April 21, 2023 - Provincial Announcement - Grants for Student Needs, Our Toonie Tuesday Results Are In!, and more.
Dear Families,
It is always fantastic to hear about the success of former OCDSB students! This week, CBC radio interviewed a local musician known as TALK, who has just released a new song called “Afraid of the Dark”. TALK, otherwise known as Nicholas Durocher, is a graduate of South Carleton High School. He and his band, which includes OCDSB graduate Drew Yorke-Slader, enlisted the help of the choir at Nepean High School to put on a special performance of the song. The choir and Nepean’s music director, Lee Carter, were keen to help bring a song he’d written for his grandmother to life. It’s a wonderful story about the power of music, community, and family! Listen to the full interview to hear these current and former OCDSB students share their talents.
Provincial Announcement - Grants for Student Needs
Earlier this week, the provincial government made a series of announcements. This included much awaited news about annual funding for schools boards which will be used to help us finalize our operating budget for the 2023-2024 school year.
The government also tabled legislation called "Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023". The legislation proposes sweeping changes to the Education Act, with increased provincial direction in a number of areas. We will review the legislation over the coming weeks to better understand the changes. The government has invited public feedback on the proposed changes by May 16, 2023. Learn more.
Our Toonie Tuesday Results Are In!
Students, staff members and families across the OCDSB raised $60,438.70 through the Toonie Tuesday campaign! These funds will help the Education Foundation support OCDSB students by providing the things every student needs: appropriate access to food, clothing, school supplies, healthcare supports, and opportunities for learning and recreation. Next year’s Toonie Tuesday will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Call for Student Applications: 2023-24 EQAO Student Engagement Committee
All students enrolled in an Ontario school in grades 7-12 are eligible to apply to join the committee. The committee is a key source of student voice and a great opportunity for students to have a positive impact on EQAO’s activities and the Ontario education system. Is your child interested? Learn more and complete the application form by June 2, 2023.
Upcoming Events
- Tuesday, April 25: Committee of the Whole and Board Meeting. The Committee of the Whole will meet on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m., followed immediately by a Board Meeting. Save this link to watch the meeting and view the agenda.
- Wednesday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.: New Riverside South Secondary School Boundary Meeting. A public consultation meeting will be held for feedback on the proposed boundary and opening grade structure for the new secondary school to be built in Riverside South. The meeting will be at Steve MacLean Public School. Learn more.
- Wednesday, May 10: Speech and Language Open House. Join us from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for a virtual open house where OCDSB’s Speech Language Pathologists will provide parents/caregivers of children of all ages with information and resources about developing your child’s communication skills. Register Now.
- Thursday, May 11: Know Your Rights at School. This webinar is for Trans and gender diverse students and interested parents. It will focus on exploring the rights of trans, gender diverse and questioning students, and supports that are available to them at school. Join us from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register Now.
- Saturday, May 13: Open Trails. Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the only day of the year when this 77-acre classroom is open to the public for everyone to explore! Learn more.
- Thursday, May 25, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.: Emily Carr Middle School 50th Anniversary: Students, families, and alumni are invited to join Emily Carr Middle School’s 50th anniversary celebration. Tickets are available online for $5; the deadline to register is May 1. To learn more, submit photo memories, and sign up for email updates, visit our website.
Important Dates in the Week Ahead
- April 22: Earth Day. Earth Day appreciates and celebrates our incredible planet while raising awareness about pollution and climate change, and how we can make a difference.
- April 22: International Day of Silence. This is an annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of 2SLGBTQ+ people.
- April 24-30: World Immunization Week. World Immunization Week highlights the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect all people against disease.
- April 26: Administrative Professionals Day. This is an opportunity to thank the amazing administrative professionals in our schools and administrative buildings who go above and beyond every day in support of our staff, students, and families.
- April 28: National Day of Mourning. The National Day of Mourning mourns workers killed or injured on the job in Canada. All OCDSB flags will be lowered to half-mast in observance of this date, and in honour of those who have been injured or killed while working.
In case you missed it…
Secondary Report Cards: Report cards will be emailed to secondary students and families on Friday, April 28, 2023. Visit our website to learn more.
Board Member Code of Conduct Policy Consultations: Parents, students, staff and community members are invited to email their feedback on the Code of Conduct Policy to [email protected] by April 25, 2023.
Register Your Child for French or Spanish Summer Camp: Registration is open for the OCDSB’s French and Spanish Summer Camps, for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 in any school board. Learn more and register here.
Have a wonderful weekend. Sending our best wishes to those celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Ridvan.
Michele Giroux
Director of Education