January 13, 2023 - A Reminder about Post Secondary Scholarships, Weekly Respiratory Virus Update from Ottawa Public Health, and more.
Hello Students,
A Reminder about Post Secondary Scholarships
If you have plans to attend college or university, remember to visit our website to explore the scholarships and bursaries that are available. A few upcoming dates include:
Weekly Respiratory Virus Update from Ottawa Public Health
In their weekly Respiratory Virus Update on Wednesday, Ottawa Public Health shared that levels of COVID-19 are increasing in Ottawa. Read more about their observations this week and what you can do to keep yourself and others healthy, including staying home when sick, getting your flu shot, staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, and wearing a well-fitted high-quality mask in indoor public settings.
Dates to Remember This Week
- January 16: Martin Luther King Jr Day, an opportunity to reflect on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.
- January 17: OCDSB Committee of the Whole Meeting. View the agenda and watch the livestream.
- January 19: Black Excellence Day, a District-wide event. Students and staff are encouraged to participate by wearing black on January 19th, and by including the voice, vision and contributions of people of Black African descent in their learning on this day and throughout the year. Learn more on our website.
- January 20: PA Day for Elementary Students.
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
International Holocaust Remembrance Day honours and remembers the over six million Jews murdered and countless other victims of the Holocaust. At the OCDSB, it is our obligation to educate, prevent, challenge and address antisemitism in all its forms. Educating students about the Holocaust, equipping staff members with helpful resources and lessons, and sharing additional information with families is an important part of this responsibility. Resources are being shared with staff members to help guide learning, and more will be posted to our website, including:
Learning from our past is critical to shaping a more inclusive future, free of antisemitism and hate.
January 29: National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
On January 29th, 2017, a tragic and Islamophobic attack took place at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. A gunman opened fire on worshipers, killing 6 and seriously injuring 19 more. In 2022, the federal government officially designated January 29 as a National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. On this day, all are welcome to wear a green square on their clothing in solidarity with the Muslim community and to show hope for a future without hate. Green symbolizes the green carpet of the Quebec City mosque where the victims last prayed, and also represents the colour of life, harmony, safety, and hope.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education