May 13, 2022 - Graduations and End of Year Celebrations, Scams and Phishing: Notice from the Ministry of Education, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
I hope you’ve been enjoying some of the wonderful summer weather we’ve been having this week. Here are a few upcoming events and other details to keep in mind as we begin approaching the end of the school year.
Graduations and End of Year Celebrations
Many schools have begun planning for graduations and other end of year celebrations. Schools will be communicating the details of these plans to families directly in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school.
Scams and Phishing: Notice from the Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education has shared some great information to help families recognize and avoid scams and phishing attempts. Phishing scams are emails that encourage you to click a link or call a number in response to a threat or an incentive. Learn more on our website.
Do you know the 7 Red Flags of Phishing?
Elections Ontario Polling Stations
The provincial election will be held on June 2, 2022. The OCDSB, like other school districts in Ontario, must make schools available for use as polling stations. Approximately 60 OCDSB schools will be used as polling stations in the upcoming election. We make every effort to work with Elections Ontario to ensure that contact between the public and students and staff is avoided. In most cases, the polling stations are in the gym with designated entry/exit points for the exclusive use of Elections Ontario staff and voters. While our mask mandate remains in place, we have been advised by Elections Ontario that many safety precautions are in place but that masks are not required to vote. This year, Elections Ontario has introduced many new ways for electors to vote - read this voter’s guide to learn more. Schools that are hosting polling stations will share more information ahead of the election.
Upcoming Events
May 14th: MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre “Open Trails” Event
On Saturday May 14th, the MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is the only day where the centre is open to everyone to come and explore the OCDSB 425 acre classroom. Learn more on our website.
May 17th: Recognizing and Responding to Stress and Anxiety, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Kristin Schaub and Jeremy Doucette for a discussion on stress and anxiety in children. Participants will learn more about the differences between stress, fear, and anxiety, will learn practical strategies to help children with feelings of stress and worry, and will be able to reflect on their own stress to be in the best position to support children. Learn more on our website.
May 18th: Rainbow Youth Forum, 6:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
The students of the OCDSB 2021-2022 2SLGBTQ+ Voices: Pathways to Interdependence Program are proud to present the 17th annual Rainbow Youth Forum on Wednesday, May 18th. Join us from 6:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. for a virtual evening filled with fantastic events, workshops and opportunities to connect with each other. This event will be held via Zoom and registration is open to all 2SLGBTQ+ OCDSB students, OCDSB staff, community organizations and parents/guardians supporting an attending student. Register now!
Important Dates
May 15th is International Day of Families. On World Education Support Personnel Day on May 16th, we celebrate the OCDSB’s support staff including custodial staff, technicians, educational assistants, early childhood educators, professional student services staff, and more. May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. May 19th is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Ottawa, when the Ottawa Safety Council will announce the winner of the Ottawa’s Favourite Crossing Guard Award.
COVID-19 Information and Public Health Updates
If you need a reminder of what to do if someone in your household has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, visit Ottawa Public Health’s website to review isolation requirements and precautions to take. If you are looking for information about the Moderna vaccine for children 6 to 11 years of age, visit this webpage for more information.
School News: Students Support Innovative Space Mission
Students at Osgoode Township High School took their STEM skills to new heights to support an exciting space mission. They used virtual production techniques to create a video for the upcoming CubeSat satellite launch, in partnership with IBM Space and SpaceX. Read the story.
In case you missed it…
Episode 2 of the OCDSB Podcast is Now Available: Episode 2 of our podcast, In Conversation with OCDSB, is now available on Spotify, Anchor, and YouTube. We spoke with Emily Balla, the OCDSB’s mental health lead, about mental health, wellness, and how parents can support children (and themselves) to better deal with the challenges that come our way.
Summer School Registration for Grades 6-8 and 9-12: Registration remains open for Summer School Programs for students in grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. Learn more on our website.
Google Hangouts for Students during Jewish Heritage Month: Jewish students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a weekly student-led Google Hangout, open to all students who are a part of a Jewish family, including those who are exploring their Jewish identities. Students can ask their student success teacher, principal, or vice principal for the nickname. Meets will take place from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16th, Thursday, May 26th, and Monday, May 30th.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education