April 22, 2022 - 2022-2023 School Year Calendars Approved by Ministry of Education, Social Media, and more.
Hello OCDSB Students,
Over the past week, we have received a number of questions in response to the OCDSB’s new mask mandate. To provide more details, we have updated our website with a few new FAQs to answer some of the common questions we are receiving. We understand these adjustments have been challenging for some students and families, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we implement these changes.
2022-2023 School Year Calendars Approved by Ministry of Education
The proposed 2022-2023 elementary and secondary school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry of Education. Full calendars will be available soon on our website. Key dates for secondary students include:
- First Day of School: Tuesday, September 6, 2022
- Winter Break: December 26, 2022 - January 6, 2023
- March Break: March 13 - 17, 2023
- Last Day of School: Thursday, June 29, 2023
Social Media
As we mentioned in a previous email update, we have been rethinking our use of social media - why and how we use it, and our responsibility to curate a safe and respectful online community. We’re going to continue to use social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and are making a few changes. Please visit our website to learn more about what this means, and how you can help.
Upcoming Events
May 5th - OCDSB Presents Dr. Bettina Love - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
In celebration of both Education Week and Mental Health Week, we invite students and their families for a lively and engaging virtual conversation with Dr. Bettina Love as she discusses the struggles and the possibilities of committing ourselves to an abolitionist goal of educational freedom, as opposed to reform, and moving beyond what she calls the educational survival complex. For registration and more information, visit this website
May 16th - 20th: Canada-Wide Science Fair for Grades 5-11
This May, students in grades 5-11 have an opportunity to explore the country’s largest youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event, the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). This event is free, and students can explore at their own pace and cover learning outcomes from the STEM curriculum in a virtual environment. Learn more.
May 27th - 29th: National Student Commonwealth Forum (NSCF)
The 48th National Student Commonwealth Forum (NSCF) is open to youth from Grade 10 to second-year post-secondary. The theme for this virtual forum is Climate Change, where participants will have the opportunity to engage with The Governor General of Canada, Canada's Chief Negotiator on Climate Change, environmental groups, and more. Learn more and register here.
Important Dates
There are lots of upcoming important dates to recognize, including:
- Today is Earth Day and International Day of Silence,
- Tomorrow is World Book Day,
- Next week is National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to thank and celebrate our volunteers,
- Next week is World Immunization Week,
- April 24th is Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day,
- April 27th is Administrative Professionals Day,
- Beginning the evening of April 27th, we will recognize Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day,
- April 28th is the National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job.
COVID-19 Updates and Public Health Information
After School Vaccination Clinics
Ottawa Public Health has added new dates and locations for after school COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Anyone ages 5 and up can drop in to speak with a public health nurse and/or get a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more on OPH’s website.
Self-Isolation
If you have been exposed to someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, remember to complete this self-isolation determination tool to find out if self-isolation is needed.
In case you missed it…
Report Cards for Secondary Students: Secondary report cards will be sent to families via email at the end of April. To access the report card, your parent or guardian will need to enter your Ontario Education Number (OEN) - please remember to include the hyphens when entering the number. If you have additional questions about report cards, please visit our website.
April 26th - Women in Trades: Career Discovery Assets - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m: In partnership with Build a Dream, the OCDSB will be hosting an interactive Virtual opportunity for young women in grades 7-12 and their families to learn collaboratively about the many careers in the growing trades sectors. For registration information and more details, visit this OCDSB page.
We hope you enjoy your weekend, and send our warmest wishes to those celebrating Orthodox Easter, Ridvan, and any other celebrations that are important to you and your family.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education