November 23, 2023 - Reminder: November 24 - PA Day: No Classes for Students, Labour update: Tentative agreement with public elementary teachers, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
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. Upon my arrival at Hilson Ave PS, for instance, I learned of the thoughtful actions of our capable administrative team and caring staff as they dealt with a student who was in need of support and encouragement. Within minutes, I saw this elementary student settle back into focus and onwards to a productive school day. At OTSS, for example, 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!
Reminder: November 24 - PA Day: No Classes for Students
Friday, November 24, 2023, is a Professional Activity Day for OCDSB elementary and secondary school staff. There will be no classes for students on this day. The elementary PA Day focuses on parent/educator interviews relating to Progress Reports. The secondary PA Day focuses on key Ministry priorities: Literacy, numeracy, cybersecurity and online privacy awareness.
Labour update: Tentative agreement with public elementary teachers
A tentative central agreement has been reached with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Province of Ontario. The details are confidential until ratified by all parties. Earlier this fall, there was also an agreement on a process forward with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF). Employees at the OCDSB are represented by ETFO and OSSTF. If the ETFO agreement is approved, it will mean that there will be no provincewide labour actions taking place in English public schools in Ontario, both elementary and secondary, for the next three years.
Upcoming Events:
November 25 - Celebrating the International Decade for People of African Descent
On Saturday, November 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Members of the community are invited to attend a Symposium at the National Gallery of Canada. This is an important discussion about Black history, humanity, and our legacies and aspirations.
The OCDSB and other local signatories to the United Nations Declaration for People of African Descent (UNDPAD), 2015-2024 will come together for a symposium to reflect and learn on commitments made and future actions. We invite you to join us for this free event being held at the National Gallery of Canada. For registration and more details, visit our website.
High School Information Sessions
If your child will be starting high school next year, we can help you get ready. We will be offering students and parents/caregivers a variety of opportunities to learn more about high school and all of the amazing programs we offer.
On November 29th, 2023, the OCDSB’s Program, Learning and Innovation Department is hosting a virtual conference about subjects, programs, and other exciting aspects of high school. For registration and workshop details, visit our website.
Also, starting in December, secondary schools across the OCDSB will be hosting high school information sessions for students and parents/guardians. It’s a fantastic way to visit the school, meet staff, and learn how to prepare for this next step. Visit our high school information sessions page for the schedule and links to helpful tips and resources.
In case you missed it:
School Council News
Our School Council News page provides updates and useful resources for School Council members. This month, we've shared information about creating equitable and inclusive programming, grants, outdoor classrooms, and more.
Applications are now open for the Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant. School Councils may apply for a grant of up to $750 to support innovative projects and activities to engage parents, caregivers, and guardians while enhancing their capabilities in various areas. Councils can submit their applications until January 12, 2024.
From the Boardroom:
OCDSB is Seeking Indigenous Community Members to Serve on the Special Education Advisory Council
Calling all Indigenous community members residing in the city of Ottawa – the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is seeking dedicated individuals to join the committee. The Indigenous representative will advocate for the interests of Indigenous students with special education needs on the SEAC. Learn more and apply by December 15, 2023.
Letter to the Minister of Education: Indigenous Board Member
The OCDSB Board of Trustees has written to the Minister of Education asking that the OCDSB be authorized to appoint an Indigenous representative to sit as a Board member. The OCDSB is located in the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin people. Ottawa is not only home to the Algonquin Nation, it also has the highest population of Inuit in Ontario, and Indigenous peoples from various First Nations and Métis communities reside here. Presently, our enrolment includes approximately 1500 students, or two per cent, who have self-identified as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, as well as an unknown number who have not self-identified. You can read the letter on this page.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
November 27th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
November 27th, 7:00 p.m. - Arts Advisory Committee
November 27th, 7:00 p.m. - Audit Committee
November 28th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Ministry of Education Resources: Financial Literacy and Anti-Bullying
The Ministry of Education has created helpful information on financial literacy and anti-bullying for parents and caregivers. These one-pagers are designed to highlight important issues or initiatives to keep parents and caregivers informed and help to support their children to reach their full potential.
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 on our MultiFaith Calendar, Dates of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education