October 13, 2023 - Transportation, 2022-2023 EQAO results released, Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports) to be sent on October 17th, and more.
Hello Students,
This week, school staff have been vigilant in their effort to ensure that students and staff feel safe, respected and comfortable in their working and learning environments. Continuity in routine and in learning, along with supportive resources is important to student well-being. With that in mind, we are undertaking the following actions:
- Keeping in close contact with community organizations and faith leaders to be responsive to the needs of families.
- Hosting student support groups for Jewish and Muslim students in grades 7-12 (contact your principal for details).
- Acknowledging and building system awareness of possible threats to Jewish communities on Friday, October 13th and ensuring schools are actively planning for safety.
- Contacting the Ottawa Police Service, which said earlier today, “There is no credible information about threats locally, but we remain vigilant.”
- Monitoring for and addressing antisemitic, Islamophobia, or other hate-based activity.
- Ensuring educators are sensitive to the needs of students at this time and sharing supportive resources.
Should you feel you require additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your school.
Transportation
The OCDSB continues to coordinate with OSTA as they work toward implementing quick and effective solutions to address the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers. OSTA will be holding a Public Governance Meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. via Google Meet. Please fill out the registration form if you are interested in attending.
2022-2023 EQAO results released
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released board and school level results for provincial assessments conducted during the 2022-2023 school year. This data will play an important role in identifying trends to inform specific strategies in support of student learning. Visit our website to learn more.
Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports) to be sent on October 17th
The Initial Learning Updates (ILU) (formerly known as Progress Reports) will be emailed to parents/guardians and eligible students on October 17, 2023. Students will receive the ILU link in their OCDSB student email address. The Ontario Education Number (OEN) is needed to access this report card. Visit ocdsb.ca/reportcards for details. Please contact your school if you need help identifying your OEN or additional information.
November 1st: Arts Canterbury Open House (In-person)
Canterbury High School will be hosting an Arts Open House on Wednesday, November 1st from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Grade 8 students and their families are invited to attend this in-person event to learn more about the OCDSB's specialized arts programming, and about application procedures for the 2024-25 school year.
Reminder: November 1st - Post-Secondary Pathway and Career Exploration Day
All secondary students are invited to participate in the Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. 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: Select your workshops!
Join us for the OCDSB Family Conference on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brookfield High School. This year’s theme is Educate, Engage, Empower - Enhancing Learning Together. The event will feature Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, noted author, and community leader Randell Adjei as the keynote speaker, and multiple workshops with some offered in multiple languages and with sign language support. Register now and select your workshops.
November 22: International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Virtual Open House
Are you in grade 8 or 9, and interested in the IB Programme? To learn more about the OCDSB’s IB Diploma Programme, and to learn about application procedures for the 2024-25 school year, we encourage you and your family to attend the IB Programme Virtual Open House on Tuesday, November 22, 2023, from 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. For the first 15 minutes, we will play a video answering a few Frequently Asked Questions. The presentation will start sharply at 6:30 p.m. For the participation link and more details, visit ocdsb.ca/ib.
Reminder: DELF application deadline is October 20th
The Diplôme d’études en langue française DELF) is an internationally recognized French proficiency test for persons whose first language is not French. The deadline for eligible students to register for the fall administration is October 20, 2023. For questions related to the DELF, please speak with your French Teacher, your school's DELF Site Coordinator, or contact [email protected].
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 17th, 7:30 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
October 19th, 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.
Local Government Week is October 16 to 20
Were you aware that in Ontario, school board trustees represent the oldest type of elected representation? These trustees hold a crucial position within our schools and communities. Gain a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities by delving into Local Government Week. Student Trustees act as spokespersons for the District's nearly 76,000 students during Board meetings and events across the province. They shoulder a range of responsibilities and assume diverse roles. Your 2023-2024 Student Trustees are Emma Hong and Malaika Kamanzi, duly elected to serve in this capacity.
In case you missed it
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 you healthy throughout the school year. Ottawa Public Health has also shared resources on Where to Seek Care when you are sick, Routine Vaccination Schedule and Respiratory Illness Information.
Muslim Students Group
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 for October 9th. For more details, email [email protected].
Grade 12 Students: Ontario Universities Virtual Information Sessions
Register to join the virtual information session on November 22nd, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Helpful Links
Thank you,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education