March 08, 2024 - March Break, Daylight Savings, Student Accommodations During Ramadan, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Late this week, our community was shocked by the tragic events in Barrhaven involving the deaths of six people. On behalf of the OCDSB, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to all who may be affected by this loss.
We have been able to confirm the victims do not include OCDSB students. We know the nature of this incident will impact many in our community deeply. On Thursday, additional resources from the OCDSB mental health team were deployed to support schools in the area. If you feel you or your child are in need of support, please do not hesitate to contact your school. Our website also includes a list of community Mental Health and Wellness Resources for students and families.
While supporting your child through this time, we recommend you follow their lead when engaging in conversations. Provide comfort and reassurance that they are safe and that you are there to connect with them whenever needed. It is suggested to refrain from discussing distressing details and minimize exposure to media coverage of this incident. If you are looking for further guidance, the OCDSB website includes suggestions of how to support your child through a tragedy.
March Break
There will be no classes from March 11th to 15th, and all OCDSB EarlyON Child and Family Centres will be closed.
Daylight Savings
A reminder that Daylight Savings begins on Sunday, March 10th - remember to set your clocks ahead one hour.
Student Accommodations During Ramadan
Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on Sunday, March 10th, and end at sundown on Tuesday, April 9th, depending on the sighting of the moon. This is a period of fasting, observance, and almsgiving. 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.
Nominations Open: 2023-2024 Community Recognition Awards
Volunteers play an important role in education today. Their life experiences, knowledge, and expertise can have a tremendous impact in the classroom and beyond. Each year, the OCDSB recognizes the valuable contributions of community members, parents, caregivers, and businesses through the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards. Do you know someone who is making a difference in a volunteer role? Nominate them today!
Celebrating Success
OCDSB students and staff were recognized at the Global Community Alliance Gala in recognition of Black History Month. Congratulations to Youth Achievement Award winners Amy Z., Joud H., Sami G., and Student Trustee Malaika Kamanzi; Vice Principal Nicole Phillips, who received the Professional Achievement Award; and OCDSB Student Success Coordinator Nabil Ahmed, who received the Community Award!
With the Juno Awards just around the corner, keep your eyes and ears open for two alumni from Lisgar Collegiate Institute. Bryan Cheng (Class of 2015) and Silvie Cheng (Class of 2009) – known as Cheng2 Duo – were nominated for Classical Album of the Year in the Small Ensemble category! Read more about these success stories.
2024-2025 School Year Calendars (Approved by Ministry)
Last week the Board of Trustees approved elementary and secondary calendars for the 2024-2025 school year. The Ministry has now approved these calendars. Learn more on our website.
Events:
April 4: OCDSB Speaker Series - Autistically Thriving: An Evening with Judy Endow
As part of World Autism Awareness Month in April, speaker, author, and autism consultant Judy Endow will lead a virtual session for families, students and staff on April 4th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The session will explore autistic strengths, thinking styles, information-processing, and support. Judy will demonstrate how autistic people can truly thrive when they are honoured for who they are and supported for who they want to be. Register now. For more information, visit our website.
Event Reminders:
March 19: Welcome to High School - Virtual Information Session for Ukrainian Families
We invite Ukrainian families for a Welcome to High School information session on March 19th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Learn about transitioning to high school, the many pathways available, graduation requirements and more. Register Now. For more information, visit our website.
March 27: Let’s Talk About Kinder Success
Join us on Wednesday, March 27th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as we share practical tips and strategies to help enhance your child’s success in Kindergarten. Register Now. For more information, visit our website.
Reminders
2024 Student Survey
In April, the OCDSB will be launching the 2024 Valuing Voices: Identity Matters Student Survey. The survey information is used to better understand and address issues affecting students, including bullying, safety, mental health, learning and student achievement. More information will be shared after the March Break: Learn more on our website.
Seeking Co-Op Placement Opportunities
Do you have/know a business or organization in the Ottawa area and willing to take on a co-op student? Our Cooperative Education program provides secondary school students the ability to earn credits while working in a community outside of their school. Please complete our interest form so we can connect you with prospective students/teachers.
Secondary Students (semestered): Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports) to be sent on March 19th
The Initial Learning Updates (ILU) for all semestered secondary students will be emailed on March 19, 2024. Your Ontario Education Number (OEN) is needed to access this document. Visit ocdsb.ca/reportcards for details.
Kids Come First - Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign
The Kids Come First Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign is here to help families catch up on their routine vaccinations. Spots are still available at the East Ottawa Kids Care Clinic being held on Sunday, March 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit the KidsComeFirst website for booking an appointment and other information.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
March 19th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole, Budget
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Calendars and Planning for Important Dates
Please consult the OCDSB’s Elementary and Secondary calendars for PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more during the 2023-2024 school year. In addition, schools avoid scheduling activities like evaluations and field trips on certain religious/creed-based days of observance. Additional dates of significance can be found on the MultiFaith Calendar (located on our home page), Dates of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
OCDSB Career Opportunities
Positions available include:
Visit our careers page to see job opportunities at the OCDSB and find out how you can make a real difference supporting our students and staff.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education