May 3, 2024 - New Ministry Directives on Cell Phones and Vaping, Elementary Program Review - Student Voice, and more.
Hello Students,
We are nearly halfway through the survey period for our 2024 Student Survey. Many students have now completed their survey. We’re hoping to increase participation over the final few weeks. This information will help us address topics like safety, bullying, mental health, learning and student achievement. To ensure we can have the greatest impact, we need to hear from as many students as possible. You’ll have time to do it at school or you can do it on your own time if you want. Just check your email for a link. The survey closes May 10th.
Why does identity matter? We asked students. Follow us on Instagram and visit our reels where we will be sharing videos of what some students had to say.
New Ministry Directives on Cell Phones and Vaping
The Ministry of Education has announced new guidance for school districts with respect to cell phone use in schools and vaping. This will require changes to school board policies in several areas including:
- Restrictions on student use of personal mobile devices at school, including technology restrictions on social media access;
- Restrictions and guidelines for surrendered prohibited items (such as tobacco, electronic cigarettes,nicotine products, alcohol and illegal drugs, as well as personal mobile devices), in compliance with all applicable provincial policy and legislation, including the Education Act and the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017;
- Requiring signage in schools to communicate behaviour expectations that are consistent with a safe learning and teaching environment.
These changes must be in effect for September 2024. The District is reviewing the new regulations and will be posting more information on Engage OCDSB this month to explain the changes and invite comment on implementation strategies related to these changes.
Elementary Program Review - Student Voice
The district has scheduled 7 public meetings for the Elementary Program Review. You can find the dates and locations on the "Public Meetings" tab on Engage OCDSB. Why should you join in? Because we’re interested in your experiences as you navigated your earlier years in elementary school. What are your thoughts on how the current program impacted your learning and well-being? Do you have ideas that would enrich educational experiences for younger kids? What support would be necessary for smooth transitions to the new model? These engagement sessions aim to gather valuable input not just from parents and guardians but from students who have their own unique perspectives. Can’t join us in person? You can still share your feedback on Engage OCDSB.
May 6-10th: Mental Health Week Wellness Challenge
Mental Health Week is next week! The Youth Action Committee on Mental Health has shared daily challenges to help you focus on your mental health and well-being. From Mindful Monday to Fun Friday, next week is packed with activities designed to help you recharge, practice self-care, and connect with others. Join the challenge!
Holy Friday and Orthodox Easter
In Orthodox Christianity, today is Holy Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Easter, which celebrates the resurrection, is on Sunday. We send our best wishes to those observing.
Reminders:
Engage OCDSB - We’re looking at revisions to the policy on Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning. If you’re interested in providing your thoughts, you can participate in this and other policy consultations on Engage OCDSB until May 10.
Secondary Report Cards for semestered schools were emailed to families and eligible students on Monday, April 29th, 2024. For more information, visit ocdsb.ca/ReportCards
Job Opportunities
Are you looking for a job this summer? The OCDSB is looking for a Summer Student Custodian .
May 4th: Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre Open Trails Day - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 22nd: OCDSB Speaker Series: Be The Difference with Gaelin Elmore - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Register now and learn more on our website.
Canadian Parents for French Ontario - Spring/Summer Free Virtual French Programs - Programs run from May 6, 2024 – August 23, 2024. For more details, visit their website.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
May 7th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
May 8th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement 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