March 10, 2023 - Director of Education Selection Process, Validating Your Child’s Emotions, Student Accommodations During Ramadan, and more.
Dear Families,
As we head into March Break, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy week, whatever your family plans might be.
A reminder that Daylight Savings begins on Sunday, March 12th, so don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour!
Director of Education Selection Process
The OCDSB Board of Trustees is currently recruiting its next Director of Education and has retained Boyden, a global executive search firm, to assist with this important recruitment. As part of the process, the Search Committee, through Boyden, is gathering input from the OCDSB community to help inform the process and the assessment of candidates. If you would like the opportunity to provide your input to this important process please complete this short survey by March 30th.
Validating Your Child’s Emotions
We all experience moments where high-stress situations can make life feel out of control. In these moments, it may feel like our emotions are taking over, whether it be anger, sadness, frustration or worry. As parents, you may feel inclined to label these big emotions as “bad” or “negative” when your child expresses them. It’s important to remember that all emotions serve a purpose to provide us with information about ourselves and our environment, as well as to help us navigate difficult situations. The OCDSB's Mental Health Team has prepared a few strategies and resources on how parents can validate and respond to their child's emotions. Learn more.
Student Accommodations During Ramadan
Ramadan runs from the evening of March 22 to the evening of April 20, depending on the sighting of the moon. This is a period of fasting, observance, and alms giving. We wish Ramadan Mubarak to students and families marking this month. The OCDSB is committed to cultivating learning and working spaces where everyone feels they belong. We would like to remind all families of your right to request from your child’s teacher or principal, any accommodations your child may require to support prayer, fasting or observance of religious days of significance throughout the school year.
Classroom Chronicles
Grade 2-4 students at Blossom Park Public School tried out the trades through a two-day experience in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the District’s Innovation and Adolescent Learning Department. See how they explored culinary arts and construction!
Upcoming Events
- March 24: School Earth Hour Challenge: Every year, people around the world take part in Earth Hour to raise awareness about climate change. On Friday, March 24th OCDSB schools will be encouraged to take part in an Earth Hour challenge from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (times may vary depending on each school’s schedule) by turning off lights and other electronic devices not needed for the hour. Those taking part in Earth Hour at home can turn off lights and electronics on Saturday, March 25th from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 25: Supporting Black Student Success - Parent Advocacy Conference. Join us at Brookfield High School from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to learn strategies for supporting and advocating for your children’s success, and to network with community partners and other parents and caregivers. Register Now.
- Wednesday, March 29: Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Youth. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join us from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a webinar that will answer questions and share strategies on how to support trans and gender diverse children and youth. Register here.
- Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18: Pop Up Prom Shop. If your child is in need of a prom dress but may not be able to afford one, registration is open for The Fairy Godmother pop-up prom dress boutique. Book your appointment today for Monday, April 17 or Tuesday, April 18 at the Confederation Education Centre.
Important Dates Over the Next Two Weeks
- March 11: National COVID-19 Day of Observance. This date is an opportunity to reflect on the many challenges we have experienced, and remember those who have faced devastating impacts of the pandemic.
- March 17: Irish Heritage Day. Proclaimed by the government of Ontario in 2004, Irish Heritage Day recognizes the rich cultural heritage of Canada’s Irish community and their many contributions across the province.
- March 20: Journée internationale de la francophonie - International Francophonie Day. This celebrates the French language and la Francophonie. La Francophonie is a group of 88 states and member governments and observers that share French as a common language.
- March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This date is recognized on the anniversary of the day in 1960 that 69 people were killed by police in Sharpeville, South Africa at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws”. This is an opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to combat hate, systemic racism, racial and religious discrimination.
- March 21: Nowruz. Nowruz signifies a time of renewal, physical rejuvenation, gratitude, hope, and optimism. It is a celebration of the new year recognized by more than 300 million people worldwide, and has been recognized for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions. We send our best wishes to all who are celebrating.
- March 21: World Down Syndrome Day. This year's theme, "With Us, Not For Us", emphasizes that people with down syndrome have the right to be treated fairly and given the same opportunities as everyone else.
- March 22: World Water Day. World Water Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action in accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.
Nominations are Open for the RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards!
The RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards are an annual celebration of young people, and recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of youth who are making the Ottawa community, and the world, a better place. Learn more and submit a nomination by March 22, 2023.
RoadSMARTS4Kids: A free digital library of educational resources to help teach kids about road safety
To continue providing high quality road safety education to elementary schools across Ottawa, the Ottawa Safety Council has launched RoadSMARTS4Kids (RS4K), a new digital platform that makes learning about road safety fun and accessible for students. Check out the RoadSMARTS e-Academy here.
Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard
A reminder that Ottawa Public Health (OPH) updates their Respiratory Virus Dashboard every Wednesday, and continues to recommend layers of protection like masks, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu vaccines, and staying home when sick.
In case you missed it…
Nominations Open for the 2022-2023 Community Recognition Awards: Each year, the OCDSB recognizes the valuable contributions of our community members, parents, and businesses through the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards. Learn more about the award categories and nominate a volunteer here by April 7, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
School Climate Survey for Parents and Caregivers: The School Climate Survey for parents and caregivers is open until Friday, March 24, 2023. This is a voluntary and anonymous online survey for parents, guardians, and caregivers of students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 that will help inform school improvement initiatives. Click here to complete the survey, which is available in 12 languages.
Have a wonderful March Break,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education