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

Hi Everyone,

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!

Also, 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.

Here’s some interesting stuff happening in the OCDSB that you might want to check out. 

News:

• Ottawa-Provence Exchange: Virtual Information Session on March 5th.
• OCDSB Graduating Students - Apply Now For Education Foundation of Ottawa’s Stantec/Sens Community Foundation S.T.E.M. Award.
• Share Your Feedback On Our Learning Resources Policy by March 14th.
• Proposed 2025-2026 School Year Calendars (Subject to Ministry Approval).
• ECNO’s Cyber Challenge Champion Competition Announced.
• Fairy Godmother of Ottawa Offers 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).
• New Date: 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.
• AI and Cyberbullying.

Helpful Links: 

• Post-Secondary Scholarships 
• OCDSB Safe Schools Reporting Tool 
• Secondary Calendar 
• Religious/Creed-Based Days Of Observance 
• MultiFaith Calendar
• Days And Months Of Significance

Thank you,

Pino Buffone
Director of Education