Ottawa Carleton District School Board

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!

Dear OCDSB Families, today is National Indigenous Peoples Day and an opportunity to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. I'd like to acknowledge members of our Indigenous community and extend my appreciation for the knowledge they share with us. I would also like to express my gratitude to the OCDSB Indigenous Education Team who do such important work supporting Indigenous students and families and sharing their knowledge and experience with colleagues. This summer, the OCDSB is offering an Indigenous Summer Learning Program for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students going into grades 9-12

Dear OCDSB Families, it was terrific to meet with 'Student Ambassadors' from Gloucester High School earlier this week. These amazing student leaders spoke so passionately and proudly about the diverse array of programs and services offered as they toured me so graciously through the site... and how staff were working in such a determined and diligent way to meet their interests, their readiness, and their needs. It was such an inspiring model of rich, engaging teaching and learning environments throughout our organization!

Dear OCDSB Families, it was superb to take part in the celebration of students who have completed the International Certificate Program (ICP) coordinated by the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network (OCENET) at 440 Albert Street on Thursday night... a terrific accomplishment tied to our District's 'Exit Outcomes', including 'global awareness'. Congratulations to the 138 students who achieved this impressive credential... the largest-ever cohort for the ICP to date!

Dear OCDSB Families, over the past two weeks, I had the honour of taking part in the Rainbow Youth Forum and the Black Youth Forum. Both events were inspirational in that they showcased the strength of diversity and power of potential in each and every one of our students. We also celebrated our winners of the 2023-2024 Community Recognition Awards! Learn more about the recipients’ and their contributions and dedication. We are so grateful to the nominees and winners, and to all our volunteers for the incredible work they have done this year!

Dear OCDSB Families, although it was a shortened work week, it has been a very busy one. I dropped in on one of our elementary program review parent consultations on Wednesday night at Glashan Public School. This program review is an opportunity for us to think about what programming we offer, how and where it is offered, whose needs are served, and how schools may be redesigned to better meet the needs of current and future generations. Parents had a lot to say about their experiences with the current model and ideas on how to improve our current model. I’m grateful for the time our community is putting into this review.

Dear OCDSB Families, it was a treat this week to attend Castor Valley Elementary School during their 'Outdoor Athletics Day'... a wonderful opportunity to see our talented student-athletes in competition. And, the weather held up quite nicely for the day too! Congratulations to the caring and committed staff for coordinating such a fine event on-site.

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!