February 24, 2023 - Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health, March Break, Black History Month, and more.
Dear Families,
Thank you to everyone who supported Toonie Tuesday this week. Our colleagues at the Education Foundation are still counting toonies, but we are hopeful that we reached the goal of $80,000. If you didn’t have a chance to donate and are still interested, or if you just want to learn more, click here.
I also want to thank the students and staff who participated in Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday. Standing together against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny is something we must continue to do. See how schools supported this through shared messages of kindness and support for each other. Learn more from these resources to help deal with bullying.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
We all understand the importance of mental health, but it can be difficult to know when children and youth need help and how we can best support them. Here are a few resources that can help parents and caregivers in recognizing and responding to their children’s mental health needs:
March Break
A reminder that this year’s March Break at all OCDSB elementary and secondary schools will take place between Monday, March 13th and Friday, March 17th.
Black History Month
This month our staff and students have celebrated Black History Month through performances, art, special events, school displays, classroom lessons, and more. While learning will continue throughout the year, this has been a special opportunity to celebrate Black culture and history and applaud the achievements and significant contributions of Black Canadians. Visit our website to see how our staff and students celebrated and learned together.
Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) updates their Respiratory Virus Dashboard every Wednesday. OPH continues to recommend layers of protection like masks, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu vaccines, and staying home when sick.
Dates to Remember in March
March is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about heritage through Bangladeshi Heritage Month and Hellenic Heritage Month, and is a chance to learn about health and well-being through Nutrition Month and Social Work Month. March 1st marks Zero Discrimination Day, which aims to help create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination. Additional dates of recognition occurring later in March will be shared in our upcoming updates.
Upcoming Events
- Tuesday, February 28: OCDSB Committee of the Whole Meeting. The public Committee of the Whole Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m., and will be followed by a Board Meeting. Visit our website for more details and save this link to watch the livestream.
- Wednesday, March 1: Transition Planning Fair. Join us in-person from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. to speak with OCDSB staff and local service providers about what local programs are available for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Thursday, March 2: Speech and Language Open House. This webinar will provide parents and caregivers with information and resources about developing their child’s communication skills.
- Saturday, March 25: Supporting Black Student Success - Parent Advocacy Conference. OCDSB, in partnership with Parents For Diversity, is hosting this in-person event at Brookfield High School (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Learn about strategies for supporting and advocating for your children’s success. Network with community partners, and other parents and caregivers. Register Now.
Opportunities to Share Feedback
- 2023-2027 Strategic Plan: You can share your priorities for the OCDSB’s future through the email link sent to you, or by using this link until 11:59 p.m. today, February 24th. Learn more
- Field Trips Policy Consultation: We are working on a review of Policy P.029.SCO Field Trips, Excursions, Educational Tours, and Student Exchanges and associated procedures. Please email your feedback on the revised draft of the policy to [email protected] by the end of the day today, February 24.
- Coming Soon: School Climate Survey: This is a voluntary and anonymous online survey for parents, guardians, and caregivers of students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. It is an opportunity to provide feedback about the extent to which you feel your child’s school supports learning and positive behaviour, and promotes a safe and inclusive environment. The survey will be open from March 1 to 24. Learn more.
School News
Dunning-Foubert Elementary School has planted the seeds for a multi-year project that empowers students to take action on food security and sustainability. Grade 7 and 8 classes are collaborating on school gardens and other initiatives to share nutritious food with their school and local community. Read the story.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education