October 20, 2023 - Caring Community, Muslim Students Group in Celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, Parents and Guardians - Please attend the OCDSB Family Conference, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Every week, I try to visit at least one school in our District, spending time in a classroom, connecting with students and learning from staff. This week, I visited W. Erskine Johnston Public School - an amazing place. I was impressed at how the teachers were able to tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of every student. Some students were at the earliest stages of language acquisition and their resilience, determination, and excitement to learn was inspirational.
I also had the opportunity to attend the OCDSB Aspiring Leaders Forum. It was impressive to connect with so many staff who are interested in exploring opportunities for career growth. The future of the OCDSB is in good hands!
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. As educators, we know that in moments of crisis and heightened stress, the familiar structure and routine of the school day is important to student learning and well-being. In our schools, classrooms, and offices, we are focusing on learning and on building a culture of care. We encourage students and staff to support each other and act with compassion and kindness.
Unfortunately, international conflicts can generate an increase in acts of hate locally. We take these matters very seriously, and encourage reporting of any concerns.
Muslim Students Group in Celebration of Islamic Heritage Month
In celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, which takes place each October, 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 until October 30th. For more details, email [email protected].
Parents and Guardians - Please attend the OCDSB Family Conference
Join us for the OCDSB In-person Family Conference on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brookfield High School. This event will feature Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, noted author, and community leader Randell Adjei as our inspiring keynote speaker. You can attend a variety of educational workshops with some offered in multiple languages. Register now and select the workshops that you would like to attend.
Student Transportation Update
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) Board of Directors empathizes with parents and students affected by the current school bus driver shortage and sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing cancellations. Over the last two weeks, OSTA has been able to reduce the number of cancelled runs by 16%. There are now 33 drivers in training, primarily due to the OSTA's DriveYellow recruitment campaign which is being renewed and amplified to increase driver applications further and decrease the number of driver vacancies. OSTA will be holding a Public Governance Meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. via Google Meet. Please fill out the registration form if you are interested in attending.
ETFO Collective Bargaining Update
Earlier this week, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) announced that its teacher and occasional teacher members voted 95% in favour of central strike action. This strike mandate does not necessarily mean that ETFO members will be engaging in work-to-rule strike action or heading to picket lines at this time. Negotiations will continue. Learn more about labour negotiations on our website.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month shares simple steps that everyone can take to learn about staying safe online and protecting their devices. Cyber Security Ontario offers fun and informative resources to help students from Kindergarten to grade 12 learn about social media safety, privacy, cyber scams, misinformation, cyberbullying, and more.
Media Literacy Week: October 23 to 27
Media Literacy Week is a chance to learn more about how to stay safe online, analyze what we see in the media, evaluate sources of information, be responsible digital citizens, and more. Learn more about digital media literacy through MediaSmarts’ videos, games, and resources for parents and students.
Canada Dental Benefit
The Government of Canada's Canada Dental Benefit may be able to help you with the costs of dental care. Applications for the second period are open. Eligible families can receive up to $650, to help with expenses for their children under 12 who receive dental care between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
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 can be found in our MultiFaith calendar and on our website.
October 24th is Dussehra (Vijayadashami) which celebrates the victory of good over evil, following the nine-day celebration of Navaratri (nine nights) and Durga Puja (worship). Wishing a Happy Dussehra to everyone celebrating!
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 23rd, 7:00 p.m. - Advisory Committee on the Arts
October 23rd, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
October 25th, 7:00 p.m. - Audit Committee
October 26th, 6:00 p.m. - Advisory Committee on Equity
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
November 22: International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Virtual Open House
Grade 8 & 9 students and their families are invited to join us on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., for the IB Programme Virtual Open House to learn more about the Programme and the application procedures for the 2024-25 school year. For the participation link and more details, visit ocdsb.ca/ib.
School Council News
Our School Council News page provides useful resources for School Council members. This month, we've shared a series of training videos, tips for engaging families, information on approved food product providers, and more. Interested in getting involved in your School Council? Speak with your principal for more information.
We Are Hiring
We are currently hiring for several opportunities, including Early Childhood Educators and Early Learning Assistants. Visit our careers page to see job opportunities at the OCDSB and find out how you can make a real difference supporting our students and staff.
In case you missed it:
Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports)
The Initial Learning Updates (ILU) (formerly known as Progress Reports) were emailed to parents/guardians and eligible students on October 17, 2023. Visit ocdsb.ca/reportcards for details. Please note: This does not apply to students in the IB program and non-semestered schools.
November 1st - Post-Secondary Pathway and Career Exploration Day
We invite all OCDSB secondary students to participate in the Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Grade 9 students can explore career options through Take Our Kids to Work Day while Launch 2023 - a one-day virtual pathways and career exploration conference is a great opportunity for students in grades 10-12.
2022-2023 EQAO results
Last week, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released board and school level results for provincial assessments conducted during the 2022-2023 school year. This data will play an important role in identifying trends to inform specific strategies in support of student learning. Visit our website to learn more.
November 1st: Arts Canterbury Open House (In-person)
Canterbury High School will be hosting an Arts Open House on Wednesday, November 1st from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Grade 8 students and their families are invited to attend this in-person event to learn more about the OCDSB's specialized arts programming, and about application procedures for the 2024-25 school year.
Education Foundation of Ottawa - Board Recruitment
The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO) is seeking candidates with skills and experience related to strategic planning, finance, law, marketing and communications (including social media), fundraising, event planning, and/or Board leadership to serve on our Board of Directors. The application deadline is October 31st.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education