May 10, 2024 - 2024 Student Survey - Deadline Extended to May 17, Elementary Program Review - Public Meetings, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
This week I had the opportunity to join the students and staff of North Gower Marlborough Public School on a 'guided walking tour' of the historic sites in their immediate vicinity. Students proudly explained the significance of each site as we toured this beautiful area of our District. My congratulations to the entire school community on such a terrific initiative!
I also had the privilege of taking part in the Yom Ha'shoah Holocaust Remembrance at the National Holocaust Memorial in the downtown core earlier this week, along with a number of groups of students and staff across the District, for this day of solemn commemoration.
2024 Student Survey - Deadline Extended to May 17
Parents/caregivers of students in Kindergarten to Grade 6: The Valuing Voices survey deadline has been extended to Friday, May 17th. If you haven’t already completed the survey, please do so this week. Remember, the survey is confidential and you don’t have to answer every question. Just be sure to submit your survey before the deadline to have your child’s perspectives included.
Check your email for a message with your personalized link to the survey.
Elementary Program Review - Public Meetings
The first Elementary Program Review public meetings are taking place on Monday, May 13th at Kanata Highlands Public School (7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Ottawa Technical Secondary School (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). These engagement sessions are a great opportunity for families to provide their input to the elementary program. The discussion will invite you to share more about your child’s experience with the current program model, possible changes to future programming, and what supports would provide for smooth transitions to any future changes. For additional dates and details, and to provide feedback, visit Engage OCDSB.
Save the Date! May 23rd - 2024 Rainbow Youth Forum (Grades 9-12 Students)
The students of the OCDSB 2023-2024 2SLGBTQ+ Voices Program are proud to present the Rainbow Youth Forum on May 23rd. The 2024 edition will feature fantastic events, workshops and opportunities to connect with each other. Interested (secondary) students can contact their school’s GSA leader/guidance counsellor for registration and more details.
Save the Date! May 29th - Black Youth Forum (Grades 9-12 Students)
The seventh annual Black Youth Forum, in partnership with the University of Ottawa, will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. African, Black and African-Caribbean (ABC) students in Grades 9-12 will gather at uOttawa to share their learning and lived experiences through the theme: Black Unity Through the Senses. OCDSB Black students will enjoy a day on campus to share and explore opportunities that will positively impact current and future outcomes. For registration and more information, please contact your school.
Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award - For Secondary Students
The Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award, a partnership between the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), will grant $1,000 to one graduating English public school student in each of OPSBA’s five regions. Scholarship recipients are students with strong leadership skills and potential, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning. Read more about the application process. The deadline is June 28, 2024.
Hop! Spring into Spring Challenge
The 2024 Hop! Spring into Spring challenge, by OSTA and EnviroCentre, is underway from now until May 31st. Students and families can all participate in different ways. Students are encouraged to join Hop’s Spring into Spring challenge by logging walks on Hop! from now until May 31st. Log 20 walks to win a digital gold medal, 15 walks for a silver medal, or 1 walk for a bronze medal. All participants will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three $50 gift certificates for admission to the Canadian Museum of Nature. Students learning virtually or those who take the bus can log their walks in the community instead of walking to school, as can all families on PA days when school is closed!
Reminders:
Executive Functioning Skills and Social-emotional Skills - Parent/Caregiver Resources
Executive functioning skills help us stay organized, pay attention, manage time, and handle our feelings. Social-emotional learning skills help kids and youth build positive relationships, make good choices, and solve problems. Explore these resources that you can use to support your child's development.
Engage OCDSB - We’re looking at revisions to our policies on Co-Op and experiential learning, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for mature students, and Board member and student trustee expenses and support services. Today is the last day to share your comments on Engage OCDSB.
School Mental Health Ontario Parent and Caregiver Collaboration Group - Parents/caregivers can apply by May 13th.
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.
2024 Summer Language Classes and Camps (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8) - Learn more about the programs and register now.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
May 15th, 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.
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