May 17, 2024 - Final Day - Complete the 2024 Student Survey, Share Your Feedback: New Ministry Directives on Personal Mobile Devices and Vaping, and more.
Hello Students,
The Elementary Program Review public meetings are currently underway with the next ones taking place on Wednesday, May 22nd at D. Roy Kennedy Public School (7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Glashan Public School (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
Why should you join in? Because we’re interested in your experiences as you navigated your earlier years in elementary school. We want to know your thoughts on how the current program impacted your learning and well-being. Do you have ideas that would enrich educational experiences for younger kids? What support would be necessary for smooth transitions to the new model? These engagement sessions aim to gather valuable input not just from parents and caregivers but also from students who have their own unique perspectives. For additional dates and details, and to provide online feedback, visit Engage OCDSB.
Final Day - Complete the 2024 Student Survey
The 2024 Student Survey closes tonight (May 17th)! Please complete your survey before midnight. Remember, the survey is confidential and you don’t have to answer every question - just submit your survey before it closes. Check your email for a message with your personalized link to the survey.
Share Your Feedback: New Ministry Directives on Personal Mobile Devices and Vaping
The Ministry of Education announced new guidance for school districts on personal mobile device use in schools and vaping. These changes will start in September 2024. Do you have thoughts on the new provincial regulations? Would you like to suggest changes to our policies and procedures? Visit Engage OCDSB to share your feedback by June 14th. Student voice is important, and your input will help inform our policy and procedure updates.
May 21st: Jewish Students Group Meetup
In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, which takes place each May, Jewish students in grades 7-12 are invited to connect with one another in virtual Google Meets (OCDSB student login required). Meets will be facilitated by Jewish educators on Tuesday, May 21st and Tuesday, June 3rd, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The theme for May 21st will be 'Celebrating Our Achievements’. For more details and to register, email [email protected].
Tips from the YAC: When a Friend Asks for Help
This month, the Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has shared a message on how to support a friend who comes to you for help with their mental health. Read the YAC's tips on how to be there for friends when they reach out, and how to balance helping others with taking care of yourself.
Reminders:
May 22nd: OCDSB Speaker Series: Be The Difference with Gaelin Elmore - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Register now and learn more on our website.
May 23rd - 2024 Rainbow Youth Forum (Grades 9-12 Students)
Secondary students are invited to join us for the Rainbow Youth Forum on May 23rd. Interested students can contact their school’s GSA leader/guidance counsellor for registration and more details.
May 29th - Black Youth Forum (Grades 9-12 Students)
African, Black and African-Caribbean (ABC) students in Grades 9-12 are invited to join us for the seventh annual Black Youth Forum taking place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students will gather at uOttawa to share their learning and lived experiences through the theme: Black Unity Through the Senses. For registration and more information, please contact your school.
Hop! Spring into Spring Challenge
The 2024 Hop! Spring into Spring challenge, by OSTA and EnviroCentre, is underway from now until May 31st. Students can log their walks and win prizes.
Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award - For Secondary Students
Students are encouraged to apply for The Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award ($1000). Read more about the application process. The deadline is June 28, 2024.
Job Opportunities
Are you looking for a job this summer? The OCDSB is looking for a Summer Student Custodian.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
May 21st, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
May 23rd, 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