Dear OCDSB Families,
A reminder that Monday, October 9th is Thanksgiving. There will be no classes or childcare on this day, and all OCDSB schools and administrative sites will be closed.
As we head into the long weekend, I wanted to share some news about the formal recognition of two of our very own teachers. Yesterday, top educators in Canada were honoured with the Prime Minister’s Awards for teaching excellence in recognition of their unwavering dedication and commitment to students. A huge congratulations to:
- Michele-White - Churchill Alternative School, Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten (Certificate of Excellence, Teaching Excellence).
- Samantha Conley - Featherston Drive Public School, Grades 7-8, English, Math, Science, History, Geography (Certificate of Achievement, Teaching Excellence in STEM)
Transportation
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) Board of Directors acknowledges the frustration of parents and students impacted by the ongoing school bus driver shortage in Ottawa and apologizes for the hardship caused by the continued cancellations.
Over the past months, the OSTA Board of Directors has been working to implement solutions safely and effectively. OSTA has heard the parents' concerns with regard to clearer and more frequent communications on progress and has undertaken several internal exercises to ensure that they communicate more proactively with parents and students. The Board has also appointed Cindy Owens as interim Operations Manager for the OSTA. Further details regarding the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers and additional solutions can be found on the OSTA website.
Ottawa Public Health - Letter from Dr. Vera Etches
Ottawa Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches has asked us to share this letter which has important information on keeping your children healthy throughout the school year. Ottawa Public Health has also shared resources on Where to Seek Care when your child is sick, Routine Vaccination Schedule and Respiratory Illness Information.
November 1st - Post-Secondary Pathway and Career Exploration Day
All OCDSB secondary school students will have the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways and career possibilities on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. On this Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day, Grade 9 students are encouraged to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day while grades 10-12 students are encouraged to participate in Launch 2023, a one-day virtual pathways and career exploration conference.
November 4th - OCDSB Family Conference - Register Now!
Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the OCDSB Family Conference at Brookfield High School. This year’s theme is Educate, Engage, Empower - Enhancing Learning Together. This free, in-person event, organized by OCDSB's Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Family and Community Engagement (FACE), will feature noted author, inspirational speaker, arts educator, and community leader Randell Adjei as the keynote speaker. There will also be multiple expert-led workshops with some offered in multiple languages and with sign language support. Register Now!
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 significance. Additional dates of significance to learn about throughout the year can be found in our MultiFaith calendar and on our website.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 11th, 12:00 p.m. - Advocacy Strategy Committee
October 11th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)
October 12th, 5:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
Agendas, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Upcoming Administration of the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
The Diplôme d’études en langue française DELF) is an internationally recognized French proficiency test for persons whose first language is not French. The OCDSB offers DELF administrations to eligible students twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Learn more on our website.
We Are Hiring
Visit our careers page to see job opportunities at the OCDSB and find out how you can make a real difference in the lives of students. We are currently hiring for several opportunities, including Compensation and Recruitment Specialist, HR Systems Analyst, and General Manager, Employee Wellness and Occupational Health & Safety
Education Foundation of Ottawa - Board Recruitment
The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO) is seeking committed, engaged and passionate community members to serve on our Board of Directors. We are particularly interested in candidates with skills and experience related to strategic planning, finance, law, marketing and communications (including social media), fundraising, event planning, and/or Board leadership. Those interested can review the recruitment package, which includes a link to the application form. The application deadline is October 31st.
In case you missed it:
Get Involved in School Council
See our School Council News page for the latest updates, including election information, tips for effective meetings, and more. School councils are a great way for you to get involved in your child’s school. Contact your school for more information.
School Bus Drivers needed: If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a school bus driver, please visit driveyellow.ca. The website provides all the information necessary to learn about qualifications, training, operators and has an easy application process.
Muslim Students Group in Celebration of Islamic Heritage Month
In celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, which takes place each October, Muslim students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a virtual weekly Google Hangout (OCDSB student login required). Meets will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Monday from October 2nd till October 30th, except on October 9th. For more details, email [email protected].
2023-2024 Parent Involvement Committee Applications - Deadline October 13, 2023
Applications are now open for Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) membership for the 2023-2024 school year.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education