March 22, 2024 - 2024 Summer Language Classes and Camps, Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy Consultation, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
This week I had the pleasure and privilege of taking part in two exceptional community-based events that reflect the richness and strength of our diversity as an organization and as a city. On Wednesday evening, our District was recognized with a 'Community Partnership Award' by the Assunnah Muslim Association at their Annual Community Iftar. My sincere gratitude to all of our educators, including those from Ridgemont High School who were in attendance that night, for your dedication and diligence in meeting the needs of our Arab, Arabic-speaking, Palestinian and Muslim students. I was handed the award... all because our students are in such caring hands with you!
Et aussi, Jeudi matin, j'ai participé au 17e rendez-vous francophone annuel du maire, Mark Sutcliffe, de la Ville d'Ottawa... une occasion de célébrer notre environnement dynamique et bilingue dans la région de la capitale nationale... bien représenté par nos programmes de français de base et programmes d’immersion française.
2024 Summer Language Classes and Camps (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Unlock language learning adventures this summer! Through interactive lessons and fun activities, your child will discover the joy of learning languages in a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters cultural appreciation. Learn more about the programs and register now.
Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy Consultation
We’ve heard from many families, students, staff, and community members about the proposed changes to our policy on graduation and commencement ceremonies and awards. We are reviewing your comments and updating our Engage OCDSB webpage with answers to your questions. The end of high school is a major milestone, and the new commencement format would give students with diverse educational journeys an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments together with other peers in their cohort.
Here are a few key facts to know about the proposed changes:
- Only students who have completed all of the requirements will obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- In Ontario, students who are leaving high school without an OSSD may receive an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or a Certificate of Accomplishment. The new commencement format would include these students in the celebrations.
- Commencement ceremonies could provide an opportunity to recognize students who are new to the Ontario education system, students with Specialized Education needs, and students who need more time to complete their OSSD requirements due to extenuating circumstances or other factors (such as a serious illness).
- Schools will continue to distribute awards, either as part of the commencement ceremony or at a separate ceremony.
- These changes do not lower the standards for graduation; they reflect practices which are more inclusive of the secondary school pathways in place in schools today.
Following the online consultation, all feedback will be considered and the draft policy will be updated. It will be brought to the Ad Hoc Policy Committee for further discussion. We appreciate the feedback you've shared and will continue to keep you informed through Engage OCDSB.
2024 Valuing Voices - Identity Matters Student Survey: Information letter
The 2024 Student Survey will be taking place from April 11 until May 10th. All parents and caregivers will soon be receiving a separate email with more information about the survey, including details about the consent process. Learn more about the survey at ocdsb.ca/studentsurvey
Conquering Negative Self-Talk: Tips from the YAC
The Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has put together a list of helpful tips that students can use to challenge negative self-talk and practice being kinder to themselves.
Ministry of Education: Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Education launched the Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System. This new resource will provide parents and caregivers with helpful information that allows them to have a stronger role and actively participate in their children’s education. The guide covers a number of subjects such as knowing how their child is doing in school, learning about suspension and expulsion processes, attending a school council meeting or parent involvement committee meeting, and knowing about specialized supports to help all children succeed. The full guide can be found at Ontario.ca/educationguide
Ottawa Public Health: Solar Eclipse Advisory
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Ottawa will experience a partial solar eclipse. A reminder that OCDSB schools and OCDSB-operated Extended Day Programs are closed that day. The Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has shared information about the solar eclipse including the health risks, protecting oneself and FAQs that may be helpful.
Event Reminders:
March 27: Let’s Talk About Kinder Success
Join us on Wednesday, March 27th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., as we share practical tips and strategies to help enhance your child’s success in Kindergarten. Register Now. For more information, visit our website.
April 4: OCDSB Speaker Series - Autistically Thriving: An Evening with Judy Endow
Join us on Thursday, April 4th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., as author and autism consultant Judy Endow explores autistic strengths, thinking styles, information processing, and support. Register now. For more information, visit our website.
Reminders
Nominations Open: 2023-2024 Community Recognition Awards
Each year, the OCDSB recognizes the valuable contributions of community members, parents, caregivers, and businesses through the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards. Do you know someone who is making a difference in a volunteer role? Nominate them today!
Seeking Co-Op Placement Opportunities
Do you have/know a business or organization in the Ottawa area willing to take on a co-op student? Our Cooperative Education program allows secondary school students to earn credits while working in a community outside of their school. Please complete our interest form so we can connect you with prospective students/teachers.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
March 25th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
March 25th, 7:00 p.m. - Arts Advisory Committee
March 26th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
March 28th, 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.
OCDSB Career Opportunities
Positions available 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