May 12, 2023 - Save the Date: Black Youth Forum - Wednesday, June 7, Ottawa Public Health: Virtual Party Safer and Naloxone Training for Grade 12 Students, and more.
Hello Students,
Save the Date: Black Youth Forum - Wednesday, June 7
Join the OCDSB for our annual Black Youth Forum! This year, our theme is Black Joy, and we're excited to explore different aspects of this theme with you. The forum will feature multiple groups, each with their own unique perspective on Black Joy. Through presentations, interactive activities, and discussions, these groups will examine topics such as Black representation, community, influence, and self-worth. You'll have the opportunity to learn, share, and engage with others in a fun and supportive environment. Registration and more information will be shared at a later date.
Ottawa Public Health: Virtual Party Safer and Naloxone Training for Grade 12 Students
As the end of the school year and the start of event season approaches, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recognizes it is a time where youth gather with friends. Parties can be a place for youth to socialize and explore their independence, however, youth might be faced with new opportunities and challenging decisions when partying. Understanding this, OPH is offering no-cost virtual Party Safer & Naloxone training sessions to students in grade 12, prior to the start of prom season. After attending a session, youth will better understand:
- Commonly used substances and drug poisoning
- How to identify an overdose, and the 5 steps to respond to an opioid overdose
- Attendees will receive a naloxone kit through OPH’s pharmacy partners
- Consent, bystander intervention, and sexual health
- Party Safer tips
- Where to go for help
Students can register online through Eventbrite using the following links:
Please refer to OPH’s Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage for more information.
OCDSB Strategic Plan Open House: May 15th
At the OCDSB, our Strategic Plan helps set our priorities and guides us in our decision making. Join us on Monday, May 15th, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School (485 Donald St) for an in-person public meeting and contribute towards the development of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. You’ll hear about what we learned during consultation and what you can expect to see in the new Strategic Plan. This is an opportunity for you to provide feedback as we work toward finalizing the Strategic Plan by the end of the school year. We will be providing support in the Arabic language for those who require it.
Classroom Chronicles
Last week was Mental Health Week at the OCDSB. Across the district, students participated in activities to connect with one another, talk about mental health, and promote mental wellness.
In April, we welcomed 70 grade 11 students from Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama, Japan for a two-week exchange program. The students attended four OCDSB schools and participated in a wide range of activities.
Grade 9 and 10 explored the tools of the trades by visiting the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck, where they had the opportunity to experience skilled trades through hands-on activities and simulations.
Important Dates in the Week Ahead
- May 14: Apraxia Awareness Day. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a rare but severe motor speech disorder that affects nearly one in 1,000 children. CAS can be very challenging, and is often misunderstood.
- May 16: World Education Support Personnel Day. This is a day for special recognition of the amazing work support staff do in our schools and administrative offices, including custodial staff, technicians, educational assistants, early childhood educators, professional student services staff, and more. These staff members make a positive difference each day in the lives of students, colleagues, and families and in schools across the District, and the OCDSB is incredibly grateful.
- May 17: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This date raises awareness about the discrimination, violence, and stigma the 2SLGBTQ+ community continues to face. This year’s theme, “Together Always: United in Diversity” aims to promote the human rights rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people and encourage respect, equality and justice for all.
In case you missed it…
2023 Summer School Programs - Register Now! Keep your learning momentum going with our credit recovery, upgrade, and e-learning courses. Whether you're in grades 6-12 or an adult learner, we've got something for you. Register today and make the most of your summer! Learn more.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education