June 14, 2024 - New OCDSB elementary school and two secondary school expansions, Stress Lessons, Eid Al-Adha, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
It was terrific to meet with 'Student Ambassadors' from Gloucester High School earlier this week. These amazing student leaders spoke so passionately and proudly about the diverse array of programs and services offered as they toured me so graciously through the site... and how staff were working in such a determined and diligent way to meet their interests, their readiness, and their needs. It was such an inspiring model of rich, engaging teaching and learning environments throughout our organization!
I also had the honour to visit the school at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). The caring, committed educators at this extraordinary site differentiate learning through this two-year kindergarten program to meet the needs of many of our most unique learners. It was a superb way to close out my school visits for the current school year!
New OCDSB elementary school and two secondary school expansions
The OCDSB is growing! We are excited to share that the Ontario government has recognized the need for a OCDSB new elementary school in Orleans and additions to A.Y. Jackson and Earl of March Secondary Schools in Kanata. As these communities continue to expand, the new school and additions will help to ease pressure for area schools. This investment of nearly $60 million will create approximately 1,500 student spaces, plus additional child care in the new elementary school. Read more on our website
Stress Lessons: From Stressed Out to Chilled Out - Virtual Sessions for Grade 7-9 Students
This summer, our mental health professionals are offering virtual sessions to help youth deal with change and stress in a healthy way. Students entering grade 7-9 will learn how to recognize signs of stress, identify stressors and their impact, develop strategies to cope, and more. Space is limited; register by June 24th!
Eid Al-Adha
Also called the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant observances in Islam. We wish a Blessed Eid to all who are celebrating.
Classroom Chronicles
The Ottawa-Carleton Education Network (OCENET) collaborated with the Chengdu Chenghua Municipal Education Bureau on an exciting international exchange opportunity. Eleven OCDSB high school students journeyed to Chengdu, China, while we welcomed 18 students from Chengdu at our elementary schools.
Meanwhile, the District’s Student Achievement Through Equity (SATE) department teamed up with The Reading Partnership to offer a 10-week program that supports parents and caregivers in teaching their children to read. Hear what families had to say!
Through informative announcements and engaging displays, Agincourt Public School’s Heritage Committee is celebrating the diverse identities within the school community. Colonel By Secondary School’s daily news show visited Agincourt to learn about the Committee’s work.
2024-2025 Annual Operating Budget Approved
On June 10, the Board unanimously approved the OCDSB 2024-2025 operating budget of $1.2 billion and capital budget of $127.8 million. This budget makes investments in key priority areas, including the introduction of a new Indigenous student trustee; increased special education supports, specifically new communication disorder assistants, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and educational assistants; and human resources to support payroll, disability claims, and elementary programming. Learn more.
Reminders:
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
June 20th, 5:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
June 20th, 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.
Career Opportunities
Positions available include:
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.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education