January 19, 2024 - Coming Soon: 2024 Valuing Voices: Identity Matters Survey, Elementary PA Day: January 26 - No Classes for Elementary Students, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
I had a great visit to Brookfield High School this week… a dynamic, multi-purposed site that provides a rich array of programs and services from daycare to adult education… truly reflecting the spirit of the school as a community hub! It was wonderful to meet staff and speak to students, including newcomers to our country, about their learner journeys through our system. My sincere gratitude to all of the amazing professionals who lead the learning there.
Coming Soon: 2024 Valuing Voices: Identity Matters Survey
Identity matters. In April, the District will launch the 2024 Valuing Voices: Identity Matters Student Survey. This voluntary and confidential survey will allow us to collect vital information to better understand the identity and diversity of students and their experiences in the OCDSB. This is the third OCDSB identity based data survey and builds on our success with the 2019 Valuing Voices Survey and the 2022 School Climate Survey.
In 2019-2020, we heard directly from 35,000 students and parents/caregivers. Over the last four years, this data has informed significant changes across the OCDSB. This spring, we will need your help to continue this progress. In the coming weeks, we will share more information about why this survey is important to improve your child’s education experience. We will also provide detailed information on the survey structure (questions and format) and how you can get involved.
Elementary PA Day: January 26 - No Classes for Elementary Students
Friday, January 26 is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for OCDSB elementary school staff. There will be no classes for elementary students on this day. The purpose of this PA Day is for educators to work on assessment, evaluation, and reporting of student progress for term one.
Dealing With Exam Stress (Before, During, and After): Tips from YAC
It’s exam time for secondary students… We thought it might be useful to talk about exam stress and how to manage it. We understand that exam time can sometimes feel hectic and overwhelming. OCDSB’s Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has created these valuable strategies to help manage exam stress and hopefully put students on track to success while maintaining some inner balance.
Student Transportation (OSTA) - Email Notification Issue
Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) is aware that some subscribers to their mailing list continue to have issues receiving email notifications for bus cancellations and delays. OSTA is working with their software provider to address this issue. Please refer to the OSTA website for accurate cancellation and delay information. OSTA is committed to rectifying this situation with their providers. OSTA would like to apologize for any confusion and inconvenience this issue is causing.
Kindergarten and High School Information Sessions
It’s registration time! OCDSB schools are hosting information sessions throughout January and February to help families prepare, learn how to register, and more. Visit our kindergarten and high school information session webpages for the schedules, helpful tips and other resources. Please share this information with your friends and family.
Winter Virtual Night School Registration Opens January 22
Night School offers secondary students and adult learners the opportunity to upgrade courses or take additional courses. Classes will run virtually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from February 22 to May 30. Registration will be open from January 22 to February 15. Visit the Night School website for course offerings and more information.
From the Boardroom:
Recent Decisions
This week, the Board held a special meeting to consider an appeal to the Code of Conduct decisions made on December 19th, 2023. The Board upheld the decisions regarding the breach and sanctions to Trustee Kaplan-Myrth. During the period of sanctions, we want community members in Zone to know that they are fully represented - all trustees are available to provide support to students and families, regardless of electoral zone. Read more.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
January 25th, 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.
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.
We Are Hiring
The OCDSB is a great place to work! 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:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education