June 21, 2024 - Last Day of School, Report Cards: Elementary and Secondary, Update: 2024 Valuing Voices Student Survey, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day and an opportunity to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. I'd like to acknowledge members of our Indigenous community and extend my appreciation for the knowledge they share with us. I would also like to express my gratitude to the OCDSB Indigenous Education Team who do such important work supporting Indigenous students and families and sharing their knowledge and experience with colleagues. This summer, the OCDSB is offering an Indigenous Summer Learning Program for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students going into grades 9-12. Learn more on our website.
As we approach the end of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your support and dedication to both your child and our school community. Throughout this year, your partnership has been invaluable. This past week I was inspired to hear of the multicultural collaboration of the Boys & Girls Homework Club on Heatherington Road... where Jewish, Muslim and Christian educators volunteered and worked together in support of students' completion of their summative assignments and tasks, no matter their race or religion, culture or orientation.... a shining example of unity and strength of diversity. My heartfelt thanks to all involved in this worthy endeavour!
As we close out this school year, I would also like to welcome two new members to our senior team for the 2024-2025 school year. A.J. Keene (from Lakehead District School Board) and Kristin Riddell (from Renfrew County District School Board) who will assume the roles of Superintendent of Education. Read more.
Last Day of School
The last day of school for secondary students is Tuesday, June 25th, and Thursday, June 27th for elementary students.
Report Cards: Elementary and Secondary
Elementary report cards will be emailed on June 26th. Secondary report cards (semestered schools) will be emailed on July 6th. For non-semestered schools report cards will be emailed on July 9th. You need to enter the Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. For more information, visit ocdsb.ca/ReportCards.
Update: 2024 Valuing Voices Student Survey
Thank you to all who participated in our 2024 Valuing Voices: Identity Matters Student Survey. We received 47,153 valid survey responses, for an overall participation rate of 61% of OCDSB students. This is an increase of nearly 15% compared to our 2019-2020 student survey. The insights gathered from this survey will play a critical role in shaping our understanding of student identity and school climate in schools across the OCDSB. District-level results of our school climate and identity-based data will be shared publicly in late 2024.
Elementary Program Review
Next week is the final week to participate in our Elementary Program Review online survey. We’ve received more than 2,100 responses from parents/caregivers, staff, students, and community members. Your voice matters – share your feedback by Friday, June 28th at 4:00 p.m.
Classroom Chronicles
This week, our District celebrated two amazing initiatives to address food insecurity in the community. Six OCDSB schools joined forces with Khalsa Aid Canada, the Ottawa Food Bank, and Italfoods to help deliver 210,000 pounds of food – the largest one-day donation in the food bank’s history. Meanwhile, Brookfield High School collaborated with community partners to open the Brookfield Community Food Cupboard, which provides food on a weekly basis to families, students, and community members.
Students and staff have been recognized through awards and competitions, including Myers Team of the Week, the Canada-Wide Science Fair, The First Page writing contest, Reach for the Top, Cyber Champion Competition, and the Big Shout Out Awards!
Navigating Transitions at the End of the School Year
As the school year comes to an end and we get ready to transition into summer, it’s normal to be carrying a number of different emotions. While for some, looking ahead to the last day of school brings excitement and relief, for many students and families it can also bring worry or sadness. The truth is, even positive transitions can bring feelings of stress for ourselves and our children, as these transitions force us to learn, grow, and adapt. Read this message from the OCDSB Mental Health Team with strategies you can use to support your child.
Summer Virtual French Programs - Free
A reminder that the Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is offering Virtual French Programs, free to all families in our school board, ensuring the most equitable opportunity for students to learn and practice their French in an academic and fun environment over the summer. The programs are designed to develop students’ oral proficiency; interest in reading; and build their confidence. There are waitlists available for grades that are already full. For more details, visit their website.
Be water safe
The weather is warmer and the water is inviting. But before anyone dips their toes, it’s important to remember a few safety tips. Visit our website for a few simple ways for parents/caregivers and swimmers to stay safe, along with resources in multiple languages.
Walking and Wheeling Over the Summer: Tips from EnviroCentre & City of Ottawa
The school year is almost over and no matter where you’re going this summer, you can make any trip an active one. Walking and wheeling are easy, accessible, and fun ways of getting around and staying active! Summer is a great time to practice walking skills with the family around your neighbourhood or practice a new route or way of getting to school without the pressure of being on time! For tips and more information, read their newsletter.
Reminders:
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
June 24th, 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.
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.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education