February 16, 2024 - April 8, 2024 - Solar Eclipse: Schools will be closed, Engage OCDSB, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
I had the privilege of attending two of our sites this week… to participate in a ‘learning walk’ with colleagues at Chapman Mills Public School on Monday… and a scheduled visit at Manordale Public School on Thursday. I could see the intentional focus on learning and well-being in both places… through explicit instruction in structured literacy - tied to curriculum expectations in the context of the classroom, and, an adjustment to the schedule to ensure student safety concerning slippery ice conditions on the schoolyard, respectively. My thanks to our school administrators and staff for so adeptly balancing these important aspects of our teaching and learning environments!
April 8, 2024 - Solar Eclipse: Schools will be closed
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total solar eclipse. Ottawa, located in the Northern Region, will experience a partial solar eclipse. During a total or partial solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without appropriate protective eyewear. Doing so may result in permanent eye damage. The eclipse occurring on April 8th will last for 2 hours 23 minutes, beginning at 2:11 p.m. and ending at 4:35 p.m. with the maximum point of the eclipse at 3:25 p.m. Virtually all school and program dismissal times occur during that window. To ensure student safety, many school districts, including those in Ottawa, have rescheduled a Professional Activity (PA) day to April 8, allowing students to stay home. Regrettably, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) does not have a PA day that can be moved.
After exploring several options and consulting with the Ministry and key stakeholders, a decision has been made to close all OCDSB schools on April 8th. Transportation will also be cancelled. In addition, OCDSB-operated Extended Day Programs will not operate.
Please note:
The OCDSB Toddler Preschool programs will operate as usual.
The OCDSB EarlyOn Child and Family Centres will operate as per usual.
Engage OCDSB
Have you joined the conversation at Engage OCDSB? This new online tool gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on initiatives you care about. You can register or participate anonymously. We are currently seeking feedback on a new pregnancy and parental leave policy for Board Trustees, proposed changes to the student transfer appeal process, and proposed changes to our policy on commencement ceremonies and awards. We’ve also added a new opportunity to learn about the 2024-2025 Budget process. Visit engage.ocdsb.ca to learn more and stay informed about future ways to share your input.
Classroom Chronicles
Students at A.Y. Jackson Secondary School and Rockcliffe Park Public School participated in out-of-this-world learning opportunities, getting a chance to remotely control a simulation lunar rover and meeting Canadian astronauts from the upcoming Artemis II mission.
Post-Secondary Scholarships
If your child will be attending college or university next year, there are a number of scholarships and bursaries that can help. Explore local and national scholarship opportunities.
Resources for Parents/Caregivers: Keeping Children and Youth Safe Online
Many parents/caregivers are worried about the safety risks children and youth increasingly face online. We share your concern. Over the coming weeks, we will be providing resources you may find helpful to be aware of the dangers and strategies to keep children and youth safe. It’s important to remind your child that it’s ok to contact you or another adult they trust should they ever face challenging or concerning situations online. If they are afraid or embarrassed, there are also anonymous services available like the Kids Help Phone.
- Cybertip.ca, which is operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, provides age‑appropriate information and resources to help educate Canadians about how to keep children safe while online and reduce child victimization. Their website includes valuable information for parents and youths about online harms and exploitation.
Events:
February 20: Video Series and Q&A Sessions - Transition Planning for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Our virtual transition planning series helps parents/caregivers of youth with developmental disabilities support the transition to life after high school. The final session is about Post-Secondary Education and Employment. Watch the videos on post-secondary education and employment, then join our live Q&A session on Tuesday, February 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
February 27: Resource Fair - Transition Planning for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Join us on Tuesday, February 27th, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Confederation Education Center to learn about the services and supports offered by organizations in Ottawa. OCDSB staff will be on-site to help guide families to connect with the type of services they need. Learn more.
February 24: Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence
Join us Saturday, February 24th, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School as we host the Black History Showcase: Honouring Black Excellence. This event is sponsored by the OCDSB’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, in collaboration with Future Paths Network, V2V Project, and the Somali Centre for Family Services. Register Now!
February 28: OCDSB Speaker Series: Combating Human Trafficking
There's still time to register for this virtual session taking place on Wednesday, February 28th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Join us to learn the warning signs and grooming behaviours to look for. We also have compiled an extensive list of resources and helpful links to help raise awareness and share vital information about this topic.
Reminders:
Toonie Tuesday is February 27, 2024
A donation of $2 can be the difference between nothing and something. This Toonie Tuesday, February 27th, we can all come together to support students in need within the OCDSB. But you don’t have to wait until then. You can donate right here, right now! Let your toonie be the stepping stone to student success.
Deadline Extended: OCDSB is Seeking Indigenous Community Member to Serve on the Special Education Advisory Council
The OCDSB is seeking an Indigenous Community Member to serve on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). There is currently one position available and the deadline to apply has been extended until February 29, 2024. Learn more and apply.
Kindergarten and High School Information Sessions
It’s registration time! OCDSB schools are hosting information sessions throughout January and February to help families prepare, learn how to register, and more. Visit our kindergarten and high school information session webpages for the schedules, helpful tips and other resources. Please share this information with your friends and family.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
February 20th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole, Budget
February 21st, 7:00 p.m. - Audit 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.
Job Opportunities
We are currently hiring for several opportunities, including Equitable Hiring Advisor, 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