April 26, 2024 - Reminder - Complete the 2024 Student Survey, Elementary Program Review, Secondary Report Cards, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
This week, I had the privilege of visiting Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education. It was a superb opportunity to witness the dedication and diligence of our staff as they provided differentiated support in learning and wellness to some of our most complex learners. It was inspiring to see the care wrapped around these students... and the commitment to their dignity and their progress. My sincerest thanks to the entire school community for all that you do!
I also had the pleasure of attending a magnificent performance - Rock of Ages - delivered by the talented students and staff of Henry Munro Middle School on the evening of Wednesday 24 April 2024! It was a wonderful "throw back" into the 1980s... and has prompted me to track down my mixed tapes! ;) Congratulations to the entire school community for such a wonderful night of artistic awesomeness!
Reminder - Complete the 2024 Student Survey
We are nearly halfway through the survey period for our 2024 Student Survey. So many parents/caregivers and students have now completed their survey. Thank you!
This information will help us address topics including safety, bullying, mental health, learning and student achievement. To ensure we can have the greatest impact, we need to hear from as many parents/caregivers and students as possible.
Parents/caregivers of students from kindergarten to Grade 6: If you haven’t already done so, please take 20 minutes this weekend and complete the survey. Check your email for a link.
Elementary Program Review
The OCDSB has launched a consultation about our elementary program structure. The review is comprehensive and covers all six of our elementary program areas, along with special education and supports for multilingual learners. It is important to note that there are no predetermined outcomes.This is why our consultation is important and why we want to hear the perspectives of students, parents/caregivers and staff regarding their experiences and how we approach education in the future. Using this information, we will then prepare potential model(s) for consideration moving forward.
You can learn more and share your feedback on Engage OCDSB or attend an upcoming in-person community meeting. Trustee zone meetings will take place on May 13th, 22nd and 29th. Details will be shared next week.
Thank you to the over 700 parents, students and staff we have heard from so far through our Engage OCDSB. Your input will help decisions moving forward.
Secondary Report Cards
Secondary report cards (semestered schools) will be emailed to families and eligible students on Monday, April 29th, 2024. For non-semestered schools (Colonel By Secondary School and Merivale High School), information was sent to families last week. You need to enter the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, visit ocdsb.ca/ReportCards.
Classroom Chronicles
This spring, John Young Elementary School became a hive of learning and innovation as students embarked on a cross-curricular project featuring “Bee-Bots” – programmable robots designed to teach young learners about coding. Read the story.
Engage OCDSB: Share Your Feedback on Our Policies
We are considering revisions to three policies and want to hear your feedback. You can participate in these consultations on Engage OCDSB until May 10:
Coming Soon: Mental Health Week Wellness Challenge
From May 6 to 10, we will share daily challenges designed to help your family focus on mental health and wellbeing. Stay tuned for more information on our website next week.
School Mental Health Ontario Parent and Caregiver Collaboration Group
School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) is accepting applications for its Parent and Caregiver Collaboration Group, where parents/caregivers can deepen their learning about student mental health, share their perspectives about what they need to support mental health, and co-develop resources and supports. Parents/caregivers of students from Kindergarten-Grade 12 can apply by May 13th. SMH-ON will host a virtual open house on May 3rd to share more information about the group.
Driver Appreciation Day Thank You Cards and Posters
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority invites all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to create a thank you card and/or poster for Driver Appreciation Day on June 1st. Hand in the hardcopy to your school office by May 28th.
Reminders:
OCDSB EarlyON Centres: Drop-In Playgroups for Families with Children Ages 0-6 - Find a location near you.
May 2nd: Transitioning to the World of Work - Information Session and Resource Fair for Youth with Disabilities - 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn more.
May 4th: Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre Open Trails Day - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 22nd: OCDSB Speaker Series: Be The Difference with Gaelin Elmore - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Register now and learn more on our website.
Canadian Parents for French Ontario - Spring/Summer Free Virtual French Programs. Programs run from May 6, 2024 – August 23, 2024. For more details, visit their website.
2024 Summer Language Classes and Camps (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8) - Learn more about the programs and register now.
From the Boardroom:
OCDSB Seeking Community Member to Serve on Audit Committee
The OCDSB is seeking a community member with financial expertise and business knowledge to serve as a volunteer on its Audit Committee. The appointment to the three-year term will commence immediately.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
April 29th, 7:00 p.m. - Arts Advisory Committee
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 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.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education