November 08, 2024 - Indigenous Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day, Report Cards: November 15th, and more
Good Afternoon,
It was an honour to provide opening remarks at the 'Post-Secondary Pathways Launch 2024' event, held virtually across the province, earlier this week. Over 36 000 secondary students took part in an on-line day of exploration and awareness related to career possibilities... with over 80+ presentations and 60+ exhibitor booths! The virtual event allowed secondary students to gain a deeper understanding of different industries, professions and vocational paths.
It was also superb to take part earlier this week in the Student Senate LaunchDay held at the Board Office. My sincere gratitude to Student Trustees - Ezio De Stefano, Sharanya Sivasathiyanathan and Jeffrey Zhang - for their leadership and voice in coordinating this collection of student senators. We spoke of so many pertinent challenges and opportunities for students related to learning, well-being and social responsibility - the very core of our strategic priorities.
Indigenous Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day
We honour the commitment and sacrifices of all who have served and continue to serve in times of war, conflict, and peace. In recognition of National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th and Remembrance Day on November 11th, students have been taking part in activities to reflect, remember and learn about those who have served. Schools will host Remembrance Day ceremonies. An in-person ceremony will also take place at the Board office at 133 Greenbank Road on November 11th at 10:25 a.m., which community members are welcome to attend.
Report Cards: November 15th
Secondary report cards will be sent to families and eligible students on Friday, November 15th. You will need the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, please visit our website.
Monday, November 18th - 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - OCDSB’s School Within a University (SWAU) Virtual Information Session
Grades 11 & 12 students and their parents and caregivers are invited for a virtual information session. Visit our website for more information.
Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?
Eyes glued to your phone? Feeling the digital drain? We get it. Tech is awesome, but how much is too much? Watch this video to learn how to find a healthy balance with screen time so you can crush it in school and life!
Upcoming Starred Dates: Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
November 15th is Guru Nanak Jayanti – one of the most prominent Sikh festivals, which is observed as the birthday of the first of their gurus, Guru Nanak. Wishing a Happy Gurpurab to all those celebrating!
Reminders:
- Launching - Inspire And Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A Video Series
- November 13th - OCDSB Speaker Series: Building Better Tech Habits
- November 20th - IB Programme Virtual Open House
- November 21st - Applying to Post-Secondary Virtual Information Session
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
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
- Resources to help you safe online: Cybertip.ca and Kids Help Phone
- Post-Secondary Scholarships
- OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter
- OCDSB Safe Schools Reporting Tool
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education