Aug 30, 2023 - School Year Calendars, Back to School Safety Information, Busing, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Whether
your child is just entering Kindergarten, starting their graduating
year or enjoying the exciting years in between, OCDSB staff is looking
forward to welcoming them to school on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023. You will find a few helpful links to support you and your child as you prepare for the upcoming school year on our website.
School Year Calendars
PA Days, holidays, and other important dates for the 2023-2024 school year can be found in the OCDSB’s Elementary and Secondary calendars. Friday,
September 1, 2023, is a Professional Activity Day for OCDSB school
staff that focuses on key Ministry Priorities: Student Well-being,
School Safety and Violence Prevention, and Literacy. School staff will
attend in-person and participate in presentations, group discussions and
collaborative activities facilitated by school administrators. Read more and view the PA Day Agenda.
Back to School Safety Information
- With
children walking to-and-from school, we would ask that all drivers slow
down and keep an eye out for students. As a reminder, the City of
Ottawa now has speed enforcement cameras in many school zones across the
city - with more to come. Whether your student will be walking,
driving, or riding a bus to school, please review these safety tips from
the Ottawa Police Service. Active Transportation is a great way to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic in school zones - resources are available from OSTA if your child is interested in walking or biking to school.
Busing
OSTA has shared detailed information about busing information on their Parent Portal.
This includes service cancellations due to busing and driver
shortages. OSTA understands that accurate and timely transportation
information is essential for parents and students preparing for their
school day. You can read OSTA’s Transportation Update for the Return to School 2023-24 for more information. If your child uses OC Transpo to get to school, please take a look at your route before school starts.
School Supplies
School supplies are a big focus of back to school preparation. Here are a few things families should know:
- School
supplies are voluntary. The school will have supplies available for
students who are not able to bring their own. We know that some families
prefer to purchase them, and if so, this voluntary supply list provides an idea of the kinds of supplies that are used by grade.
- If a
student brings supplies, they should be labelled and stored in a pencil
case (or a resealable plastic bag) for personal use.
- Students are encouraged to bring a pair of shoes for indoor use and which may be left at school.
Extended Day Program
The Extended Day Program will
begin operating on the first day of school for all students who have
formally registered in the program with that start date. Requests for
spaces may be completed through our request online portal.
The OCDSB is currently facing a surge in registration demand. We are
actively engaged in efforts to alleviate the existing waitlist. We
appreciate your patience and cooperation during this period.
OCDSB Speaker Series
The OCDSB Speaker Series offers
free information sessions to the parent community and seeks to provide
parents and educators with access to leading ideas in education that
will allow us to work collaboratively to better support student learning
and well-being.
Join us for the first virtual event in our series - Journeying Together: Parenting Through the Storm with guest speaker and author Ann Douglas. Ann
sparks conversations that matter about parenting and mental health. A
passionate and inspiring speaker, she is also the weekend parenting
columnist for CBC Radio and the creator of Canada’s best selling series
of parenting books. During this virtual event Ann will share strategies
for getting to a happy, healthy place as a family, and strengthening
relationships between parents/guardians and their children.
Date: September 19, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register now
Classroom Chronicles
Across the District, school communities are focussing on Learning, Well-Being and Social Responsibility. Through Classroom Chronicles,
we’re showcasing the wonderful stories of students, staff, families and
community partners making an impact in OCDSB schools and beyond.
Get Involved
You
are an important part of your child’s success. From school councils to
the Parent Involvement Committee to volunteering at schools, there are
many ways for you to get involved in your child’s education. Learn More.
Once again, wishing everyone a warm welcome to the new school year.
Have a wonderful long weekend.