April 12, 2024 - Our Toonie Tuesday Results Are In!, Now Open - 2024 Valuing Voices - Identity Matters Student Survey, and more.
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to meet with many members of our community through our engaging, insightful committee structures - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and Advisory Committee on Equity (ACE) - in regards to the Elementary Program Review that our District has recently launched. These conversations, whether in-person or on-line, have led to inspirational, thoughtful feedback and input that will undoubtedly shape our move forward as an organization. We also want to hear about your experiences with the current model (Full day kindergarten, English with Core French, Early French Immersion, Middle French Immersion, Alternative, and Ottawa-Carleton Virtual, along with special education and English as a Second Language supports and services) and your ideas on how to best help families and students succeed. Share your feedback on Engage OCDSB.
Our Toonie Tuesday Results Are In!
Students, staff members, and families across the OCDSB raised $63,385.00 through the Toonie Tuesday campaign! The funds from our annual signature fundraiser will help the Education Foundation of Ottawa reduce barriers to student learning and well-being. Like you, we believe all students deserve equitable opportunities to succeed by having access to food, clothing, school supplies, healthcare supports, and opportunities for learning and recreation. Next year’s Toonie Tuesday will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Now Open - 2024 Valuing Voices - Identity Matters Student Survey
Our 2024 Student Survey is open, now until May 10th. We appreciate your help in encouraging participation from your school community. Students in grades 7 to 12 and parents and caregivers of students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 should have received an email with a link to complete the survey. Unfortunately, due to some technical issues, we had to reissue the survey link. Please encourage use of the Updated Link that was sent on April 11th.
- Our Resources page includes videos and a graphic schools can use to highlight the survey on their social media channels. School councils are encouraged to also help amplify the survey on their social media.
Should you receive questions, our website also includes FAQs and information letters in multiple languages. Visit: ocdsb.ca/studentsurvey
Educational Collaborative Network of Ontario Cyber Awareness Focus Groups
The Educational Collaborative Network of Ontario (ECNO) is planning for the 2024 Cyber Awareness campaign in October. This is all about teaching students how to stay safe online. The campaign provides teaching and communications resources to Ontario school boards to assist them in their ongoing efforts to reduce the risks associated with online privacy, security and safety.
To guide this work, we are inviting teachers to attend a virtual focus group to discuss such topics as privacy, safety, scams, bullying, and mental health in the context of educating, learning and living in the online world. Several student focus groups are also planned.
The session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024 and will be facilitated and monitored by project leaders. Notes will be taken to capture input and feedback. These will not be attributed to a particular teacher. The session will not be recorded.
If you're interested, register before 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 16th. Organizers will follow up to confirm your participation.
April 16th: Tour of Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara
In celebration of Sikh Heritage Month, the Ottawa Sikh Society is offering OCDSB staff a guided tour of the Gurdwara on Tuesday, April 16th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This open house is an opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith, practices, and heritage, as well as ways to support Sikh students in your schools. Register Now.
April 20th: Spring into the Outdoors Environmental Conference
OCDSB staff are invited to join an outdoor education conference on Saturday, April 20th at the MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre. This event aims to offer OCDSB and OCSB K-12 educators practical, interactive learning opportunities that bridge the Ontario Curriculum with the advantages of experiential, land-based, environmental, and outdoor education. Register by April 15 at 9 a.m!
May 2nd: Transitioning to the World of Work - Information Session and Resource Fair for Youth with Disabilities
On May 2nd from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we are hosting an event at the Confederation Education Centre to help secondary students with disabilities navigate and succeed in the workplace. Please share this link with students who may be interested.
This month in security - how to spot a phishing email
Have you ever received an email and you aren't sure if it is legitimate? Or you've received an email and you know it's a phishing attempt but you aren't sure what to do? B< has put together this great video to show you how to spot a phish, and what to do if you receive a phishing message. And it is part of the Tech Token for Cyber Security - Phishing too!
Student Summer Job Opportunities
The OCDSB has employment opportunities available for secondary and post secondary students. We would ask that you please share with any students who might be interested.
- Student summer employment: Work is available with our Corporate Records Department and Maintenance/Facilities Division. The application deadline isMay 3rd at 2:00 p.m.. Learn more.
- Casual custodian: Students are encouraged to apply to work as a casual custodian with the OCDSB. More details can be found in the job posting.
Reminders:
May 4th: Open Trails Day at Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre
Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails Day on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is the only day of the year when this 77-acre classroom is open to the public for everyone to explore!
Share Your Feedback: Advisory Committee on Equity Policy by April 22nd
The Committee is currently reviewing its policy to better serve its needs and support the District's strategic goals. Learn more and share your input by April 22nd.
April 27th: Prepared & Positive - How Do I Recognize Mental Health Issues In My Child?
This free session, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Saint Paul University, hosted by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa along with the OCDSB and other partners, is focused on helping families deal with mental health issues in their children. For more information, visit this website (external link).
Translation and Interpretation Resources for Staff
We’ve launched a Translation and Interpretation Resources page to help you navigate the supports available to support English Language Learners (ELL), newcomers to Canada, and their families and use them more effectively.
From the Boardroom:
OCDSB Seeking Community Member to Serve on Audit Committee
Do you know a community member with financial expertise and business knowledge who would like to serve as a volunteer on our Audit Committee? The appointment to the three-year term will commence immediately. Learn more about eligibility and how community members can apply. The deadline for applications is April 30th.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
April 16th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
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
Please share with your network! 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
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all students, staff and community members of the Muslim faith a blessed and joyous Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak!
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education