February 9, 2024 - Report Cards, New Indigenous Student Trustee, Introducing Engage OCDSB, and more.
Hello Students,
This week’s site visit to West Carleton Secondary School was particularly unique… as it took place during a power outage! Although class visits weren’t possible this time out, I did have the amazing opportunity to speak with students about their future post-secondary aspirations… in the foyer, the student lounge area, the cafeteria and outdoors. I also watched the staff manage this unexpected event with poise and professionalism. And, glad to report, the power returned before I left!
Report Cards
Secondary report cards (semestered schools) will be emailed to families and eligible students on Monday, February 12, 2024. For non-semestered schools (Colonel By Secondary School & Merivale High School), report cards were emailed on February 8, 2024. You need to enter the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, visit ocdsb.ca/ReportCards.
New Indigenous Student Trustee
We are seeking a new OCDSB Indigenous Student Trustee position to represent First Nations, Metis and Inuit students as part of the OCDSB Board of Trustees. There will be an election for Indigenous Student Trustee on February 28, 2024. First Nations, Metis and Inuit students who will be in Grades 11 - 12 in September 2024 are welcome to run for election (Please note, incorrect information appeared regarding the grade levels on the message sent to students on Wednesday).
All First Nations, Metis and Inuit secondary students are eligible to vote. For more information, Indigenous students are invited to come to one of our student information sessions to learn more about the OCDSB's first Indigenous Student Trustee position. There are two upcoming information sessions you may sign up to attend:
- February 12th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Woodroffe High School (limited number of spots available - transportation can be provided)
- February 15th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
More information can be found on our website.
Introducing Engage OCDSB
Engage OCDSB is a new and innovative online tool to improve how we engage with you. This platform gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on policy and program reviews, accommodation reviews, new schools and capital projects, the budget process, and other initiatives you care about, at your convenience. Visit engage.ocdsb.ca to learn more and share your feedback on these consultations:
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy for Board Trustees - open for feedback until March 8, 2024.
- Changes To The Student Transfer Appeal Process and Policy - open for feedback until March 8, 2024.
- Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy - open for feedback until March 29, 2024.
Celebrating Success
This winter, OCDSB students and staff have been recognized through many awards and competitions, including the Black History Ottawa Community Builder Awards, Loran Scholarship Finals, Advanced Placement Program, Teacher-Librarian Of The Year Award, Braille Creative Writing Contest, and International Rube Goldberg Contest. Read more about the success stories we're celebrating!
Gratitude: Tips from the YAC
The Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has put together a list of ideas for practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive in your daily life. Gratitude isn't just about saying thanks to someone – it's about noticing and valuing the good things in life, even the small moments. Check out five ways to practice gratitude and read more about how gratitude helps improve your mood and well-being.
Lunar New Year - February 10
The first day after the new (dark) moon is a religious and cultural festival celebrated as New Year’s Day by many communities; for example, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Koreans of Buddhist and other backgrounds. We send our best wishes to all who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year!
February 16 - PA Day
Friday, February 16, 2024, is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for OCDSB elementary and secondary school staff. There will be no classes for students on this day and EarlyON Centres will be closed. Educators and members of support staff will be engaged in professional learning relating to student achievement and well-being.
Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024: Three Weeks To Go!
A donation of $2 can be the difference between nothing and something. This Toonie Tuesday, February 27th, we can all come together to support students in need within the OCDSB. But you don’t have to wait until then. You can donate right here, right now! Let your toonie be the stepping stone to student success.
Winter Virtual Night School: Registration Open Till February 15th
Night School offers secondary students and adult learners the opportunity to upgrade courses or take additional courses. Classes will run virtually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from February 22 to May 30. Registration is open till February 15th, 2024. Visit the Night School website for course offerings and more information.
2024 OPSBA Awards
Do you know an amazing trustee, teacher, education worker, school administrator, student or community member who deserves to be recognized for making a difference in their local school or community? Nominations are now open for the 2024 OPSBA Awards! The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) awards strive to recognize some of the outstanding contributions made by individuals across Ontario to our educational system. The nomination deadline is April 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., except for the Bernardine Yackman Memorial Award which is June 7, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Events:
February 24: Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence
Join us Saturday, February 24th as we host the Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence. This event is sponsored by the OCDSB’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, in collaboration with Future Paths Network, V2V Project, and the Somali Centre for Family Services. This in-person event, celebrating Black culture and achievements will be held between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School. Register Now!
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
February 13th, 5:00 p.m. - Advocacy Strategy Committee
February 14th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee
February 15th, 6:00 p.m. - Indigenous Education Council
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.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links
Thank you,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education