Boardroom Newsbrief - February 25, 2020

The Newsbrief is meant to provide the highlights of the decisions made at the Board meeting for the benefit of our community. The notes do not serve as the official record of the meeting. Please refer to Board or Committee minutes.

For full agenda package prepared ahead of this meeting, visit this link.

Presentation on Evidence of Practice - Culture of Social Responsibility at Vimy Ridge Public School
Photo of students + families

Students from Vimy Ridge Public School presented to the Board.

In the 2018-2019 school year, the Vimy Ridge PS community identified a desire to bring a dedicated school wide focus to environmental awareness. With support from the school council and staff, Vimy Ridge PS began a partnership with South Nation Conservation Authority to launch this commitment to building awareness of environmental issues by engaging students, families and the broader community in learning about the importance of environmental stewardship. Since that time, students have expanded their knowledge and efforts to demonstrate the continued commitment in a variety of ways which incorporate experiential opportunities, curriculum and OCDSB Exit Outcomes connections, community partnerships and civic engagement.

In the spring of 2019, students from kindergarten to grade 8 at Vimy Ridge PS participated in a program called Stream of Dreams sponsored by the South Nation Conservation Authority. Stream of Dreams is a whole school eco-education program that educates communities about their local watershed, rivers and streams.

In this 2019-2020 school year, students have expanded their efforts through recycling, composting and participating in Clean up the Capital. Students are also involved in tree planting and creating a rooftop garden.

The school council also successfully applied for a City of Ottawa grant for a greening of the school yard. This spring, several trees will be planted.

Learn more: Environmental Education at Vimy Ridge Public School (PDF)

Briefing from the Chair of the Board

Labour Update

OSSTF has announced that it intends to hold another one-day strike in school boards, including the OCDSB, on Friday, February 28.

If this takes place, all OCDSB schools will be closed to students on this day and Extended Day programs will be cancelled.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario will not be holding strikes this week or next. However, the union will be putting in place additional work sanctions, effective Wednesday.

We will continue to contact parents with further labour updates.

February 26 is Pink Shirt Day

Members of our school community are encouraged to wear pink tomorrow in honour of Pink Shirt Day.

Schools across OCDSB will be taking part in events, including assemblies, classroom activities, and more to raise awareness against bullying and support those affected. Let’s stand together against bullying in schools, in the workplace, and online.

Black History Month

Black History Month is drawing to a close and our schools have had numerous activities such as book clubs celebrating Black authors, school-wide assemblies, interactive displays, and lesson plans focusing on Black culture and history.

On February 28, the Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program, in partnership with Carleton University, is hosting its second annual Black History Month event: Empowering our Future. Director Camille Williams-Taylor will be one of the keynote speakers at this event which will celebrate and honour black people who are making outstanding contributions to Canada today.

Briefing from the Director

OCDSB 2020 Volunteer and Community Member Recognition Awards

Nominations are open for the OCDSB Volunteer and Community Member Recognition Awards. These awards are a great opportunity to recognize our volunteers who make such an important contribution to our schools.

The awards will be presented at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Community Recognition Awards Ceremony on May 6th. Visit our website for details.

Osgoode Township High School Receives USD 25,000 grant

Osgoode Township High School has been awarded a 25,000 USD grant to support a student-led virtual reality game. This Epic Games MegaGrant is a particular honour for the school’s programming, as it is usually awarded to post-secondary institutions.

Epic Games was inspired by the early work done by our students, in partnership with the OCDSB’s Experiential Learning Division. Congratulations!

Ottawa Construction Association Symposium

Careers in construction and skilled trades are fantastic opportunities for our students.

The Ottawa Construction Association will be hosting a two-day symposium and trade show on February 26th and 27th. This event will include a special Youth Engagement Zone for students to take part in hands-on demonstrations and learn more about jobs in construction and skilled trades. The OCDSB will also be leading a carpentry competition for students at this symposium.

In Camera Motions

  • A motion carried for staff to proceed in camera with respect to a human resources matter

Public Motions

Trustees approved the following:

  • Confirmation of Board Minutes – 28 January 2020 (Board) and 18 February 2020 (Special Board)
  • Receipt of Committee of the Whole Report, 4 February 2020
  • Receipt of Committee of the Whole Budget Report, 4 February 2020
    • In-Year Deficit Elimination Plan 2019-2020 Revised Estimates
  • Receipt of Committee of the Whole Report, 18 February 2020
    • School Year Calendar
    • John Young Elementary School Interim Accommodation Measures
    • Extended Day Program Daily Fee Rate
    • Early Learning Department – Lead Supervisor
    • Revision to P.074.GOV Computer Network Security

Meeting ended at 8:50 pm


Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.