December 9, 2022 - Standing Up to Antisemitism, December 10: Human Rights Day, and more.
Dear Students,
Standing Up to Antisemitism
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board stands against antisemitism. We are aware of the vile, antisemitic statements and messages targeted at Trustee Nili Kaplan-Myrth. Many of these statements have included antisemitic slurs, epithets, threats of harm, aggression, and in some cases, illegal activity. This is unacceptable and inexcusable.
Students and staff in our schools, and in the community, are experiencing a rise in antisemitic behavior. Hateful, aggressive or threatening actions or statements by any member of the OCDSB community will be investigated and disciplined. Any evidence of hate crimes will be reported to local authorities.
December 10: Human Rights Day
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Human Rights Day is recognized each year on December 10th, the anniversary of the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is like a roadmap for the world, to achieve equality and freedom.
The OCDSB has its own Indigenous, equity and human rights roadmap that we use to guide us to be better, do better, and create more inclusive working and learning spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and feels belonging. Guided by this roadmap, here is how we are taking action to promote and protect the human rights of our students, staff members, and families:
We all have a responsibility to promote and protect human rights in our schools, workplaces, and communities. This can be achieved through our effort to create cultures of acceptance and belonging and to stand up against words and actions that are hateful, racist, threatening, or aggressive.
OCDSB Cares - An anonymous reporting option for students
We know there may be times when students want to share concerns and would feel more comfortable remaining anonymous. OCDSB Cares is an anonymous reporting tool for you to share your concerns about health, well-being and safety issues at school. This can include concerns about mental health issues, bullying, hate or discrimination, abuse, and other areas that are important to you.
It's anonymous and easy to use.
- Text 613-704-2686 and the OCDSB Cares team will receive an encrypted, scrambled number. Your number cannot be identified.
- Use the anonymous Webchat service.
Please note, the OCDSB Cares team is available between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., although they can respond to text requests the next day. To learn more, visit: ocdsb.ca/cares
New French Summer Learning Opportunity: The Explore Program
This summer, the Government of Canada is offering students the opportunity to spend 3-4 weeks immersed in a French language environment aimed at building your language skills. You will also enjoy French cultural activities and connect with FSL students from across Canada. The Explore program is open to OCDSB students entering grades 10, 11 or 12 in September 2023 at any level of French (Open, Core or Immersion). Students who complete a language portfolio and oral interview in addition to this experiential learning opportunity will have the chance to earn both a French Language credit and a Travel & Tourism credit. To learn more, complete this form and join us on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. for an information session. A Google Meet link will be shared with you when you complete the form.
Nominate a Teacher or Early Childhood Educator for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominate an outstanding educator for the 2023 Prime Minister's Awards today! The Prime Minister's Awards recognize excellence in teaching, teaching excellence in STEM, and excellence in Early Childhood Education. Award recipients are honoured for their remarkable achievements in education and for their commitment to innovation. Nominations must be sent in by January 17, 2023 - nominate a teacher here or an early childhood educator here.
Weekly Snapshot from Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa Public Health has provided an updated Respiratory Virus Snapshot for the past week. Please take a moment to read their overview and the actions they recommend we take to keep ourselves and others healthy.
In case you missed it…
Dates and Reminders for the Winter Break: Here are a few important details for students and families to remember:
- The last day of school for elementary and secondary students will be Friday, December 23.
- All students will return to class on Monday, January 9, 2023.
- All elementary and secondary schools (including school offices) and OCDSB administrative sites will be closed as of the end of regular hours on Friday, December 23.
- Secondary school offices and OCDSB administrative sites will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Looking for More Information on Upcoming Events or Dates? Remember to consult the OCDSB’s elementary and/or secondary calendars for PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more. Board Meetings, committee meetings, and dates of significance can be found on the OCDSB’s board calendar. In addition, religious and/or cultural dates can be found in our MultiFaith calendar.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education