February 16, 2024 - April 8, 2024 - Solar Eclipse: Schools will be closed, New Indigenous Student Trustee, and more.
Hello Students,
I had the privilege of attending two of our sites this week… to participate in a ‘learning walk’ with colleagues at Chapman Mills Public School on Monday… and a scheduled visit at Manordale Public School on Thursday. I could see the intentional focus on learning and well-being in both places… through explicit instruction in structured literacy - tied to curriculum expectations in the context of the classroom, and, an adjustment to the schedule to ensure student safety concerning slippery ice conditions on the schoolyard, respectively. My thanks to our school administrators and staff for so adeptly balancing these important aspects of our teaching and learning environments!
April 8, 2024 - Solar Eclipse: Schools will be closed
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse. Ottawa, located in the Northern Region, will experience a partial solar eclipse. During a total or partial solar
eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without appropriate protective eyewear. Doing so may result in permanent eye damage. The eclipse occurring on April 8th will last for 2 hours 23 minutes, beginning at 2:11 p.m. and ending at 4:35 p.m. with the maximum point of the eclipse at 3:25 p.m. Virtually all school and program dismissal times occur during that window. To ensure student safety, many school districts, including those in Ottawa, have rescheduled a Professional Activity (PA) day to April 8, allowing students to stay home. Regrettably, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) does not have a PA day that can be moved. After exploring several options and consulting with the Ministry and key stakeholders, a decision has been made to close all OCDSB schools on April 8th. Transportation will also be cancelled.
New Indigenous Student Trustee
We are seeking a new OCDSB Indigenous Student Trustee position to represent First Nations, Metis and Inuit students as part of the OCDSB Board of Trustees. There will be an election for Indigenous Student Trustee on February 28, 2024. First Nations, Metis and Inuit students who will be in Grades 11 - 12 in September 2024 are welcome to run for election (Please note, incorrect information appeared regarding the grade levels on the message sent to students on Wednesday).
All First Nations, Metis and Inuit secondary students are eligible to vote. For more information, Indigenous students are invited to come to one of our student information sessions to learn more about the OCDSB's first Indigenous Student Trustee position. More information can be found on our website.
Resources to Help Keep Safe Online
Our lives are increasingly online and it's important to be aware of the risks that exist and what you can do to protect yourself. Over the coming weeks, we will be providing resources you may find helpful to be aware of the dangers and strategies to keep safe. It’s important to remember that if you ever a face challenging or concerning situation online there are people you can talk to - a parent/caregiver, an adult you trust, or a teacher, Guidance councillor, or principal at your school. If you are afraid or embarrassed, there are also anonymous services available like the Kids Help Phone. You are not alone.
- Cybertip.ca, which is operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, provides age‑appropriate information and resources to help educate Canadians about how to keep safe while online and reduce victimization. Their website includes valuable information for parents and youths about online harms and exploitation. It also includes a reporting form where you can report online concerns anonymously.
Engage OCDSB
Engage OCDSB is a new and innovative online tool to improve how we engage with you. Student voice is important to us. This platform gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on policy and program reviews, accommodation reviews, new schools and capital projects, the budget process, and other initiatives you care about, at your convenience. Visit engage.ocdsb.ca to learn more and share your feedback on these consultations:
- Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy - open for feedback until March 29, 2024.
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy for Board Trustees - open for feedback until March 8, 2024.
- Changes To The Student Transfer Appeal Process and Policy - open for feedback until March 8, 2024.
Post-Secondary Scholarships
If you will be attending college or university next year, there are a number of scholarships and bursaries that can help. Explore local and national scholarship opportunities.
Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024
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.
Classroom Chronicles
Students at A.Y. Jackson Secondary School and Rockcliffe Park Public School participated in out-of-this-world learning opportunities, getting a chance to remotely control a simulation lunar rover and meeting Canadian astronauts from the upcoming Artemis II mission.
Events:
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!
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
February 20th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole, Budget
February 21st, 7:00 p.m. - Audit 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.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links
Thank you,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education