April 29, 2022 - May 2-8 is Mental Health Week, The Winning Attitudes Co-Op Program, Upcoming Events, and more.

April 29, 2022 - May 2-8 is Mental Health Week, The Winning Attitudes Co-Op Program, Upcoming Events, and more.
Posted on 04/29/2022

Hello OCDSB Students, 

May 2-8 is Mental Health Week 

This year, Mental Health Week takes place from May 2-8. The theme is Empathy, before you weigh in, tune in. We will explore this theme each day by learning about mindfulness, feelings, wellness, thoughtfulness, and fun! The OCDSB's mental health team has prepared a number of resources and videos to help you learn more about mental health and well-being throughout the week, which we’ll be posting on the student portal and on social media. 

The Winning Attitudes Co-Op Program

Important learning can happen outside the classroom, and we want you to be able to get credit for it! If you've been working but haven't been going to school, the Winning Attitudes Co-op Program can help you get your last few high school credits while working at your full or part time job. To learn more, please contact Ashley Brooks (if you live near the West End) at [email protected] or 613-857-4661, or Rupa Jolly (if you live near the East End) at [email protected] or 613-857-4662.

The Results are In from Toonie Tuesday

We are thrilled to share that OCDSB students, staff, families, and community members helped raise more than $68,000 for Toonie Tuesday this year! Thank you to all who took part, and a special thanks to the secondary students who participated in our 1st Toonie Tuesday mentorship program. Your support for the Education Foundation of Ottawa makes a big difference in the lives of vulnerable OCDSB students. 

School News: Earth Day at the OCDSB

On April 22nd, schools celebrated Earth Day by learning about the steps we can all take to create and sustain the OCDSB Culture of Social Responsibility. From yard cleanups to collaborative artwork, take a look at the activities that happened in our schools.  

Upcoming Events 

May 5th: Discussion with Dr. Bettina Love, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

In celebration of Education Week and Mental Health Week during the first week of May, the OCDSB invites students and families to attend a lively and engaging virtual conversation with Dr. Bettina Love. This discussion will address 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

Register Now!

Learn more here

May 5th: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)

May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). It is also known as Red Dress Day, where we wear red or display red clothing to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people, and to encourage one another to take action for change. We acknowledge the many families affected by the loss of their daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties, grandmothers and two-spirit family and friends, and reinforce our commitment to implement the Calls for Justice and engage in education and awareness that will help keep First Nations, Métis and Inuit children safe. All Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people have the right to be safe and to feel safe, no matter where they are. 

Google Hangouts for Jewish Students

May is Jewish Heritage Month, and throughout the month Jewish students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a weekly student-led Google Hangout. This student-led and student-driven space is open to all students who are a part of a Jewish family, including those who are exploring their Jewish identities. Students will need to log in to Google Meet using their OCDSB google account, and can ask any of the following staff members for the nickname: student success teachers, principals, and vice principals. Meets will take place from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: 

  • Monday May 2nd
  • Monday May 9th
  • Monday, May 16th
  • Thursday, May 26th
  • Monday, May 30th

Important Dates 

During the month of May, we recognize Jewish Heritage Month, Asian and South Asian Heritage Month, and Speech and Hearing Month. On May 1st, we celebrate our Principals and Vice Principals on National Principals’ Day. May 2-6 is Education Week, and on May 5th, we also recognize South Asian Arrival Day. We will be sharing more important dates happening in May in our future email updates. Please visit our website and follow us on social media to learn more about these dates. 

In case you missed it…

Summer School Registration for Grades 9-12: Offerings include Reach Ahead, eLearning, Co-op and more (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Visit our website to learn more.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and a blessed Eid to all who will be celebrating next week. 

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor 

Director of Education 

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