February 3, 2023 - Mental Health in Action, Report Cards, ONFE Is Looking for Volunteers!, and more.
Dear Families,
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the OCDSB 2023-2027 strategic plan consultation process. It has been so energizing to connect with you and have a chance to hear your stories, thoughts and ideas. If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate, there are other ways to get involved. Please visit our website to learn more.
On January 31, the Board of Trustees approved the motion to hire a Jewish Equity Coach within the OCDSB. This is an important step in the District’s commitment to preventing, addressing and challenging antisemitism, and ensuring we are working together to build a future that is free of discrimination and hate. The addition of this position will provide stronger support in protecting and promoting Jewish student well-being.
Mental Health in Action: Relaxation and Coping Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Making time to quiet your mind and body can be a challenge when balancing the many demands of family life, but integrating relaxation and coping strategies into your day can be a great way to help reduce stress for both you and your child(ren). Our fabulous mental health team has put together a few tips to help parents and children relax and better cope with stress. Making time to read these tips is an investment in your own well-being.
Report Cards
Report cards for secondary students will be sent via email on Friday, February 10, 2023. Report cards for elementary students will be sent via email on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. You will need to enter your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) with the hyphens included to open the report card. The format is XXX-XXX-XXX. You can find your child’s OEN on a previous report card. If you do not have a previous report card or are having any difficulties finding the OEN, please contact your school for assistance. Learn more about report cards on our website.
ONFE Is Looking for Volunteers!
Are you interested in supporting French Immersion programs, helping students receive a healthy breakfast, or reading aloud to children in kindergarten to grade 3? The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) is currently looking for volunteers, especially those who are Francophone. Visit their website to apply or to learn more about volunteer opportunities like the School Breakfast Program and OttawaReads.
Weekly Update from Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa Public Health continues to see an encouraging picture of the overall levels of respiratory viruses circulating in Ottawa. However, they emphasize that levels of COVID-19 remain high, and that being vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, wearing a mask in indoor public places, and staying home when sick are still the best ways to limit the spread of these viruses. Read the update here.
PA Day for Elementary and Secondary Students on February 17
A reminder that there will be a PA Day for Elementary and Secondary students on Friday, February 17, 2023. In addition, there will be no classes for students on Monday, February 20, 2023 for Family Day.
Upcoming Continuing Education Opportunities
The OCDSB offers a number of Continuing Education opportunities to learners of all ages, including international and Indigenous language classes, workplace training and academic upgrading, and more. Take a look at Continuing Education’s interactive flyer to see what programs are being offered this winter.
February 21 is Toonie Tuesday - When you give a little, you help a lot!
This year, with your support, the Education Foundation of Ottawa is hoping to raise $80,000. These dollars will go directly to support OCDSB students. The Education Foundation of Ottawa supports students in need by providing healthy food and snacks, warm coats, new backpacks, school supplies, and more. You can donate online or easily through your School Cash Online Account or send your child to school with $2 (or more) anytime between now and Toonie Tuesday (February 21st, 2023). Learn more.
Kindergarten and High School Information Nights
A reminder that elementary schools are hosting parent information nights for families enrolling their children in Kindergarten, and high school information nights for grade 8 students and their families. If your child will be attending high school in the fall and is interested in technology or a skilled trade, you may wish to attend a parent information night at Ottawa Technical Secondary School (East End) or Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School (West End). Learn more about these schools by visiting their websites.
Program Registration Deadlines
February 6-10: Middle French Immersion Registration
If your child has completed the grade 3 English/Core French Program, you can choose to register them for Middle French Immersion. This year’s registration period runs from February 6 until February 10, 2023. Learn more on our website.
Apply by February 10: Cross-Boundary Transfers
If you’d like your child to attend a school other than their designated school, applications for cross-boundary school transfers for elementary and secondary students are open until February 10. Learn more.
Register by February 14: Ottawa-Carleton Virtual (OCV) School
OCV Elementary and Secondary schools are now accepting registrations for the 2023-2024 school year. Learn more and register on our website.
Register by February 16: Winter 2023 Night School
Night School provides a great opportunity for students to upgrade courses, take courses not available at their home school, or for adult learners to upgrade courses or complete work towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The Winter Night School program will run from Thursday February 23, 2023 to Tuesday, May 30, 2023, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (26 in total) from 5:30pm-9:21pm. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, February 7th - 7:00 p.m. (In-Person and Virtual)
OCDSB Committee of the Whole Meeting: The OCDSB Committee of the Whole will meet publicly on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Discussion topics will include key dates for the 2023-2024 school year calendar, an update on the 2023-2027 strategic planning process, and more. View the agenda and save this link to watch the livestream.
Wednesday, February 8th - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Q&A Session to Support Parents of Students with Developmental Disabilities: This virtual session will help answer questions about supporting your child as they transition to a life beyond high school. Learn more.
Wednesday, February 8 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Virtual)
School Council Professional Development: Creating An Atmosphere Of Belonging At The School Council Table: This event includes a keynote address by Lisa Anna Palmer and a panel discussion. Parents, caregivers, school council members and administrators can learn more and register.
Saturday, February 11th - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (In-Person)
Black History: A Day of Celebration: Join us at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School for a keynote by Meghan Stewart, performances by students, staff, and community, and a chance to learn from student Black Excellence Clubs. Learn more and register.
Monday, February 13th - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Introduction to Gender Identity and Expression: The webinar will explore questions about gender identity and expression, and how parents and guardians can support young people to be themselves. Register now.
Wednesday, March 1st - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (In-Person)
Transition Planning Fair - Supporting Students with Developmental Disabilities: Participants will be able to speak with OCDSB staff and local service providers about what local programs are available for individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn more and register.
Thursday, March 2nd - 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m (In-Person)
Speech and Language Open House: This webinar will provide parents and caregivers with information and resources about developing their child’s communication skills. Register Now. To learn more, visit this link.
School News
Last month, Shingwàkons Public School opened the doors to its permanent location at 480 Cope Drive in Stittsville, welcoming close to 600 students from kindergarten to Grade 5. Here’s a look at the students’ first month at the new school.
Grade 11 students at West Carleton Secondary School became anthropologists within their community and organized a multicultural food fair to deepen their understanding of different cultures.
In case you missed it…
All About High School - Session Recordings: OCDSB’s Innovation and Adolescent Learning team had organized this virtual conference which provided details about all aspects of high school. Students and families discovered the curriculum and subject areas available, as well as the various programs and supports the OCDSB offers to all secondary students. You can now watch recordings of selected sessions on this OCDSB YouTube playlist.
Stay safe in the cold, and thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education