February 2, 2024 - 2024-2025 Middle French Immersion Registration Period - February 5-9, 2024, Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024: Give A Little, Help A Lot!, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
I had the opportunity to visit York Street Public School this week... in the heart of our beautiful city. I was so inspired as I listened to, and saw for myself, the ingenuity and resourcefulness of staff in meeting the diverse needs of the students and their families. I was also tremendously impressed by the number of community members I ran into as we walked the halls.... all of whom were there with passion and pride, for a genuine purpose. This school - like all of our sites across the system - represents the spirit of 'school as a community hub'. I could really feel that everything taking place on-site was truly student-centred. I love the refreshed library/learning commons too!
2024-2025 Middle French Immersion Registration Period - February 5-9, 2024
If your child has completed the grade 3 English/Core French Program, you can register them for the OCDSB’s Middle French Immersion Program. The registration period for Middle French Immersion is open from Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9, 2024. Learn more on our website.
Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024: Give A Little, Help A Lot!
Many of us feel the impact of rising food costs; now, imagine how difficult it is to face this daily challenge with the added aspects of financial and housing instability or attempting to navigate a health or mental health crisis. A donation of $2 can be the difference between nothing and something. This Toonie Tuesday, February 27th, we can 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.
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.
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. The first session is on Navigating the System. Watch the video, then 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
February 6th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
February 7th, 7:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee
February 8th, 5:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
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.
OCDSB Occasional Teacher Job Fair and Information Night
Are you interested in becoming an occasional teacher at the OCDSB? Or do you know someone who is working to become a teacher or considering a new position? We are now hiring occasional teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Join us for an information night on February 15th and meet with members of the OCDSB’s People, Culture and Leadership team to learn more. For more information and to register, visit our website.
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