January 12, 2024 - OCDSB Indigenous Languages Survey - Now Open, High School Course Selection: 2024-2025 School Year, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Did you know that registration season is now underway at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board? If a child turns four in 2024, they can now register for kindergarten at OCDSB schools for September. This is an exciting time, and we know that families have lots of questions. To help, OCDSB elementary schools will be hosting kindergarten information nights in January and February to ensure parents and caregivers can visit the school, meet the incredible staff, and learn more about the kindergarten program. You can visit our kindergarten information session webpages for the schedules, helpful tips and other resources. We have also been hosting high school information nights since December. Visit our high school information session webpages for schedules, helpful tips and other resources. Feel free to share this information with your friends who may be interested!
I’m pleased to say that we are growing as a district to support our communities as well. Students can now register for school at the OCDSB’s new elementary school in Findlay Creek and new high school in Stittsville. The opening of these brand new schools comes in addition to new elementary schools in Barrhaven, Wazoson Public School, and Fernbank, Shingwakons Public School.
OCDSB Indigenous Languages Survey - Now Open
We want to preserve and celebrate the languages of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students in the OCDSB. We invite Indigenous students (grades 7-12) and parents/caregivers to participate in our Indigenous Languages Survey. Your thoughts are vital for us to gain a deeper understanding of what First Nation, Inuit and Metis languages are present in our district and the challenges students face in learning and using them. The survey closes January 31st. Visit our website to learn more and complete the survey.
High School Course Selection: 2024-2025 School Year
It’s time for Grade 8-12 students to choose their high school courses for the 2024-2025 school year. Course selection is done using Xello. Grade 8 students can submit their high school course requests starting Monday, January 15, 2024. Grades 9-12 students can do so starting Monday, February 4, 2024. The deadline for all Grades 8-12 students to submit their high school course requests is Friday, March 1, 2024. More information about high school course selection can be found on the OCDSB Student Guide for Course Selections page. Students will be supported by staff at their school. Parents/caregivers are welcome to contact their student’s school for any questions.
Black Excellence Day - January 19th
Students and staff are encouraged to participate in Black Excellence Day by engaging in learning activities and actions that affirm and elevate the identities of people of African descent. Visit our website for resources and to learn about how schools will be recognizing Black Excellence Day.
OCDSB EarlyON Centres: Drop-In Playgroups for Families with Children Ages 0-6
EarlyON Child & Family Centres are welcoming and supportive places where children and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers can learn, grow, and connect, together. At EarlyON’s free multi-age drop-in playgroups, families can explore a variety of early learning activities together, speak with early years professionals, and meet other families in their neighbourhood. No pre-registration is required to join. Find a location near you!
Events:
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
January 16th, 6:00 p.m. - Special Committee of the Whole
January 16th, 6:30 p.m. - Special Committee of the Whole
January 16th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
January 16th, 9:00 p.m. - Special Board Meeting
January 17th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)
January 18th, 6:00 p.m. - Indigenous Education Council (IEC)
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
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 observance. Additional dates of significance can be found on the MultiFaith Calendar (located on our home page), Dates of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
We Are Hiring
We are currently hiring for several opportunities, including Early Childhood Educators and Early Learning Assistants. Visit our careers page to see job opportunities at the OCDSB and find out how you can make a real difference supporting our students and staff.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education