February 14, 2025 - News, Upcoming Events, Resources, and Helpful Links.

Dear Families, 

Thank you to the 1220 participants who have already participated in the survey on the proposed elementary program model. This is an important opportunity to share your thoughts and questions. The online survey will be available until March 25, 2025. You can also join us at our in-person and virtual Community Meetings on March 6th, 17th, and 24th. 

Your feedback is valuable and will help the Board of Trustees make an informed decision about the proposed model. 

We encourage you to take the time to review the summary booklet on the proposed model, available in English, Arabic, French, Inuktitut, Pashto, Simplified Chinese, and Somali before you complete the online survey or attend the community meetings.

As a reminder, the proposed school locator will be available on Engage OCDSB starting February 28th.

Also, a reminder that Monday, February 17th is Family Day. All OCDSB schools, including early learning and childcare programs and administrative buildings, will be closed. 

News

• Toonie Tuesday is February 25, 2025: Give A Little, Help A Lot!
• The City Through a Modern Lens: Student Photography Exhibition.
• Ottawa-Provence Exchange: Virtual Information Session on March 5th.
• Share Your Feedback On Our Learning Resources Policy by March 14th.
• School Council News: Website Training, Funds Management and More.
• Fairy Godmother of Ottawa Offering Free, Gently-Used Prom Dresses, Shoes and Accessories.
• 2025 OPSBA Awards - Nominations Now Open.

Upcoming Events:

• Riverside South High School Hosting Information Sessions on February 24th and February 25th.
• Elementary Program Review Community Meetings: Daytime and Evening Sessions on March 6th and 17th (In-person) and March 24th (Virtual).
• New Date: March 26th is Our Resource Fair: Transition Planning for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities.

Resources:

• Math@OCDSB February/March Edition: Base Ten Blocks, Math Games and More. 
• eLearning - What You Need To Know (Video).
• Youth Action Committee Resources for Students: Stigma and the Power of Language Tip Sheet and Wellness Challenge
• School Mental Health Ontario Parent/Caregiver Resource Hub
• EarlyON Centres: Free programs for families and caregivers with children from 0-6 years old.
• MediaSmarts: Raising Digitally Resilient Kids.
• MediaSmarts - Media Safety Tips: Early childhood (birth to 5 years old); Middle Childhood (6-9 years old); Tweens (10-13 years old); Teens
• Know More About City’s Idling Control By-Law.

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
• Parents’ Guide to Ontario’s Education System

Thank You,

Pino Buffone
Director of Education