December 15, 2023 - 2023-2024 Winter Break: Important Information, Graduating OCDSB Students - Education Foundation of Ottawa - S.T.E.M. Financial Award, and more.
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!
It was also grand to visit our Facilities Department earlier this week to extend my gratitude to our caring and committed staff… Area Supervisors, Custodial Team Leads and General Managers… for the work that they do in helping make our schools great places to learn!
I am pleased to share this holiday greeting video from Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce.
2023-2024 Winter Break: Important Information
As we approach the winter break, here are a few important details to remember:
- The last day of school will be Friday, December 22.
- All students will return to class on Monday, January 8, 2024.
- All schools (including school offices) and OCDSB administrative sites will be closed as of the end of regular hours on Friday, December 22.
- Secondary school offices and OCDSB administrative sites will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Graduating OCDSB Students - Education Foundation of Ottawa - S.T.E.M. Financial Award
The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO), in partnership with Stantec, the Ottawa Senators and the Senators Community Foundation, is offering an award for graduating students looking to pursue STEM careers. This award will provide opportunities for financial aid to students interested in STEM-based post-secondary studies who are in historically underrepresented groups such as racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and persons with disabilities. The deadline for this application is Friday, February 16th, 2024. For eligibility, application details and more information, visit the EFO website.
Canadian Music Class Challenge 2023 Winners
This week, the winners of CBC’s Canadian Music Class Challenge were announced. Congratulations to the Lisgar 613 Ensemble on winning first place in the Senior Instrumental category for their rendition of “Call Me Maybe,” which earned them a prize of $3,000 in musical instruments! Well done to West Carleton Secondary School for winning second place in the Top Non-live-off-the-floor Performance with their music video, “Share the Land.”
OSTA Student Survey
OSTA is conducting a survey to learn more about your trip to and from school using OC Transpo. We encourage any student currently using OC Transpo for school purposes to fill out this survey by January 31, 2024
Events:
December 20: Applying to Post-Secondary Information Session
We are hosting a Post-Secondary Applications Information Session on Wednesday, December 20th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This virtual session will provide Grade 12 students and their parents/caregivers information about the process of applying to post-secondary education in Canada, with a focus on apprenticeships, colleges and universities.
School Within A University (SWAU): Watch the Information Session Recording
OCDSB’s Program and Learning Innovation staff recently organized a virtual information session to share details about School Within A University (SWAU), a pilot project in partnership with Carleton University. This session provided Grade 11 & 12 students and their parents/caregivers with details about this project. The session recording is now available.
All About High School: Watch the Session Recordings
The All About High School virtual information session provided Grades 7-12 students and their families, and staff details about subjects, programs, and other exciting aspects of high school. Recordings of selected sessions are available on this YouTube playlist.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
December 19th, 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.
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 observance. Additional dates of significance can be found on the MultiFaith Calendar (located on our home page), 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