The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is dedicated to creating environments where everyone feels safe, respected, valued, and welcomed. A key part of building a positive school community is the strong relationships between principals, teachers, staff, parents, students, and the community. These connections help everyone work together to show kindness, respect, and other important values in everyday actions.
Our character attributes are the stepping stones to living our community of character. The purpose of these attributes is to help create a supportive and caring environment for all.
Acceptance
I reach out to include others. I accept others for who they are. I am gentle with myself and others when mistakes are made.
Appreciation
I am grateful for all that I have. I am thankful for the support that others give me. I am generous in recognizing the contributions of others.
Cooperation
I work with others to make a peaceful community. I am willing to listen to others’ ideas and suggestions. I compromise and negotiate to solve problems and differences of opinion.
Empathy
I am compassionate, caring, and kind. I am a true friend. I will walk in your shoes in order to understand you. I am slow to judge and quick to forgive.
Fairness
I make decisions based upon the whole picture. I treat others the way I would like to be treated. I am just.
Integrity
I behave ethically and honourably. I am honest, loyal, and trustworthy. I am truthful and courageous. I stand up for what is right even when it is hard. I am a person of my word and people who know me understand that.
Optimism
I believe that challenges are opportunities. I choose to see goodness. I have hope for our future.
Perseverance
I will work hard and I will not give up. I will finish what I begin and I will not give up. I will care enough and I will not give up.
Respect
I honour myself and others through my words and actions. I support our diversity of beliefs. I treat our world and everything in it with dignity.
Responsibility
I am accountable for the decisions I make. I realize that my decisions impact my community. I honour my commitments.
Character Education Initiatives
The OCDSB supports programs that help students develop positive character traits in schools throughout the area. These programs are integrated into lessons and special school events. For more information, you can contact your school principal.
Random Acts of Kindness
The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. The foundation provides free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants. To learn more, please visit their website.