October 25, 2024 - OSTA Launches New App, Inspire And Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A Video Series, and more
Dear Families,
Recently, I participated in a fall barbecue at our central administration office with the proceeds going to support the Education Foundation of Ottawa. The requests for support to the EFO have increased by 40% year over year since 2020. The EFO helps support the critical needs of OCDSB students. If you are able to, please support the EFO by making a donation today. Your donation lifts an OCDSB student up — closer to a brighter future.
OSTA Launches New App
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has launched a user-friendly progressive web application to provide real-time updates about your child’s transportation status. With this app, you’ll receive timely alerts and notifications directly to your device via push notifications. It’s easy to set up, it’s free, and notifications are instant. Learn more on the OSTA website.
Launching - Inspire And Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A Video Series
We are launching a new student-led initiative - Inspire and Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A video series to highlight some of the information youth are interested in. Recognizing a need for information about mental health support, students proposed creating a video series to address these questions. This series will explore those questions and provide helpful insights. In the first video, students can learn about some techniques to overcome procrastination.
November 2nd - OCDSB Family Conference: Register Now!
Join us for a day of collaboration, inspiring speakers, and workshops to help support your child’s educational journey. Register Now! For more details visit our website.
Arts Canterbury Open House (in-person)
November 5th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Dance, Drama and Music Open House
November 7th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Literary Art and Visual Art Open House
November 8th - Elementary Professional Activity (PA) Day
Friday, November 8th is a PA Day for OCDSB elementary schools. There will be no classes for elementary students. EarlyON Centres will be closed. School staff will participate in learning that focuses on key Ministry priorities: Literacy and Numeracy, and Student Well-being and Safety.
November 8th - Ottawa Child and Youth Summit
Children, youth and parents and caregivers are invited to register for the Ottawa Child and Youth Summit presented by CHEO, the City of Ottawa, Youth Ottawa, and Councillor Stéphanie Plante. This free event will bring together young minds and community leaders for workshops, activities, and discussions about important issues affecting children and youth in the city.
November 13th - OCDSB Speaker Series: Building Better Tech Habits
Join us on November 13th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a virtual session with Matthew Johnson, the director of education for MediaSmarts. This session will explore how families can use technology in healthy ways and how to create better habits that empower youth to be in control, rather than their apps and devices. Space is limited; register now!
November 20th - International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Virtual Open House
Learn more about the IB Programme and the application process for the next school year. Visit ocdsb.ca/ib for more details.
November 21st - Applying to Post-Secondary Virtual Information Session
This virtual session will provide Grade 12 students and their parents and caregivers information about the process of applying to post-secondary education in Canada, with a focus on apprenticeships, colleges and universities.
Books on Cybersecurity
Need help starting the conversation at home about cybersecurity, digital well-being and media literacy? Check out this list of books to support the discussion.
Classroom Chronicles
In September, more than 80 students and staff from across the OCDSB gathered at Confederation Education Centre for a Mental Health Champions event. The day was filled with learning, sharing and inspiration, as school teams explored ways to promote mental health and well-being at school.
Upcoming Starred Dates: Diwali
Diwali takes place on November 1st and is a five-day celebration also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is associated with a story about the destruction of evil by Lord Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating!
Reminders:
- November 6th - Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day.
- November 6th - Ottawa Public Health’s Parent and Caregiver Mental Health and Wellness Virtual Workshop: Join via Zoom on November 6th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Meeting ID: 858 7289 6732, Passcode: 100020).
- New Career Studies Mental Health Literacy Modules.
Career Opportunities
Positions available include:
- Technological Studies Technician - Hospitality - Applications Ongoing
- Painter/Plasterer - Applications Ongoing
Visit our careers page to see job opportunities at the OCDSB and find out how you can make a real difference supporting our students and staff.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 28th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
October 29th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
November 5th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
November 6th, 7:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Calendars and Planning for Important Dates
Please consult the OCDSB’s Elementary and Secondary calendars for PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more during the 2024-2025 school year. In addition, schools avoid scheduling activities like evaluations and field trips on certain religious/creed-based days of observance. Additional dates of significance can be found on the MultiFaith Calendar, Days and Months of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
Helpful Links:
- Donate to the Education Foundation of Ottawa (external link)
- OCDSB Safe Schools Reporting Tool
- School Council News
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education