January 26, 2024 - OCDSB Board Chair Presents to Ontario Finance Committee, School Safety Information, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
As part of my commitment to lifelong learning, personally and professionally, I am very excited to share with you all the first edition of a ‘Thought Leadership Series’ this week. As a reflection upon my first one hundred days in office as Director of Education, the topic for this first publication is Context-Responsive Leadership in Increasingly Unpredictable Times… a theme that has emerged most prominently during the initial period of my return to the District. It was a very fruitful learning experience for me to create this publication… and I sincerely hope that it is an enjoyable, interesting read for you. I intend to publish a piece each semester on a topic/theme of pertinence to my roles and responsibilities.
OCDSB Board Chair Presents to Ontario Finance Committee
On Wednesday, January 25th, OCDSB Board Chair Lynn Scott made a presentation to the provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. This presentation was a part of the OCDSB’s efforts to advocate for fair funding for public education in the 2024 Ontario budget. In her remarks to MPPs at the consultation hearing, Chair Scott spoke about increases in student needs for special education, mental health supports, student transportation, the maintaining and building of schools, cybersecurity, and coverage associated with staff replacement costs. She expressed that there is an immediate need for increased and sustainable funding in order to meet student needs and the expectations of our community. For more information and to read the Chair’s presentation, visit our website.
School Safety Information
To keep students safe and reduce traffic congestion, schools may have different rules in place regarding parking and student drop-off. We ask that all drivers review and closely follow your principal's directions.
With children walking to-and-from school, please slow down and keep an eye out for students. As a reminder, the City of Ottawa now has speed enforcement cameras in many school zones across the city - with more to come. Whether your student will be walking, driving, or riding a bus to school, please review these safety tips from the Ottawa Police Service.
Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024: Give A Little, Help A Lot!
$2 can be the difference between nothing and something. Our Toonie Tuesday campaign has kicked off, and we’re ready to make 2024 our best year yet! Did you know that requests for support have increased by 35%? Ottawa families need our help! Every dollar raised will support students’ access to food, clothing, and meaningful activities. You can invest in a student’s potential! On February 27th, we all come together to support students in need within the OCDSB. But you don’t have to wait until then. You can donate right here, right now! Let your toonie be the stepping stone to student success.
Revised Exam and Final Assessment Schedule
This week, weather conditions have required transportation to be cancelled to ensure student safety. The OCDSB's school year calendar, as approved by the Board and the Ministry of Education, has five examination days in January. As a result of transportation being cancelled on two of those days, we have decided to reschedule exams, assessments, and student success opportunities as follows:
- Events originally scheduled for Thursday, January 25 will move to Monday, January 29
- Events originally scheduled for Friday, January 26 will move to the morning of Tuesday, January 30
- Events originally scheduled for Monday, January 29 will move to the afternoon of Tuesday, January 30
The decision regarding what final assessment will take place for any course is made by the teacher in consultation with the principal. Staff are being encouraged to take measures to mitigate against any undue negative impact to student achievement that may result from this change to the schedule.
We understand that this adjustment can be challenging, and staff will work to support students in the best way possible. If you have significant concerns about the potential impact of two assessments in one day, please reach out to your teacher or school administration to talk about what steps can be taken to address those concerns.
Elementary and Secondary Transfer Application Period
The student transfer application period for both elementary and secondary students runs from Monday, January 29 to Friday, February 9, 2024. If you wish to have your child attend a school other than their designated school, visit our website to complete a student transfer application.
Deadline Extended: OCDSB is Seeking Indigenous Community Member to Serve on the Special Education Advisory Council
The OCDSB is seeking an Indigenous Community Member to serve on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). The Indigenous representative will advocate for the interests of Indigenous students with special education needs on the SEAC. There is currently one position available and the deadline to apply has been extended until February 29, 2024. Learn more and apply.
Secondary PA Day: January 31 - No Classes for Secondary Students
Wednesday, January 31, 2024, is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for OCDSB secondary school staff. There will be no classes for secondary students on this day. This PA Day focuses on key District Priorities: literacy, numeracy and exploration of pathways for all students.
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 Now Open!
Night School is a great opportunity for students to upgrade a course or take a course that is not available at their school, and also allows adult learners to upgrade courses and work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The Winter Night School session will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from February 22 to May 30 (27 nights). Registration is open until February 15. Visit the Night School website for more information. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 613-239-2620. .
Events:
February 6: Video Series and Q&A Sessions - Transition Planning for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Learning Support Services will host virtual sessions in February to help parents/caregivers and youth with developmental disabilities support the transition to life after high school. Watch our video series, then drop in to our virtual question-and-answer sessions. The first session is on Navigating the System. Watch the video and join our live Q&A session on Tuesday, February 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
February 27: Resource Fair - Transition Planning for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Learning Support Services is organizing an in-person event for youth with developmental disabilities and their parents/caregivers to learn about the services and supports offered by organizations in Ottawa. This drop-in event will take place on Tuesday, February 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Confederation Education Center. OCDSB staff will be on-site to help guide families to connect with the type of services they need. Learn more.
February 24: Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence
Join us Saturday, February 24th as we host the Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence. This event is sponsored by the OCDSB’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, in collaboration with Future Paths Network, V2V Project, and the Somali Centre for Family Services. This in-person event, celebrating Black culture and achievements will be held between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School.
Register Now!
February 28: OCDSB Speaker Series: Combating Human Trafficking
Join us on Wednesday, February 28th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for a virtual panel discussion on tackling human trafficking. The session aims to equip parents/caregivers with the know-how to identify the warning signs and grooming behaviours and understand the factors making children vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking. We will also explore ways to collectively support parents/caregivers in safeguarding children. Register Now.
As a school board, we are committed to working alongside students, families and community partners to help prevent, identify and recognize human trafficking. We have compiled an extensive list of resources and helpful links to help raise awareness and share vital information about this topic.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
January 29th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
January 30th, 7:30 p.m. - Board Meeting
January 30th, 8:30 p.m. - Committee of the Whole, Budget
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