Dear Families,
Mental Health Matters
Understanding mental health and how to support your child is so important. The OCDSB’s mental health professionals have compiled this resource list to support families looking for information and supports.
Toonie Tuesday - February 21st
Toonie Tuesday is next week and the goal is to raise $80,000. How can you help?
- Encourage your child to bring $2 or more to school on Tuesday, February 21st, or
- donate online through the Education Foundation of Ottawa's (EFO) website or your School Cash Online account.
Your donation helps ensure ALL students can learn confidently by providing the things every student needs: appropriate access to food, clothing, school supplies, healthcare supports, and opportunities for learning and recreation.
School Climate Survey for Parents/Caregivers
Between March 1 and March 24, 2023, we are conducting a School Climate Survey. This is a voluntary and anonymous online survey for parents, guardians, and caregivers of students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 that will help inform school improvement initiatives at both the school and District level. Watch for more details and read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Field Trips Policy Consultation
Field trips are part of students’ education experience. We are working on a review of Policy P.029.SCO Field Trips, Excursions, Educational Tours, and Student Exchanges and associated procedures, in order to modernize them, ensure they are aligned with the current processes and priorities, and address equity gaps. We welcome your feedback on the revised draft of the policy by emailing [email protected] by February 24, 2023.
2023-2027 Strategic Plan Planning Process: Electronic Feedback Launched
Join our electronic conversation about what is important to support student learning and wellbeing in our next strategic plan. You can share your thoughts and rate the thoughts of others to help set priorities. We welcome your perspectives and opinions, but posts with hateful or offensive language will be removed. If you see any comments that are rude or hurtful, please use the 'report thought' option. You can participate through the email link sent to you or by using this link until 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 24th, 2023. Learn more
Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard
Ottawa Public Health updates their Respiratory Virus Dashboard every Wednesday. This week’s data shows that levels of flu, COVID-19, and RSV continue to head in a good direction. OPH continues to recommend layers of protection like masks, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu vaccines, and staying home when sick, especially throughout the winter months.
February 22: Pink Shirt Day
Wednesday, February 22nd is Pink Shirt Day, which raises awareness about the impacts of bullying, how we can work together to prevent it, and provide support to those affected by it. Students and staff members are welcome to wear pink to show their support. Learn more.
February 22: Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day period (excluding Sundays) of prayer, repentance and self-denial that precedes Easter. We send our best wishes to all who are observing on Wednesday.
Upcoming Events
In case you missed it…
Applications Due February 20 for School Council Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants: School Councils can apply to receive PRO Grant funding of up to $750 per council, provided by the Ministry of Education. The grant supports innovative projects/activities that engage parents/caregivers and build their capability in anti-racism, equity/anti-oppression, and food sovereignty. Learn more.
Enjoy your Family Day weekend,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education