June 3, 2022 - Summer Learning Programs for OCDSB Students, Preventing Sexual Abuse of Students - New Policy, and more.

June 3, 2022 - Summer Learning Programs for OCDSB Students, Preventing Sexual Abuse of Students - New Policy, and more.
Posted on 06/03/2022

Dear OCDSB Families, 

I hope you all have power fully restored. Thank you again for your understanding as we worked through the challenges of reconnecting all schools to the power grid. We have so much appreciation for the outstanding efforts of hydro and city crews, and OCDSB staff, whose combined efforts allowed all OCDSB schools to be open for in-person learning on Thursday, June 2. We are grateful to all who have worked so hard to ensure our schools can reopen safely.

Summer Learning Programs for OCDSB Students  

Registration is open for a number of summer learning opportunities, including: 

  • Summer School for students in grades 6-8 and grades 9-12 
  • Indigenous Summer Learning for Indigenous students in grades 8-12 
  • 2022 Sankofa Summer Academy for Black Youth, for grade 8 students entering grade 9 or high school students who have not yet completed grade 9 English  
  • 2SLGBTQ+ Voices: Building Bridges Program, for 2SLGBTQ+ students entering grade 9, or 2SLGBTQ+ High School students who require an additional credit

Please visit our website to learn more about these programs and register your child. 

Preventing Sexual Abuse of Students - New Policy 

This week, the Board of Trustees approved a policy aimed to prevent the sexual abuse of students. Every student has the right to feel safe at school without fear of abuse, whether emotional, physical, or sexual. The policy acknowledges our duty of care and the importance of creating a culture of trust, responsibility, and open dialogue that encourages appropriate behaviour and an understanding of how to appropriately report and raise concerns about questionable and inappropriate behaviour. You can read the policy on our website.  

Community Recognition Awards: Announcing our Winners

On Monday, we were pleased to announce the nominees for the Community Recognition Awards. Next week, we will be announcing the award winners for the 2021-2022 school year. Thank you to all who submitted a nomination, and thank you to all our volunteers for your hard work and dedication in support of students, families, and staff members.

Public Health Tips for Graduations and Proms 

While prom and graduation season is an exciting time for students and their families, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still present in Ottawa and that there is still a risk of transmission. If you will be participating in a celebration, visit Ottawa Public Health’s website for tips on how to reduce COVID-19 risk during gatherings.

School News: Hockey 4 Youth Program Offers On-Ice Opportunities for Newcomer Girls

Ridgemont High School and Gloucester High School wrapped up another successful season partnering with Hockey 4 Youth Foundation – a program that provides new Canadian youth with an opportunity to play ice hockey at no cost while learning valuable life skills. Read the story and visit our website to see what other interesting things are happening in our schools.

Upcoming Events 

June 6th: Black Youth Forum, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

The fifth annual Black Youth Forum will take place on Monday, June 6, 2022. Join Black Students, representing each OCDSB High School virtually, as they share their journey under the theme: "We Celebrate Us, Today and Everyday". Students are invited to come listen, learn, and be engaged in conversation: learn more and register on our website.

June 9th: Emotion-Focused Parenting Webinar with Dr. Adele Lafrance, 6:30 p.m. 

On Thursday, June 9th, the OCDSB Speaker Series presents “What to Say When Nothing Seems to Work: Communication through Connection”, a webinar with Dr. Adele Lafrance. This evidence-based workshop will provide parents and guardians with concrete strategies to encourage cooperation, support transitions, and respond to difficult emotions like worry, anger, hopelessness, and boredom, all while ensuring the relationships remain at the forefront. Please register here.

Important Dates

Across Canada, the month of June is recognized as Filipino Heritage Month. In addition, June 5th is World Environment Day. Please visit our website and follow us on social media to learn more about dates of significance throughout the year. 

In case you missed it…

OSTA Joint Custody Application Forms - Deadline extended: The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has a policy and procedure to deliver transportation services to students in a joint custody arrangement, who have two homes. The deadline for NEW applications has been extended to June 12th, to ensure transportation can begin on the first day of school in September. Renewals are due by June 30th. Visit OSTA’s website to learn more. 

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education 

 

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