March 22, 2024 - Conquering Negative Self-Talk: Tips from the YAC, Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy Consultation, and more.
Hello Students,
This week I had the pleasure and privilege of taking part in two exceptional community-based events that reflect the richness and strength of our diversity as an organization and as a city. On Wednesday evening, our District was recognized with a 'Community Partnership Award' by the Assunnah Muslim Association at their Annual Community Iftar. My sincere gratitude to all of our educators, including those from Ridgemont High School who were in attendance that night, for your dedication and diligence in meeting the needs of our Arab, Arabic-speaking, Palestinian and Muslim students. I was handed the award... all because our students are in such caring hands with you!
Et aussi, Jeudi matin, j'ai participé au 17e rendez-vous francophone annuel du maire, Mark Sutcliffe, de la Ville d'Ottawa... une occasion de célébrer notre environnement dynamique et bilingue dans la région de la capitale nationale... bien représenté par nos programmes de français de base et programmes d’immersion française.
Conquering Negative Self-Talk: Tips from the YAC
This month, the Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has shared a message on challenging negative self-talk. Negative thoughts about ourselves are almost never helpful – they can make us feel sad, worried, or not-so-good about ourselves. Luckily, we can learn to transform our thoughts. Check out these tips from the YAC to find out how.
Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy Consultation
Student voice is important to us. Our Engage OCDSB platform gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on initiatives you care about, at your convenience. Until March 29, we are seeking feedback on proposed changes to our Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy. You can share your feedback at this link.
We’ve heard from many families, students, staff, and community members about the proposed changes. We are reviewing your comments and updating our Engage OCDSB webpage with answers to your questions. The end of high school is a major milestone, and the new commencement format would give students with diverse educational journeys an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments together with other peers in their cohort.
Here are a few key facts to know about the proposed changes:
- Only students who have completed all of the requirements will obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- In Ontario, students who are leaving high school without an OSSD may receive an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or a Certificate of Accomplishment. The new commencement format would include these students in the celebrations.
- Commencement ceremonies could provide an opportunity to recognize students who are new to the Ontario education system, students with Specialized Education needs, and students who need more time to complete their OSSD requirements due to extenuating circumstances or other factors (such as a serious illness).
- Schools will continue to distribute awards, either as part of the commencement ceremony or at a separate ceremony.
- These changes do not lower the standards for graduation; they reflect practices which are more inclusive of the secondary school pathways in place in schools today.
Following the online consultation, the proposed policy will be brought to the Ad Hoc Policy Committee for further discussion. We appreciate the feedback you've shared and will continue to keep you informed through Engage OCDSB.
Ottawa Public Health: Solar Eclipse Advisory
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Ottawa will experience a partial solar eclipse. A reminder that OCDSB schools and OCDSB-operated Extended Day Programs are closed that day. The Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has shared information about the solar eclipse including the health risks, protecting oneself and FAQs that may be helpful.
Reminders:
Nominations Open: 2023-2024 Community Recognition Awards
Each year, the OCDSB recognizes the valuable contributions of community members, parents, caregivers, and businesses through the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards. Do you know someone who is making a difference in a volunteer role? Nominate them today!
Need a free prom dress?
Fairy Godmother of Ottawa is offering free, gently-used prom dresses, shoes and accessories at their two-day pop-up shop at the Confederation Education Centre (1645 Woodroffe Avenue) on these dates:
Monday, April 8th, 12:00 p.m. ‐ 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9th, 12:00 p.m. ‐ 7:00 p.m.
Interested students can book an appointment. For more information, visit their website.
Event Reminders:
April 4: OCDSB Speaker Series - Autistically Thriving: An Evening with Judy Endow
Join us on Thursday, April 4th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., as author and autism consultant Judy Endow explores autistic strengths, thinking styles, information processing, and support. Register now. For more information, visit our website.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
March 25th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
March 25th, 7:00 p.m. - Arts Advisory Committee
March 26th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
March 28th, 6:00 p.m. - Advisory Committee on Equity
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