Ottawa Carleton District School Board

Hello Students, as our final week of June comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all students, staff and school communities for such an amazing 2023-2024 school year! It has been a most memorable one for me in my return to this dynamic district - a true honour for me!

Hello Students, today is National Indigenous Peoples Day and an opportunity to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. I'd like to acknowledge members of our Indigenous community and extend my appreciation for the knowledge they share with us. I would also like to express my gratitude to the OCDSB Indigenous Education Team who do such important work supporting Indigenous students and families and sharing their knowledge and experience with colleagues. This summer, the OCDSB is offering an Indigenous Summer Learning Program for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students going into grades 9-12.

Hello Students, it was terrific to meet with 'Student Ambassadors' from Gloucester High School earlier this week. These amazing student leaders spoke so passionately and proudly about the diverse array of programs and services offered as they toured me so graciously through the site... and how staff were working in such a determined and diligent way to meet their interests, their readiness, and their needs. It was such an inspiring model of rich, engaging teaching and learning environments throughout our organization!

Hello Students, it was superb to take part in the celebration of students who have completed the International Certificate Program (ICP) coordinated by the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network (OCENET) at 440 Albert Street on Thursday night... a terrific accomplishment tied to our District's 'Exit Outcomes', including 'global awareness'. Congratulations to the 138 students who achieved this impressive credential... the largest-ever cohort for the ICP to date!

Hello Students, last year, OCDSB schools raised $218,457 through the Terry Fox School Run. The Terry Fox Foundation has thanked us for the incredible support we have given in support of cancer research. The exceptional dedication and commitment shown by OCDSB families to this cause exemplify the spirit of generosity and community. The 2024 Run will take place on September 20th. For registration and more details, please contact your school.

Hello Students, only five weeks to go before the end of the 2023-2024 school year! Just a reminder that students graduating in the 2023-2024 school year are required to have completed 40 hours of community involvement. Make sure you check out our Community Involvement page to learn about eligible activities.

Hello Students, the Elementary Program Review public meetings are currently underway with the next ones taking place on Wednesday, May 22nd at D. Roy Kennedy Public School (7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Glashan Public School (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.).

Hello Students, to ensure we can have as many responses as possible, the survey deadline has been extended to Friday, May 17th. Remember, the survey is confidential and you don’t have to answer every question. Your voice matters. Be sure to submit your survey before the deadline to have your perspectives included.

Hello Students, we are nearly halfway through the survey period for our 2024 Student Survey. Many students have now completed their survey. We’re hoping to increase participation over the final few weeks. This information will help us address topics like safety, bullying, mental health, learning and student achievement. To ensure we can have the greatest impact, we need to hear from as many students as possible. You’ll have time to do it at school or you can do it on your own time if you want. Just check your email for a link. The survey closes May 10th.

Hello Students, just letting you know secondary report cards for semestered schools will be emailed to families and eligible students on Monday, April 29th, 2024. You need to enter the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access your report card.

Hello Students, over the past week, I have had the opportunity to meet with many members of our various committees with respect to the Elementary Program Review that our District has recently launched.

Hello Students, late last week, I had the opportunity to visit Pinecrest Public School. Led by a team of talented staff, it was so inspiring to see the experiential learning taking place with engaged students... baking cookies and playing instruments, for instance, along with authentic tasks related to the core skills of literacy and numeracy. The site truly represents the richness of community and strength of diversity of our District.

Hello Students, earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit Lady Evelyn Alternative School. My sincere thanks to the amazing Student Ambassadors, Alex and Caleb, who took the time to provide such a grand tour of the site.

Hello Students, this week I had the pleasure and privilege of taking part in two exceptional community-based events that reflect the richness and strength of our diversity as an organization and as a city.

Hello Students, late this week, our community was shocked by the tragic events in Barrhaven involving the deaths of six people. On behalf of the OCDSB, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to all who may be affected by this loss.

Hello Students, this week, I had the opportunity to take part in professional learning with colleagues, nationally and internationally, on the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning environments.

Hello Students, Did you know Student Senate is the official committee representing student voice at the OCDSB? These students from secondary schools across the district meet once a month to provide the student perspective on board issues and to voice the questions and concerns of OCDSB students.

Hello Students, I had the privilege of attending two of our sites this week… to participate in a ‘learning walk’ with colleagues at Chapman Mills Public School on Monday… and a scheduled visit at Manordale Public School on Thursday.

Hello Students, this week’s site visit to West Carleton Secondary School was particularly unique… as it took place during a power outage! Although class visits weren’t possible this time out, I did have the amazing opportunity to speak with students about their future post-secondary aspirations… in the foyer, the student lounge area, the cafeteria and outdoors.

Hello Students, I had the opportunity to visit York Street Public School this week... in the heart of our beautiful city. I was so inspired as I listened to, and saw for myself, the ingenuity and resourcefulness of staff in meeting the diverse needs of the students and their families.

Hello Students, as part of my commitment to lifelong learning, personally and professionally, I am very excited to share with you all the first edition of a ‘Thought Leadership Series’ this week.

Hello Students, I had a great visit to Brookfield High School this week… a dynamic, multi-purposed site that provides a rich array of programs and services from daycare to adult education… truly reflecting the spirit of the school as a community hub! It was wonderful to meet staff and speak to students, including newcomers to our country, about their learner journeys through our system. My sincere gratitude to all of the amazing professionals who lead the learning there.

Hello Students, I hope the start of the new year has gone well so far. It’s now time for you to choose your high school courses for the 2024-2025 school year. Course selection is done using Xello.

Hello Students, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students, staff and school communities of the District a wonderful new year. I hope that the calendar year of 2024 brings happiness and health, peace and prosperity to each and every one of you! A reminder that all students will return to class on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Hello Students, this week, I had the pleasure of participating in my final school visit of the calendar year at Roland Michener Public School. As always, the visit was an inspiring example of our engaging places and spaces of learning! As we approach the two-week break, many families within our communities will be joyously celebrating various holidays this season.

Hello Students, I had the honour of visiting Bell High School this week… a special visit for me as I graduated from this wonderful school and so did my daughter, albeit many, many years apart. My sincere thanks to the students and staff for their passion and professionalism in serving our school community… and for making us alumni feel so welcome upon our return!

Hello Students, at our System Leaders' meeting on Wednesday of this week, I had the opportunity to thank our incredibly talented principals and vice-principals, general managers and senior staff for their extraordinary leadership and management of our schools and central departments. This group of caring and committed leaders contributes so greatly to the core of our organization.

Hello Students, I had the chance to visit the Youville Centre this week… a vibrant, innovative centre that nurtures the education and wellness of young mothers and their children. This Centretown site represents the value-add our organization brings to society at large.

Hello Students, This week, I had the pleasure of visiting two of our amazing sites, Hilson Avenue Public School and Ottawa Technical Secondary School, and I was so inspired by the incredible dedication and diligence of our staff as they interacted with our students. At OTSS, I walked through the entrance as part of the 'human library'... listening in as community members shared their personal and professional experiences with small groups of secondary students... such an atmosphere of genuine engagement on site!

Hello Students, I had the pleasure and privilege to visit Half Moon Bay Public School earlier this week… and watched a number of students engaged in enriching learning tasks, including the development of sight vocabulary in both English and French in the bilingual kindergarten program, for instance. My heartfelt thanks to all staff on site for their efforts and energy in creating such exciting teaching and learning environments in the early years and elsewhere on site.

Hello Students, Remembrance Day - November 11 Each year, we honour the commitment and sacrifices of all who have served and continue to serve in times of war, conflict, and peace. Find out about Remembrance Day events happening in Ottawa this weekend.

Hello Students, ​ This week, I spent some time with our student leaders at the first Student Senate Meeting of the school year. It was inspiring to hear and see the extraordinary leadership and voice as students envisioned their priorities for the current school year. My gratitude to Student Trustees, Emma Hong and Malaika Kamanzi, for their coordination of this important work.

Hello Students, Tuesday, October 31st is Halloween and schools across the OCDSB may choose to mark this in a variety of ways. We want activities to be kept fun for all students, respectful. Costumes are not required and students do not need to participate in Halloween activities.

Caring Community We appreciate the very thoughtful feedback from many members of the community, sharing perspectives, concerns, and fears about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and how we are responding. We recognize the tremendous impact and hurt being experienced by so many in our community.

Hello Students, This week, school staff have been vigilant in their effort to ensure that students and staff feel safe, respected and comfortable in their working and learning environments. Continuity in routine and in learning, along with supportive resources is important to student well-being.

Hello Students, Today, OCDSB students and staff marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day of mourning and remembrance for Indigenous Peoples, and offers an opportunity to reflect and honour survivors, their families, and their communities.

Hello Students, Earlier this week, rallies were held across the country and on Parliament Hill “against how schools teach gender ideology”. This has become very divisive and commonly pits claims for parental rights, protection of children, and indoctrination against claims of hate, transphobia, and safety. These demonstrations foster a culture of hate and fear.

Hello Students, As the transportation disruptions continue, we understand the frustrations you and your families are experiencing. We are very sorry that OCDSB families have to go through this. As Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) works towards solutions in the coming weeks, we thank you for your kindness and understanding shown towards school bus drivers and request that everyone continues to do so. Please continue to use the Parent Portal and monitor the route cancellations for up-to-date information.

Hello Students, These weekly updates will provide you with information to help you navigate the school year.