March 01, 2024 - 2024-2025 Budget, 2024-2025 School Year Calendars (Subject to Ministry Approval), Coming soon: 2024 Student Survey, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
This week, I had the opportunity to take part in professional learning with colleagues - locally and internationally - on the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning environments. The diverse array of emerging technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions is a fascinating topic… and I look forward to the continued conversation of its application across our District through our information technology and digital transformation initiatives, system-wide.
2024-2025 Budget
Every spring, the OCDSB develops the annual operating budget for the next school year. Guided by the commitments in our strategic plan, the budget outlines how funds will be spent to support students across the district in reaching their full potential. To learn more about the budget process and share your feedback, visit Engage OCDSB.
2024-2025 School Year Calendars (Subject to Ministry Approval)
This week the Board of Trustees approved draft elementary and secondary calendars for the 2024-2025 school year. These calendars are subject to Ministry approval. Visit our website to learn key dates for elementary and secondary students.
Coming soon: 2024 Student Survey
In April, the OCDSB will be launching the 2024 Valuing Voices: Identity Matters Student Survey. This voluntary and confidential survey is similar to the one done in 2019 and will have two parts - demographic data and school climate data. All parents/caregivers will receive an email with more information about the survey after March Break.
The survey information is used to better understand and address issues affecting students, including bullying, safety, mental health, learning and student achievement. Learn more about how we have used information from previous surveys on our website.
Seeking Co-Op Placement Opportunities
Do you know a business or organization in the Ottawa area and willing to take on a co-op student? Our Cooperative Education program provides secondary school students the ability to earn credits while working in a community outside of their school. Students develop personal and workplace skills important to their career and life planning. If you are willing to take on a co-op student please complete our interest form so we can connect you with prospective students/teachers.
Secondary Students: Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports) to be sent on March 19
The Initial Learning Updates (ILU) for semester 2 for all secondary students will be emailed to parents/guardians and eligible students on March 19, 2024. The Ontario Education Number (OEN) is needed to access this document. Visit ocdsb.ca/reportcards for details. Please contact your school if you need help identifying your child’s OEN or additional information. Please note this excludes our non-semestered International Baccalaureate (IB) students attending Merivale High School and Colonel By Secondary School.
Kids Come First - Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign
The Kids Come First Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign is here to help families catch up on their routine vaccinations. Spots are still available at the East Ottawa Kids Care Clinic being held on Sunday, March 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit the KidsComeFirst website for booking an appointment and other information.
Events:
Postponed - Inuktitut, Algonquin Anishinaabe Community Discussions About Language
The OCDSB Indigenous Education team’s upcoming community discussion sessions focusing on Indigenous language revitalization will be postponed to a later date. Thank you to those who have already registered. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
March 19: Welcome to High School - Virtual Information Session for Ukrainian Families
The OCDSB is hosting a Welcome to High School virtual information session for Ukrainian families on March 19th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This session, which will be held in English and Ukrainian, will provide information about transitioning to high school, the many pathways available, graduation requirements and more. Register Now. For more information, visit our website.
March 27: Let’s Talk About Kinder Success
Is your child ready for Kindergarten? Join us on Wednesday, March 27th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we share practical tips and strategies to help enhance your child’s success in Kindergarten. This virtual session will explore the partnership between school and home, self-regulation skills, the learning environment, the importance of routines and expectations, and the link between language and emotions. Learn more about the webinar and sign up and share your questions. This session is open to all parents and caregivers. Feel free to share this information with other parents and caregivers of upcoming Kinders!
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
March 5th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
March 5th, 10:00 p.m. - Special Board Meeting
March 6th, 6:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory 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.
Career Opportunities
New positions this week include:
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