February 9, 2024 - February 16 - PA Day, Report Cards: Elementary and Secondary, Introducing Engage OCDSB, and more.
This week’s site visit to West Carleton Secondary School was particularly unique… as it took place during a power outage! Although class visits weren’t possible this time, I did have the amazing opportunity to speak with students about their future post-secondary aspirations… in the foyer, the student lounge area, the cafeteria and outdoors. I also watched the staff manage this unexpected event with poise and professionalism. And, glad to report, the power returned before I left!
February 16 - PA Day
Friday, February 16, 2024, is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for OCDSB elementary and secondary school staff. There will be no classes for students on this day and EarlyON Centres will be closed. Educators and members of support staff will be engaged in professional learning relating to student achievement and well-being.
Report Cards: Elementary and Secondary
Elementary report cards will be emailed on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Secondary report cards (semestered schools) will be emailed on Monday, February 12, 2024. For non-semestered schools (Colonel By Secondary School & Merivale High School), report cards were emailed on February 8, 2024. You need to enter the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, visit ocdsb.ca/ReportCards.
Introducing Engage OCDSB
Engage OCDSB is a new and innovative online tool to improve how we engage with you. This platform gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on policy and program reviews, accommodation reviews, new schools and capital projects, the budget process, and other initiatives you care about, at your convenience. Visit engage.ocdsb.ca to learn more and share your feedback on these consultations:
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy for Board Trustees - open for feedback until March 8, 2024.
- Changes To The Student Transfer Appeal Process and Policy - open for feedback until March 8, 2024
- Commencement Ceremonies and Awards Policy - open for feedback until March 29, 2024.
Elections for New Indigenous Student Trustee
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is introducing a new Indigenous Student Trustee position to represent First Nations, Metis and Inuit students as part of its Board of Trustees, following a motion passed by the Board. The new Indigenous Student Trustee will begin their term at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. This student trustee will help highlight the perspectives of Indigenous students during important conversations at the school board. They will work alongside the two other student trustees who are part of the Board.
There will be an election for Indigenous Student Trustee on February 28, 2024. First Nations, Metis and Inuit students who will be in Grades 11-12 in September 2024 are welcome to run for this position. All First Nations, Metis and Inuit secondary students are eligible to vote. Find out more information on our website.
For more information, Indigenous students are invited to come to one of our student information sessions to learn more about the OCDSB's first Indigenous Student Trustee position. There are two upcoming information sessions you may sign up to attend:
- February 12th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Woodroffe High School (limited number of spots available - transportation can be provided)
- February 15th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
French Language Resources
We have compiled a comprehensive list of French language resources to help parents and caregivers support students registered in Core French and French Immersion. It includes digital magazines, audiobooks, podcasts and more. You can choose resources based on grades and CEFR language levels.
2024 Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Awards
Do you know an amazing trustee, teacher, education worker, school administrator, student or community member who deserves to be recognized for making a difference in their local school or community? Nominations are now open for the 2024 OPSBA Awards! The nomination deadline is April 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., except for the Bernardine Yackman Memorial Award which is June 7, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Celebrating Success
This winter, OCDSB students and staff have been recognized through many awards and competitions, including the Black History Ottawa Community Builder Awards, Loran Scholarship Finals, Advanced Placement Program, Teacher-Librarian Of The Year Award, Braille Creative Writing Contest, and International Rube Goldberg Contest. Read more about the success stories we're celebrating!
School Council News
This month, on our School Council News page, we’ve shared an update on PRO Grants and Parent Involvement funding, resources to help councils learn about PRO Grant themes, tips for funds management, and more.
Lunar New Year - February 10
The first day after the new (dark) moon is a religious and cultural festival celebrated as New Year’s Day by many communities; for example, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Koreans of Buddhist and other backgrounds. We send our best wishes to all who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year!
Gratitude: Tips from the YAC
The Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has put together a list of ideas for students to practice gratitude and focus on the positive in their daily lives. Check out five ways to practice gratitude and read more about how gratitude helps improve mood and well-being.
Reminders:
Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024: Three Weeks To Go!
A donation of $2 can be the difference between nothing and something. This Toonie Tuesday, February 27th, we can all come together to support students in need within the OCDSB. But you don’t have to wait until then. You can donate right here, right now! Let your toonie be the stepping stone to student success.
Deadline Extended: OCDSB is Seeking Indigenous Community Member to Serve on the Special Education Advisory Council
The OCDSB is seeking an Indigenous Community Member to serve on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). There is currently one position available and the deadline to apply has been extended until February 29, 2024. Learn more and apply.
Kindergarten and High School Information Sessions
It’s registration time! OCDSB schools are hosting information sessions throughout January and February to help families prepare, learn how to register, and more. Visit our kindergarten and high school information session webpages for the schedules, helpful tips and other resources. Please share this information with your friends and family.
Winter Virtual Night School: Registration Open Till February 15th
The Winter Night School session will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from February 22 to May 30 (27 nights). Registration is open until February 15. Visit the Night School website for more information. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 613-239-2620.
Events:
February 13: Video Series and Q&A Sessions - Community/Day Programs
Our virtual transition planning series helps parents/caregivers and youth with developmental disabilities support the transition to life after high school. The second session explores Community/Day Programs. Watch the video and join our live Q&A session on Tuesday, February 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
February 27: Resource Fair - Transition Planning for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Learning Support Services is organizing an in-person event for youth with developmental disabilities and their parents/caregivers to learn about the services and supports offered by organizations in Ottawa. This drop-in event will take place on Tuesday, February 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Confederation Education Center. OCDSB staff will be on-site to help guide families to connect with the type of services they need. Learn more.
February 24: Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence
Join us Saturday, February 24th as we host the Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence. This event is sponsored by the OCDSB’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, in collaboration with Future Paths Network, V2V Project, and the Somali Centre for Family Services. This in-person event, celebrating Black culture and achievements will be held between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School. Register Now!
February 28: OCDSB Speaker Series: Combating Human Trafficking
Join us on Wednesday, February 28th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for a virtual panel discussion on tackling human trafficking. The session aims to equip parents/caregivers with the know-how to identify the warning signs and grooming behaviours and understand the factors making children vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking. We will also explore ways to collectively support parents/caregivers in safeguarding children.
Register Now.
As a school board, we are committed to working alongside students, families and community partners to help prevent, identify and recognize human trafficking. We have compiled an extensive list of resources and helpful links to help raise awareness and share vital information about this topic.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
February 13th, 5:00 p.m. - Advocacy Strategy Committee
February 14th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee
February 15th, 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.
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.
OCDSB Occasional Teacher Job Fair and Information Night
Are you interested in becoming an occasional teacher at the OCDSB? Or do you know someone who is working to become a teacher or considering a new position? We are now hiring occasional teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Join us for an information night on February 15th and meet with members of the OCDSB’s People, Culture and Leadership team to learn more. For more information and to register, visit our website.
We Are Hiring
The OCDSB is a great place to work! 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