The 2024 OCDSB Family Conference, held on November 4th at Woodroffe High School, was a resounding success! Over 350 parents, caregivers, students, staff, and community partners came together to connect and learn.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended. Your presence made the event truly special. A special thanks to our dedicated presenters who shared their expertise and insights. Their contributions were invaluable to the success of the conference
The conference was organized by the OCDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and the OCDSB Family and Community Engagement (FACE).
This year’s theme was Supporting Education Through Change, focusing on strengthening our school community's resilience and fostering meaningful connections.
This event featured Sam Demma, an inspiring keynote speaker and advocate for education, who empowers both students and adults to embrace change and reach their full potential.
Attendees were able to participate in interactive workshops, connect with local community organizations, and discover valuable resources to help families support their children's educational journeys through times of change. Some workshops were offered in multiple languages.
Please find below the details of the keynote, the individual workshops and their presentations where available.
Keynote Speaker
Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has shared the stage with icons like Kardinal Official and Sarah Blackwood, collaborated with brands like Taco Bell, delivered two TEDx talks, and has toured his messages across Canada, the United States and Kenya.
His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and, most notably, his mom’s Facebook. Sam delivers hundreds of performances annually, and his comical and entertaining performances address the topics of Empathy, Mental Health and Leadership. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com
Workshops (listed alphabetically):
(English with Arabic Interpretation) - OCISO MLOs: Christine Malak and Rania Baassiri.
This workshop guided parents and caregivers on how to effectively collaborate with school professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, and special education staff, to support their child's well-being and academic success. Participants learned about the roles of these professionals, how they work together to address students' emotional, social, and mental health needs, and the best ways to communicate and advocate for their children. The session also provided practical tips on navigating school resources and ensuring a positive, supportive environment for every student.
(English with Somali Interpretation) - Parents For Diversity
Participants discovered effective strategies to participate in their child's educational journey and understand the profound impact it has on their development. Engaging in your child's learning not only boosts their academic performance but also strengthens your bond and fosters a love of learning. The session explored practical tips for involvement, the benefits of being an active participant, and how your support can empower your child to thrive both in school and beyond.
OCDSB Student Achievement Through Equity (SATE) Team
This interactive workshop equipped parents and caregivers with practical tools and strategies to nurture their children's literacy development. Attendees discovered fun, engaging activities and accessible resources that enhance reading and writing skills. Participants also explored ways to create a literacy-rich home environment, fostering a lifelong love of learning in children.
PLEO & OCDSB Mental Health Team
As parents and caregivers, we understand the struggles when our children find it difficult to attend school – it affects the whole family. How many of us have experienced the daunting task of dragging our kid out of the car to the school door, receiving texts from our child pleading to go home when they should be in class, taking time off work or being late because our child would not get ready for school, or having to leave work early to pick them up when they can’t make it through the day? This workshop shared strategies and insights to help navigate these challenges while maintaining a healthy relationship with your child.
Let’s Talk Science, Ottawa University
The session provided practical strategies to adapt science activities to suit each learner type, along with engaging, hands-on experiments that can be easily done at home. This workshop was designed to give parents and caregivers an inside look into some of the engaging science activities we offer students. The session introduced three hands-on activities that can be used to encourage STEM learning at home. Each activity was demonstrated step by step, with clear instructions and explanations on how to carry them out effectively. There were also some activity write-ups that participants could take a photo of to do at home.
(English with Arabic Interpretation) - Center for Resilience and Social Development
In an increasingly digital world, raising children to be responsible, informed, and safe online is a crucial part of parenting. This workshop was designed to guide parents and caregivers through the challenges of bullying - both online and offline - and foster responsible multimedia use in the age of AI and advanced technology.
OCDSB Mental Health Team
At a time when many children are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety, this workshop provided an opportunity for parents and caregivers to better understand the differences between stress, fear, and anxiety. Participants were provided with practical strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children with feelings of stress and worry, and an opportunity to reflect on the stress that we ourselves are carrying so that we can be in the best position to support our children.
OCDSB Learning Support Services
This workshop educated families about special education programs, services, and resources available within the OCDSB. Presenters shared information on inclusive practices, individualized education plans (IEPs), and strategies to support children with diverse learning needs.
OCDSB Mental Health Team
This workshop supported the parents and caregivers of current or future kindergarten children in gaining a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to a successful kindergarten experience. It included an outline of some of the goals of the kindergarten program and highlighted how important the partnership between the school and home is in your child's education. The workshop also explored self-regulation, with a particular focus on understanding co-regulation skills. Other topics included the importance of routines and expectations, the link between language and emotions, and practical strategies to support kindergarten students in developing these important areas.
OCDSB Math Team
This engaging workshop was designed for parents and caregivers eager to support their children's mathematical journey from elementary through secondary grades. It explored a progression of mathematical concepts, showing how foundational skills build on one another as students move across grade levels. Participants enjoyed hands-on activities that can be easily supported at home, empowering them to foster the joy of math and boosting their child's confidence and motivation in the math learning process.
OCDSB Mental Health Team
The last few years have created a new parenting landscape for everyone. This workshop helped identify what mental health is, what might be signs that your child is struggling with emerging or escalating mental health concerns and how you can communicate effectively with your child about their mental health and well-being.
Presenters provided concrete strategies to support parents and caregivers in engaging in these conversations from a place of empathy, validation, and compassion. This workshop also provided information on mental health services available to parents and caregivers, and children both within and outside of the OCDSB.