April 28, 2023 - Mental Health Week, Education Week - Education for a Brighter Future, and more.

April 28, 2023 - Mental Health Week, Education Week - Education for a Brighter Future, and more.
Posted on 04/28/2023

Dear Families, 

Another great week of learning in OCDSB schools. At Glebe Collegiate Institute, young historians have been participating in Project True North, shedding light on individuals whose voices, stories, and contributions have been missing from common narratives about Canadian history - see how these students are uncovering untold stories from WWI

Pinecrest Public School launched its Community Hub, a welcoming space that provides a bridge between the school, home, and community. The Community Hub is a one-stop access point where parents and guardians get support with navigating the school system and get connected to community resources. 

Mental Health Week 

Mental Health Week is May 1-7, 2023. This year’s theme, “My Story”, recognizes the unique stories and experiences each of us brings to the world. To help support learning and reflection for our students, staff and families this week, the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team has prepared a few daily activities, resources, tip sheets, and more. Learn more on our website

Education Week - Education for a Brighter Future

Next week is Education Week, an opportunity to recognize the importance of public education in Ontario and to celebrate the learning and achievements of our students, staff members, and school communities. This year’s theme, Education for a Brighter Future, celebrates how current and future educational opportunities are helping to create a brighter future not just for students, but for all. 

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People

All Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people have the right to be safe. On May 5, 2023, we recognize and honour the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) and invite our communities to join together in learning, remembering, and taking action. Learn more.  

World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month: Question and Answer Video with Dr. Vermeulen

Dr. Peter Vermeulen gave a virtual presentation for World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Families and staff were invited to submit questions for him to answer in a follow-up video. Watch the video here for more of Dr. Vermeulen’s insight on some of the questions related to his presentation. If you have not watched his full presentation, be sure to watch before May 1, 2023. 

Earth Day

The OCDSB celebrated Earth Day last week, with students and staff sharing the many ways they work together to take care of the planet. From award-winning sustainability inventions to recycling programs, read about eco-friendly initiatives happening in our schools.

OCDSB Strategic Planning Open House: May 15th

Join us on May 15th, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School (485 Donald St) for an in-person public meeting to engage in conversation about the development of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. We will talk about what we heard during the consultation, what you can expect to see in the new Strategic Plan, and how we got to where we are. This will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback, as we work toward finalizing the Strategic Plan by the end of the school year. 

Social Media and Your Kids: Recording Now Available 

If you weren’t able to join us last week for our OCDSB Speaker Series event with MediaSmarts, a recording of the presentation is now available. This webinar shares tips and tools for parents and caregivers to help kids minimize negative experiences and maximize the positive opportunities that social media has to offer.  

Upcoming Events 

  • Wednesday, May 10: Speech and Language Open House. Join us from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for a virtual open house where OCDSB’s Speech Language Pathologists will provide parents/caregivers with information and resources about developing your child’s communication skills. Register Now.
  • Saturday, May 13: Open Trails. Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is the only day of the year when this 77-acre classroom is open to the public! Learn more.
  • Tuesday, May 16: Women in Trades: Career Discovery Expo. In partnership with Build a Dream, OCDSB invites young women in grades 9-12 to join us from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for this in-person event at the EY Centre and explore the exciting career opportunities available in the trades sector. Please contact your child’s school for registration details.
  • Thursday, May 25, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m: Emily Carr Middle School 50th Anniversary: Students, families, and alumni are invited to this celebration. Tickets are available online for $5; the deadline to register is May 1. Learn more.

Important Dates in the Week Ahead 

  • Jewish Heritage Month. May is Jewish Heritage Month in Ontario, a time to remember, celebrate, and learn more about Jewish Canadians and the impact they have in our communities.
  • Asian Heritage Month and South Asian Heritage Month. May is Asian Heritage Month and South Asian Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian and South Asian Canadians and the positive impacts they have within our communities. In addition, May 5 is South Asian Arrival Day. 
  • Dutch Heritage Month. May is Dutch Heritage Month, celebrating the Dutch Canadian community and the many contributions they have made in Ontario.
  • Speech and Hearing Month. Speech and Hearing Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about communication health, provide resources, and highlight the importance of early detection and intervention in communication disorders.
  • May 1: National Principals Day.This is an opportunity to celebrate our amazing Principals and Vice Principals at the OCDSB and thank them for their kindness, leadership, and support.
  • May 5: Vesak. Vesak is the most important day of the year for Buddhists. It commemorates the birth, awakening, and passing away of the historical Buddha. 

In case you missed it…

Register Your Child for French or Spanish Summer Camp: Registration is open for the OCDSB’s French and Spanish Summer Camps, for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 in any school board. Learn more and register here

Thank you,

Michele Giroux

Director of Education

 

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