications for School Councils Open until January 10th. 
• Winter Virtual Night School Registration Opens January 13th.

Upcoming Events:

• Help spread the word about our upcoming Kindergarten Information Nights to families in your community!
• OCDSB hosts High School Course Selection Webinar on January 25th.
• Attend in-person High School Information Nights.
• Register for the AFFIRM Parent/Caregiver Information Program supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth - Last Date Today, December 20th

Resources:

• Tips on Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence from Common Sense Media
• Resources from MediaSmarts on Managing Tech At Home During The Holidays
• Water Safety Tips From Ottawa Public Health (OPH)
• Winter Safety Tips From Ottawa Police Service (OPS)
• OSTA’s Quarterly Newsletter   

Helpful Links: 

• Explore OCDSB Career Opportunities
• Want To Make A Difference In The Lives Of OCDSB Students? Donate To The Education Foundation Of Ottawa!
• OCDSB Safe Schools Reporting Tool
• Elementary Calendar 
• Secondary Calendar 
• Religious/Creed-Based Days Of Observance 
• Multifaith Calendar
• Days And Months Of Significance

Thank You,

Pino Buffone
Director of Education