November 10, 2023 - Remembrance Day - November 11, Diwali - November 12, Report Cards: Elementary - November 16th, Secondary - November 21st, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the 2023 OCDSB Family Conference. It was so inspiring to meet and learn with approximately 160 parents, caregivers, students and staff at Brookfield High School. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, and of course to all of our presenters, community partners and the volunteers for taking the time out and making this event possible. I am happy to share that the presentation slides for select workshops are available on our website. For those who attended, please also check your email for a brief post-event survey. Your feedback helps us with our planning for next year!
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. Schools will be hosting ceremonies on Friday, November 10th. Find out about Remembrance Day events happening in Ottawa this weekend.
Diwali - November 12
Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating! Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is associated with a story about the destruction of evil by Lord Vishnu in one of his many manifestations.
Report Cards: Elementary - November 16th, Secondary - November 21st
Elementary report cards will be sent to families via email on Thursday, November 16th and secondary report cards on Tuesday, November 21st. You will need your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, please visit our website.
November 25 - Celebrating the International Decade for People of African Descent
On Saturday, November 25, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the OCDSB and other local signatories to the United Nations Declaration for People of African Descent (UNDPAD), 2015-2024 will join together for a symposium to reflect and learn on commitments made and future actions. The symposium entitled Our Shared Legacy; Our History – Our Humanity, will build on the theme of Ubuntu, a Zulu expression which centres on the notion of humanity towards others. We invite you to join us for the symposium being held at the National Gallery of Canada. For registration and more details, visit our website.
December 5 - OCDSB Speaker Series: Secondary Gifted Program Information Session
Join the OCDSB Learning Support Services staff on Tuesday, December 5th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an virtual information session about the OCDSB’s Secondary Gifted Program. This event will provide information about the program and application process, and includes a question-and-answer session. While those with a student in grade 8 might find the session most helpful, all parents and caregivers are invited to attend. Save this link to join the session on Google Meet on December 5th.
December 5 - Virtual Information Session on International Learning Opportunities
The OCDSB offers a number of exciting international learning opportunities for students who want to become active global citizens. We invite Grade 8-11 students and their parents and guardians for a virtual information session to learn more about the International Certificate Program, international exchanges and studying abroad. The virtual information session will take place on December 5, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. For participation link and more information about the program, visit: ocdsb.ca/icp.
Register Now: 2SLGBTQ+ Voices: Pathways to Interdependence Program and Black Youth Program - Deadline extended to Nov 13th
The OCDSB Continuing Education department, in partnership with the Equity Program team and the Sankofa Centre of Excellence, is offering students in Grades 10-12 two reach ahead credit opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ students and African, Black and Caribbean students respectively. The 2SLGBTQ+ Voices: Pathways to Interdependence Program offers eligible 2SLGBTQ+ students the opportunity to supplement and enrich their high school education by acquiring one credit while preparing and planning for the eighteenth annual Rainbow Youth Forum (RYF). The Black Youth Program offers the same opportunities while preparing and planning for the seventh Annual Black Youth Forum. The registration deadline for both these programs has been extended till November 13th.
OCDSB Speaker Series: Watch Recording - Journeying Together: Parenting Through the Storm with Ann Douglas
The past few years have been an exceptionally challenging time to be a parent, and an exceptionally challenging time to be a kid. In this OCDSB Speaker Series virtual session held recently, Ann Douglas shared strategies for getting to a happy, healthy place as a family and strengthening relationships between parents/guardians and their children. Watch the recording here. For more mental health resources and information visit our webpage.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
November 13th, 7:00 p.m. - Advisory Committee on the Arts
November 14th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
November 15th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
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 (located on our home page) and on this webpage.
In case you missed it:
Events:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education