October 6, 2023 - Transportation, Ottawa Public Health - Letter from Dr. Vera Etches, Upcoming Administration of the Diplôme d’études en langue française, and more.
Hello Students,
A reminder that Monday, October 9th is Thanksgiving. There will be no classes on this day and all OCDSB schools and administrative sites will be closed.
As we head into the long weekend, I wanted to share some news about the formal recognition of two of our very own teachers. Yesterday, top educators in Canada were honoured with the Prime Minister’s Awards for teaching excellence in recognition of their unwavering dedication and commitment to students. A huge congratulations to:
- Michele-White - Churchill Alternative School, Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten (Certificate of Excellence, Teaching Excellence).
- Samantha Conley - Featherston Drive Public School, Grades 7-8, English, Math, Science, History, Geography (Certificate of Achievement, Teaching Excellence in STEM)
Transportation
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) Board of Directors acknowledges the frustration of parents and students impacted by the ongoing school bus driver shortage in Ottawa and apologizes for the hardship caused by the continued cancellations.
Over the past months, the OSTA Board of Directors has been working to implement solutions safely and effectively. OSTA has heard the parents' concerns with regard to clearer and more frequent communications on progress and has undertaken several internal exercises to ensure that they communicate more proactively with parents and students. The Board has also appointed Cindy Owens as interim Operations Manager for the OSTA. Further details regarding the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers and additional solutions can be found on the OSTA website.
Ottawa Public Health - Letter from Dr. Vera Etches
Ottawa Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches has asked us to share this letter which has important information on keeping you healthy throughout the school year. Ottawa Public Health has also shared resources on Where to Seek Care when you are sick, Routine Vaccination Schedule and Respiratory Illness Information.
Upcoming Administration of the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
The Diplôme d’études en langue française DELF) is an internationally recognized French proficiency test for persons whose first language is not French. The OCDSB offers DELF administrations to eligible students twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Eligible students this fall include those currently enrolled in a Grade 12 FSL course, or those who have previously earned a Grade 12 FSL credit through reach-ahead or e-learning but have not previously participated in the DELF. Information for the fall administration was communicated to eligible students on October 2nd via their OCDSB email account. For questions related to the DELF, students are encouraged to speak with their French Teacher, their school's DELF Site Coordinator, or to contact [email protected].
November 1st - Post-Secondary Pathway and Career Exploration Day
All OCDSB secondary school students will have the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways and career possibilities on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. On this Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day, Grade 9 students are encouraged to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day while grades 10-12 students are encouraged to participate in Launch 2023, a one-day virtual pathways and career exploration conference.
November 4th - OCDSB Family Conference - Register Now!
Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the OCDSB Family Conference at Brookfield High School. This year’s theme is Educate, Engage, Empower - Enhancing Learning Together. This free, in-person event, organized by OCDSB's Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Family and Community Engagement (FACE), will feature noted author, inspirational speaker, arts educator, and community leader Randell Adjei as the keynote speaker. There will also be multiple expert-led workshops with some offered in multiple languages and with sign language support. Register Now!
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 2023-2024 School Year. In addition, schools avoid scheduling activities like evaluations and field trips on certain religious/creed-based days of significance. Additional dates of significance to learn about throughout the year can be found in our MultiFaith calendar and on our website.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 11th, 12:00 p.m. - Advocacy Strategy Committee
October 11th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)
October 12th, 5:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
Agendas, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
In case you missed it
Muslim Students Group
Muslim students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a virtual weekly Google Hangout (OCDSB student login required). Meets will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Monday from October 2nd till October 30th, except for October 9th. For more details, email [email protected].
Grade 12 Students: Ontario Universities Virtual Information Sessions
Register to join the virtual information session on November 22nd, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Helpful Links
I hope you enjoy the long weekend!
Thank you,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education