September 27, 2024 - Elementary Enrolment - Possible School Reorganizations, Elementary Program Review, and more
Dear Families,
Over the past two weeks, I had the pleasure of attending the Ottawa-Carleton Virtual (OCV) Spirit Day on Friday, September 13th, where I was able to engage with a diverse array of students who are experiencing their learning journey in a predominantly online teaching and learning environment. It was wonderful to hear their perspectives regarding the virtual setting, and how it intersects with their experiences in person.
I also spent time this week visiting Steve MacLean Public School... a vibrant visit where I had the chance to meet with students in the elementary grades... and hear all about the start of their learning journeys, supported by superb staff on site. A special shout-out as well to the students and staff of Maplewood Secondary School - so great that you are now into your new site!
Elementary Enrolment - Possible School Reorganizations
Every September, as part of the annual OCDSB staffing timelines, enrolment numbers across the District are reviewed to assess whether or not class projections have been met. OCDSB planning and human resources departments then compare this number to what was projected when classes and staffing plans were prepared the previous spring. Depending on the outcome of these projections versus how many students are actually in schools, changes may then need to be made to classes after the school year starts. This occurs to some degree every school year.
This year, student enrollment is lower than expected in several elementary schools across the District. Principals in elementary schools affected will share more information with parents/guardians over the next week.
Elementary Program Review
This spring, the OCDSB launched an Elementary Program Review to look at our programs (English with Core French, Middle French Immersion, Early French Immersion, Alternative, and Ottawa-Carleton Virtual), along with special education and English as a Second Language supports and services. We held public consultations with the OCDSB community, where we received valuable input from 4,294 respondents about current elementary programming that could improve program quality and accessibility for all students. In September, we released the public consultation report as a summary of the community’s input.
Today, we released our new Contextual Report for the Elementary Program Review, which provides an in-depth look at the District data we gathered, relevant external research on inclusive education and bi/multilingual programming, along with the public consultation report. All of these will inform the elementary review and the development of proposed model(s).
The original timelines indicated a proposed education model(s) would be shared with the Committee of the Whole and the broader community in Fall 2024. As the work progressed and through discussions with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the levels of complexity became more apparent in the context of a large change management process. To ensure there is adequate time to fully consider the guiding principles, key information sources, and evaluate the pedagogical and operational implications of any proposed model(s), the timeline for bringing forward specific recommendations will be deferred to the Winter/Spring of 2025. Learn more on Engage OCDSB.
2023-2024 EQAO Results Released
Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments are provincial tests designed to assess students’ literacy and numeracy skills at key points in students’ kindergarten to Grade 12 education. School and District EQAO results for the 2023-2024 school year are now available on the EQAO website.
October 24: Army Reserve Co-op Virtual Information Session
Join us on October 24th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., for a virtual information session about the National Capital Region Army Reserve Cooperative Education Program. This Co-op, a joint undertaking between the OCDSB and the 33 Canadian Brigade Group, aims to introduce OCDSB youth to career opportunities in the Armed Forces and Army Reserves. Register now for the information session.
Save the Date: November 2nd - OCDSB Family Conference
Join us for a day of collaboration, inspiring speakers, and workshops to help support your child’s educational journey. This year’s OCDSB Family Conference takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Woodroffe High School. This year’s theme is Supporting Education Through Change. This free, in-person event, organized by OCDSB's Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Family and Community Engagement (FACE), will feature noted youth entrepreneur, author and inspirational speaker Sam Demma as the keynote speaker. There will also be multiple-expert led workshops with some offered in multiple languages. Registration and more details will be shared shortly.
Save the Date: November 6th - Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day
OCDSB secondary school students will have the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways and career possibilities on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. On this Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day, Grade 9 students are encouraged to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day while grades 10-12 students are encouraged to participate in Launch 2024, a one-day virtual pathways and career exploration conference. We will share more details shortly.
Education Foundation of Ottawa: Inviting Applications for Board of Directors
The Education Foundation of Ottawa is seeking committed, engaged and passionate candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. In particular, they are looking for individuals with skills and experience related to marketing or legal experience.
This is an excellent opportunity to support an organization that makes such a valuable contribution to OCDSB students. More details can be found on their website.
Membership Applications Open: 2024-2025 Parent Involvement Committee
Are you an OCDSB parent or caregiver or community organization interested in education, student achievement, and well-being? Applications are now open for Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Membership for the 2024-2025 school year! Learn more about PIC and apply by Wednesday, October 9th at 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Administration of the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized French proficiency test for persons whose first language is not French. It is offered to OCDSB students twice a year, in the fall and spring. Eligible students this fall include those currently enrolled in a Grade 12 FSL course, or those who have previously earned a Grade 12 FSL credit through reach-ahead or e-learning but have not previously participated in the DELF. Information for the fall administration will be sent to eligible students on October 1st via their OCDSB email account. The deadline to register for the fall DELF administration is October 18th.
OSTA - School Bus Safety Week
OSTA is participating in the School Bus Safety Week and Driver Appreciation Day - from October 21st to October 25th, with the Driver Appreciation Day on October 23rd. School Bus Safety Week is an opportunity to recognize the importance of safe practices as a community. We all have a role to play in enhancing safety around student transportation. For Driver Appreciation Day, OSTA wants to recognize drivers who go above and beyond for students in your community. Please complete OSTA’s Driver Recognition Form to nominate your bus/van driver.
Upcoming Starred Dates: Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will begin at sundown on October 2nd and continue until October 4th. It marks the start of the year 5785 and the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe, which will conclude with Yom Kippur. This is an important time of celebration, introspection, and reflection for Jewish families. Shanah Tovah to all who are celebrating!
Get Involved in School Council
See our School Council News page for the latest updates, including election information, tips for effective meetings, and more. School councils are a great way for you to get involved in your child’s school. Contact your school for more information.
Literacy Test Prep Program (LDAO-C)
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton (LDAO-C) is offering a four-week Literacy Test Prep program for grade 10 students. The program will help students understand the process of writing a newspaper article, long answer vs. short answer, and how to read for understanding. The cost is $225 and spaces are limited. Contact programs@ldaottawa.com for details and to register.
Ottawa Public Health: Important Reminders
Amidst reports of an increase in the number of cases of pertussis (whooping cough), Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has shared this information to help families. OPH has also shared these important reminders.
Reminders:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
- Elections of 2024-2025 School Council Members
- Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton Abilities Centre Open House - October 3rd: RSVP through this form.
Career Opportunities
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 8th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
October 9th, 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