February 28, 2025 - News, Upcoming Events, Resources, and Helpful Links.

Dear Families, 

Today, we released the next comprehensive report on the proposed elementary program review and the school locator should the plan outlined be approved by the Board of Trustees. 

This report provides the proposed attendance boundaries, grade configurations and program offerings for each of the District’s elementary schools as part of the review. It also provides clarification and additional information on the proposed transitional provisions for phasing out existing programs and implementing the proposed changes. 

I encourage you to take the time to review the report and provide your feedback either through our online survey (available until March 25, 2025) or join us at the 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. 

Next, I wanted to share that I had the pleasure of visiting Elmdale Public School, Dunlop Public School and Sir Winston Churchill Public School over the past two-week period... with each site demonstrating the vibrancy and dynamism of our teaching and learning environments. My gratitude as always to the incredible staff who have these bright, brilliant students in their care each and every day - you make a difference!

Finally, a reminder that March 10th to March 14th is March Break. There will be no classes and all OCDSB EarlyON Child and Family Centres will be closed.

News:

• Ottawa-Provence Exchange: Virtual Information Session on March 5th.
• Share Your Feedback On Our Learning Resources Policy by March 14th.
• OCDSB Graduating Students - Apply Now For Education Foundation of Ottawa’s Stantec/Sens Community Foundation S.T.E.M. Award.
• Proposed 2025-2026 School Year Calendars (Subject to Ministry Approval).
• ECNO’s Cyber Challenge Champion Competition Announced for Students.
• Fairy Godmother of Ottawa Offering Free, Gently-Used Prom Dresses, Shoes and Accessories
• 2025 OPSBA Awards - Nominations Now Open.

Upcoming Events:

• Elementary Program Review Community Meetings: Daytime and Evening Sessions on March 6th and 17th (in-person) and March 24th (virtual).
• March 26th is Our Resource Fair: Transition Planning for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities.

Resources:

• Youth Action Committee Resources: Reaching Out For Help (Video) and Move, Rest, Thrive (Tip Sheet).
• What to Do if You Witness Hate or Bullying.
• Student Requests for Religious/Creed Accommodations to Support Prayer, Fasting or Observance of Religious Days of Significance.
• Kids and Tech: How Much Screentime Is Too Much Screentime?

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