June 23, 2023 - Student Recognition Awards, Report Cards, Online Party Safer Course, and more.
Dear Families,
It’s hard to believe we are just days away from the end of the school year! What a year it has been. A reminder that the last day of school is Tuesday, June 27th, for secondary students, and Thursday, June 29th for elementary students .
Student Recognition Awards
This week we are excited to announce the winners of the 2022-2023 Student Recognition Awards, along with the nominees and winner of the Excellence in Equity Student Recognition Award. These amazing students are recognized for their student leadership, demonstration of initiative, supported by the will to succeed, their dedication to finish what they started, and their commitment to achieve their personal best. Congratulations to the award winners! Please visit our website to learn more about their achievements.
Report Cards
In the next two weeks, report cards will be sent by email to parents, guardians, and students in grades 7-12. Elementary report cards will be sent on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Secondary report cards will be sent on Thursday, July 6, 2023. To access the report card, enter your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) in this format: XXX-XXX-XXX. The OEN can be found on a previous report card. If you need assistance, please contact your school. For additional information, visit our website.
Online Party Safer Course
As summer fun begins, youth might be faced with new opportunities and challenging decisions when partying. Ottawa Public Health has launched a bilingual no-cost online Party Safer course with information that can help youth party as safely as possible. The course shares information on commonly used substances, reducing harms related to substance abuse, identifying and responding to an opioid overdose, naloxone use and how to get no-cost kits, and how to cope after a distressing event. Resources related to mental health, violence prevention, addictions and substance use health will also be shared. To register, create an Olearn account and enroll in the “Party Safer” course found on the homepage under “Courses”. You can also take a look at the Party Safer fact sheet.
Classroom Chronicles
Students from Urban Aboriginal Alternate High School Program and Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate Program collaborated to create skateboards for Indigenous youth. This June, during National Indigenous History Month, they shared their work through community showcases, including an exhibit at the National Arts Centre!
OCDSB students have been recognized through a wide range of awards. Nine current and former students received RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards, and their accomplishments will be celebrated at the Shaw Centre on June 29th. Tanya S. from Glebe Collegiate Institute received a $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship from McGill University. Asha H. from Canterbury High School was the recipient of the Ottawa Arts Council Young Artist Award. Students also succeeded in the CPA Write To Ignite Competition, Math League Contest, and many other competitions.
Skilled Trades and Technology Diploma Programs: Expressions of Interest Open
Is your grade 8-12 child interested in a Skilled Trades and Technology program? Expressions of interest are open at Ottawa Technical Secondary School and Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School. Visit the school websites for information on how to apply. These programs provide opportunities to gain industry-valued skills and explore exciting career paths. For example, Ottawa Technical students recently put their ideas in motion by collaborating on a soapbox car and creating dance films for the big screen. Read their stories!
Be Bear Wise
With recent reports of black bears in the Ottawa area, Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have shared some helpful information about preventing and responding to encounters with bears.
Please note, should schools be informed of a bear in the nearby community, we will connect with local authorities and keep students indoors if necessary.
Important Dates in the Week Ahead
- June 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day. St. Jean Baptiste Day is celebrated in Quebec and by many French Canadian families. We send our best wishes to all who are celebrating.
- June 25 - July 1: Somali Heritage Week. Somali Heritage Week recognizes the economic, political, social, and cultural achievements and contributions of Somali Canadians across the province, and provides an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the history and culture of Somali Canadian communities.
- June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Canadian Multiculturalism Day recognizes and celebrates the many cultural communities that create a strong and vibrant society here in Canada.
- June 28: 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.
Upcoming Events
- June 26: OCDSB Board Meeting. The Board of Trustees will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26. Watch the livestream on our website.
In case you missed it…
Stress Lessons: From Stressed Out to Chilled Out: Stress Lessons are back this summer, offering students going into grades 7, 8, or 9 the opportunity to learn more about managing stress and fostering an increased sense of well-being. Visit our website to learn more and register.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education