September 13, 2024 - Elementary and Secondary Professional Activity (PA) Day, OCDSB Speaker Series: The Power of Play - Recording Available, and more

Dear Families, 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and school communities for their incredible care and commitment to learning, well-being and social responsibility in the smooth start-up to the new school year. A special shout-out this week to our amazing school administrators - principals and vice-principals - for their steadfast leadership on site. I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting with our system leaders mid-week... and I could feel the enthusiasm, energy, poise and professionalism for the new school year. Thank you for all that you do for our system!  

I would like to remind everyone that these updates will be sent bi-weekly this school year. The next update will be sent on September 27th.   

Elementary and Secondary Professional Activity (PA) Day - September 27th

Friday, September 27th is a PA Day for all OCDSB schools. There will be no classes for students. EarlyON Centres and Extended Day Programs will be closed. School staff will participate in learning that focuses on key Ministry priorities: Literacy and Numeracy, and Student Well-being and Safety.

OCDSB Speaker Series: The Power of Play - Recording Available

Thank you to all who joined us yesterday for our Speaker Series event with Hannah Beach! Nearly 500 attendees participated in this insightful session exploring the power of play. Please check your email for the link to the recording. Keep an eye out for more exciting Speaker Series events coming your way this year!

Rowan’s Law Day

September 25th, Rowan’s Law Day, honours Rowan Stringer’s memory and raises awareness about concussion safety. Rowan Stringer was a competitive and keen athlete, and was captain of John McCrae Secondary School’s rugby team. She passed away tragically in May of 2013 at just 17 years old, as the result of head injuries she sustained while playing rugby. Visit our Rowan’s Law Day webpage to learn about recognizing the symptoms of concussion and for additional resources.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of mourning and remembrance for everyone, especially First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, that offers an opportunity to reflect and honour survivors, their families, and communities. OCDSB students and staff will also mark National Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 23rd-27th. For additional information and resources, subscribe to the OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter.

Elections of 2024-2025 School Council Members

The election of school council members must be held within 30 days of the start of the school year. Any parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school can be elected as a parent member of the school council. Your school council constitution will describe the membership and officer positions on the council, as well as the roles and responsibilities that accompany these positions.

OCDSB EarlyON Centres: Drop-In Playgroups for Families with Children Ages 0-6

EarlyON Child & Family Centres are welcoming and supportive places where children and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers can learn, grow, and connect, together. At EarlyON’s free multi-age drop-in playgroups, families can explore a variety of early learning activities together, speak with early years professionals, and meet other families in their neighbourhood. No pre-registration is required to join. Find a location near you!

Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton Abilities Centre Open House 

The Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton is holding an open house to share their new space with the community. Visit the centre on October 3rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1547 Merivale Road (Suite 450) to learn about the organization, their programs, and celebrate the opening! RSVP through this form.

OSTA: Walk-a-Block 

Did you know that walking all or part way to school helps create safer school zones by reducing vehicle congestion? If you live too far away from school to walk the whole way, consider parking 5 to 10 minutes away from the school and walking the rest of the way. Take this small step to help make school zones safer for everyone! Download your Walk-a-Block map today! More details on the OSTA website.

Reminders:

• September 21st: Open Trails Day - MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre
• Register Now for Fall 2024 Virtual Night School - Deadline: September 16th
• Ottawa Public Health: Important Reminders

Career Opportunities

Positions available include:

• General Manager, Board Services (Application deadline extended: September 27th)
• Communications Advisor (Application deadline: September 17th)
• Portal Content Coordinator (Application deadline: September 17th)
• Indigenous Student Support Coordinator (Term) (Application deadline: September 20th)
• WSIB/Disability Management Coordinator (Application deadline: September 20th) 

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:

Call for Applications — Trustee Zone 2 (Kanata North/Kanata South)

This is your opportunity to be a strong advocate for public education and support your community. The OCDSB is seeking eligible candidates to fill the position of Public School Trustee for Zone 2, representing Kanata North and Kanata South in the City of Ottawa. The application deadline is September 20, 2024. Visit our website for more details.

Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings

September 18th, 7:00 p.m. - Audit Committee 

September 19th, 6:00 p.m. - Indigenous Education Council

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 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