December 15, 2023 - 2023-2024 Winter Break: Important Information, Mark Your Calendar - Winter Virtual Night School Registration Opens January 22, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
I had the honour of visiting Bell High School this week… a special visit for me as I graduated from this wonderful school and so did my daughter, albeit many, many years apart. My sincere thanks to the students and staff for their passion and professionalism in serving our school community… and for making us alumni feel so welcome upon our return!
It was also grand to visit our Facilities Department earlier this week to extend my gratitude to our caring and committed staff… Area Supervisors, Custodial Team Leads and General Managers… for the work that they do in helping make our schools great places to learn!
I am pleased to share this holiday greeting video from Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce.
2023-2024 Winter Break: Important Information
As we approach the winter break, here are a few important details to remember:
- The last day of school for elementary and secondary students will be Friday, December 22.
- All students will return to class on Monday, January 8, 2024.
- All elementary and secondary schools (including school offices), EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and OCDSB administrative sites will be closed as of the end of regular hours on Friday, December 22.
- Secondary school offices and OCDSB administrative sites will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
- Elementary school offices and EarlyON Child and Family Centres will reopen on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Mark Your Calendar - Winter Virtual Night School Registration Opens January 22
Night School offers secondary students and adult learners the opportunity to upgrade courses or take additional courses. Classes will run virtually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from February 22 to May 30. Registration will be open from January 22 to February 15. Visit the Night School website for course offerings and more information.
Canadian Music Class Challenge 2023 Winners
This week, the winners of CBC’s Canadian Music Class Challenge were announced. Congratulations to the Lisgar 613 Ensemble on winning first place in the Senior Instrumental category for their rendition of “Call Me Maybe,” which earned them a prize of $3,000 in musical instruments! Well done to West Carleton Secondary School for winning second place in the Top Non-live-off-the-floor Performance with their music video, “Share the Land.”
Graduating OCDSB Students - Education Foundation of Ottawa - S.T.E.M. Financial Award
The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO), in partnership with Stantec, the Ottawa Senators and the Senators Community Foundation, is offering an award for graduating students looking to pursue STEM careers. This award will provide opportunities for financial aid to students interested in STEM-based post-secondary studies who are in historically underrepresented groups such as racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and persons with disabilities. The deadline for this application is Friday, February 16th, 2024. For eligibility, application details and more information, visit the EFO website.
Share Your Thoughts:
Employee Conflict of Interest Policy Consultation
The OCDSB is currently reviewing its Policy P.024.HR Employee Conflict of Interest to streamline the language and clarify direction to employees. We welcome your feedback on the draft policy by emailing [email protected] by January 5th, 2024. The revised policy integrating the feedback will be presented to the Ad Hoc Committee for approval on April 4th, 2024 and to the Board of Trustees for final approval on April 25th, 2024. For more details, visit our website.
Risk Management Policy Consultation
The OCDSB aims to minimize the risk exposure, reduce uncertainty, and maximize opportunities for staff and students. This will eventually improve the overall governance and decision-making and enhance our ability to achieve the strategic objectives of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. To achieve these objectives the District is proposing a Risk Management policy that aligns with the Strategic Enterprise Risk Management (SERM) Framework for Ontario School Boards. We value your input and encourage you to provide your feedback by emailing [email protected] by January 05, 2024. The revised policy integrating the feedback from our community will be presented to the Ad Hoc Committee for approval before it proceeds to the Board of Trustees for final approval in February 2024. For more details, visit our website.
School Council News
This month, on our School Council News page, we’ve shared a speaker list for Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant events, insurance information, tips for effective communication, and more. A reminder that the deadline for School Councils to apply for the PRO Grant is January 12, 2024.
Events:
High School Information Sessions
If your child will be starting high school next year, we can help you get ready. We will be offering students and parents/caregivers a variety of opportunities to learn more about high school and all of the amazing programs we offer. Secondary schools across the OCDSB are now hosting high school information sessions for students and parents/guardians. It’s a fantastic way to visit the school, meet staff, and learn how to prepare for this next step. Visit our high school information sessions page for the schedule and links to helpful tips and resources.
December 20: Applying to Post-Secondary Information Session
We are hosting a Post-Secondary Applications Information Session on Wednesday, December 20th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This virtual session will provide Grade 12 students and their parents/caregivers information about the process of applying to post-secondary education in Canada, with a focus on apprenticeships, colleges and universities.
School Within A University (SWAU): Watch the Information Session Recording
OCDSB’s Program and Learning Innovation staff recently organized a virtual information session to share details about School Within A University (SWAU), a pilot project in partnership with Carleton University. This session provided Grade 11 & 12 students and their parents/caregivers with details about this project. The session recording is now available.
All About High School: Watch the Session Recordings
The All About High School virtual information session provided Grades 7-12 students and their families, and staff details about subjects, programs, and other exciting aspects of high school. Recordings of selected sessions are available on this YouTube playlist.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
December 19th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
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.
We Are Hiring
We are currently hiring for several opportunities, including Indigenous Student Support Coordinator (4 positions), Early Childhood Educators and Early Learning Assistants. 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