September 08, 2023 - Calendars and Planning for Important Dates, Safe Schools Reporting Tool, Student Transportation Update, and more.
Hello Students,
These weekly updates will provide you with information to help you navigate the school year.
Calendars and Planning for Important Dates
Remember to consult the OCDSB’s Secondary calendar 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 significance. Additional dates of significance to learn about throughout the year can be found in our MultiFaith calendar and on our website. Board and Committee Meetings can be found on the OCDSB’s board calendar.
Safe Schools Reporting Tool - An Anonymous Reporting Option for Students
The OCDSB has created a new Safe Schools Reporting Tool. It’s a private and anonymous way for students to share their concerns. If you are feeling unsafe or worried about a friend or classmate, simply send an anonymous report through our website: ocdsb.ca/report-it. You can share many different things, like: bullying, harassment, threats, hate or discrimination, mental health concerns, vaping or drugs, or other concerns that are affecting you or someone else.
Remember, this tool is not a replacement for talking to your teacher, guidance or your principal. It’s just another way to get help. If it's an emergency or someone is in danger, call 911 immediately.
Student Transportation Update
We know how challenging transportation disruptions can be for you and your families and we apologize for this inconvenience. While OSTA continues to work on finding alternate solutions to prevent service disruptions, we encourage all families to use the OSTA Parent Portal to access the most up-to-date information about transportation service and to sign up for transportation alerts. If you use OC Transpo to get to school, please take a look at your route.
Grade 12 Students: Ontario Universities Virtual Information Sessions.
These virtual information sessions allow students to learn about the Ontario universities of their choice, and to ask questions. Each event is divided into 4 sessions. Register to join one of the virtual information sessions events listed below.
Date: September 26th
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Date: November 22th
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register Now for Fall 2023 Virtual Night School!
Night School is a great opportunity to upgrade a course or take a class not available at your home school. Night School will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from September 28 to December 21. Visit the Night School website for more information, and register by Monday, September 25. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or call 613-239-2620.
Strategic Plan 2023-2027
Thanks to feedback from students, staff and families, the OCDSB has developed a new Strategic Plan with a focus on – Learning, Well-Being, and Social Responsibility. These three pillars reflect the requests we heard to put learning at the forefront of the strategic plan; to support student and staff wellness, and to acknowledge our collective responsibilities to society and the environment. A focus on equity and inclusion is embedded throughout the plan, and captured within each area of focus.
A Strategic Plan is the expression of our values, what is most important to us as an organization, and it helps guide us in the decisions we make. Our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan is built upon four identified values that emerged through extensive consultation with the OCDSB students, staff, families and our community members. These four core values are:
- Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility;
- Community Building;
- Responsible Resource Use; and
- Leadership Development.
Classroom Chronicles
Across the District, school communities are focussing on Learning, Well-Being and Social Responsibility. Through Classroom Chronicles, we’re showcasing the wonderful stories of students, staff, families and community partners making an impact in OCDSB schools and beyond.
This summer, 34 OCDSB students went on a 2-week trip to Japan through an exchange program organized by the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network (OCENET) in partnership with Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama. Read about their journey.
OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter
The OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter is shared by the Indigenous Education Learning Team at the OCDSB. This newsletter provides bi-weekly updates of community events and opportunities for students, parents & guardians. Subscribe to our newsletter.
We know while heading back to school is exciting, it is also an adjustment. Here are some tips and strategies to help you prepare for a successful return to school.
Welcome back!
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education