June 27, 2024 - Student Recognition Awards, EarlyON Summer Storytime in the Park, Classroom Chronicles, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
As our final week of June comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all students, staff and school communities for such an amazing 2023-2024 school year! It has been a most memorable one for me in my return to this dynamic district - a true honour for me!
I have been so inspired by the awesomeness of our teaching and learning environments... everywhere I go... highlighted by the leaving/commencement ceremonies that I had the pleasure and privilege of attending this week at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Gloucester High School, Nepean High School and Woodroffe High School.
Congratulations to all graduates... and all the very best to you in all your future endeavours! Well done to the rest of our students for the completion of another year in public education! Have a terrific and safe summer break and we'll see you in the fall!
This will be my final update for the school year. Look for more updates in August as we approach the new school year.
Wishing you all a happy Canada Day!
Student Recognition Awards
We are excited to announce the winners of the 2023-2024 Student Recognition Awards, along with the nominees and winner of the Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award. These amazing students are recognized for their student leadership, demonstration of initiative, supported by the will to succeed, their dedication to finish what they started, and their commitment to achieve their personal best. Congratulations to the award winners! Visit our website to learn about their achievements.
EarlyON Summer Storytime in the Park
This summer, our EarlyON Centres are offering fun outdoor activities for children ages 0-6 and their parents and caregivers. Join us outdoors for stories, songs, and fun! These events will take place July 16th-August 1st and August 13th-22nd at Agincourt Park, Edgehill Park, and Lawson Park. Visit our website for more information and a detailed schedule.
Classroom Chronicles
Young OCDSB entrepreneurs put their brightest ideas on display at the National Arts Centre for the Untapped 2024 conference. Students showcased innovative businesses and social enterprises, ranging from eco-friendly products to creative subscription boxes.
Seventeen OCDSB classes teamed up with aviation and aerospace partners to take learning to new heights. Students came up with creative solutions to challenges in the industry, which they showcased at the Aviation and Space Museum.
Several schools combined fun and learning through creative game-based projects. At John Young Elementary School's Board Games Fair, 150 kids designed board games and used business skills to 'sell' their games to friends. Meanwhile, Merivale High School students turned artwork by Grade 1 students from Meadowlands Public School into interactive computer games.
Finally, Sir Robert Borden High School capped off the school year by unveiling a beautiful mural – the result of a creative collaboration between more than 130 students!
Corrected Date - Report Cards: Elementary and Secondary
Elementary report cards will be emailed on June 26th. Secondary report cards (semestered schools) will be emailed on July 4th. For non-semestered schools report cards will be emailed on July 9th. You need to enter the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, visit ocdsb.ca/ReportCards.
Save the Date! August 25th: Ottawa Pride Parade - Walk With Us
The OCDSB is committed to providing a safer and welcoming environment for all students and staff, and will again be participating in the Ottawa Capital Pride Parade.
The Pride Parade returns on August 25th, 2024. Last year more than 400 OCDSB students, staff and families walked or rode the yellow school bus, demonstrating our commitment to providing safer, welcoming and more inclusive spaces. We encourage everyone to join us as we march together to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. For more information, visit our website.
Mark Your Calendar - Fall 2024 Virtual Night School Registration Opens August 26th
Night School offers secondary students and adult learners the opportunity to upgrade or take additional courses. Classes will run virtually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from September 19th to December 17th. Registration will be open from August 26th to September 16th. Visit the Night School website for course offerings and more information.
OCDSB Speaker Series Recordings
Did you know that you can watch recordings of many past OCDSB Speaker Series events on our website? Visit our Speaker Series page to explore engaging talks on a range of topics, including kindergarten success, the power of belonging, youth and substance use, and much more.
Continuing Education
More than 5500 students have enrolled in our Secondary Credit Programs (eLearning, Reach Ahead, COOP, credit recovery)! Another 2500 students have registered for our International Language Programs and Summer Language Camps, with 700 students in the Elementary Grade 6-8 Literacy and Numeracy Program. Plus, we have 500 adult students engaged in our ESL/LINC Adult summer learning program! Continuing Education is excited to support the educational journeys of these students and looks forward to supporting more learners. Discover more about our Continuing Education programs today!
Ottawa Public Health: Free Dental Screenings
Has your child missed the school dental screening? Community Dental Screenings are held over the summer at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs. Dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications are free for all ages. Registered dental hygienists can also support clients with the Healthy Smiles Ontario and Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan enrollments. For the full list of programs/services, schedule and locations of Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs, please visit the OPH website.
Reminders:
From the Boardroom:
Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
Meetings will resume in the new school year. We will share details in our September update. For more information, including recordings of previous meetings visit the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Approved Policies
At a Board Meeting on June 24th, 2024, the OCDSB’s Board of Trustees approved revisions to the District’s policies on commencement ceremonies and awards, Board member expenses, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for mature students, Co-Operative Education, appropriate use of technology, and the Code of Conduct. The updated policies will be posted on Engage OCDSB in the coming weeks.
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
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.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education