May 17, 2024 - Final Day - Complete the 2024 Student Survey, Elementary Program Review - Public Meetings, Upcoming sessions, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
It was a treat this week to attend Castor Valley Elementary School during their 'Outdoor Athletics Day'... a wonderful opportunity to see our talented student-athletes in competition. And, the weather held up quite nicely for the day too! Congratulations to the caring and committed staff for coordinating such a fine event on-site.
Final Day - Complete the 2024 Student Survey
The 2024 Student Survey closes tonight (Friday, May 17th). Please complete your survey before midnight. Remember, the survey is confidential and you don’t have to answer every question - just submit your survey before it closes. Parents/caregivers of students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 can complete their child’s survey. Students from Grades 7 to 12 can complete their own. Check your email for a message with your personalized link to the survey.
Elementary Program Review - Public Meetings
Thank you to those who joined us at our first in-person sessions. These consultations are important as we want to hear the perspectives of students, parents/guardians and staff regarding their experiences and how we approach education in the future. No decisions have been made at this time. We are listening to the members of our school communities and gathering what we hear to inform our planning. There are no predetermined outcomes. Despite some speculation, we have not planned to take a certain course of action over others. Staff will review the feedback from our communities and propose recommendations in the fall for further discussion.
Upcoming sessions:
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024:
D. Roy Kennedy Public School - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Glashan Public School - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29th, 2024:
Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. -
Sawmill Creek Elementary School - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Avalon Public School - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
**NEW - Thursday, May 30th, 2024: Virtual Session
Can’t join us in person? We have added a virtual session on Thursday, May 30th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This session will follow the same format as our in-person sessions with break-out rooms led by Elementary Principals, Trustees, and Superintendents.
Register now.
You can still also share your feedback on Engage OCDSB. We’ve received over 1,560 contributions so far, and the survey will remain open until Friday, June 28th at 4:00 p.m.
Share Your Feedback: New Ministry Directives on Personal Mobile Devices and Vaping
The Ministry of Education announced new guidance for school districts on personal mobile device use in schools and vaping. The changes are outlined in Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 128 and must be in place by September 1st, 2024. Do you have thoughts on how the new provincial regulations should be implemented or suggested amendments to our policies and procedures? Visit Engage OCDSB to learn about the changes and share your feedback by June 14th.
May 21st: Jewish Students Group Meetup
In celebration of Jewish Heritage Month, which takes place each May, Jewish students in grades 7-12 are invited to connect with one another in virtual Google Meets (OCDSB student login required). Meets will be facilitated by Jewish educators on Tuesday, May 21 and Tuesday, June 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The theme for May 21 will be 'Celebrating Our Achievements’. For more details and to register, email [email protected].
Tips from the YAC: When a Friend Asks for Help
This month, the Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (YAC) has shared tips for students on how to support a friend who comes to them for help with their mental health.
Reminders:
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.
May 23rd - 2024 Rainbow Youth Forum (Grades 9-12 Students)
Secondary students are invited to join us for the Rainbow Youth Forum on May 23rd. Interested students can contact their school’s GSA leader/guidance counsellor for registration and more details.
May 29th - Black Youth Forum (Grades 9-12 Students)
African, Black and African-Caribbean (ABC) students in Grades 9-12 are invited to join us for the seventh annual Black Youth Forum taking place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students will gather at uOttawa to share their learning and lived experiences through the theme: Black Unity Through the Senses. For registration and more information, please contact your school.
Hop! Spring into Spring Challenge
The 2024 Hop! Spring into Spring challenge, by OSTA and EnviroCentre, is underway from now until May 31st. Students can log their walks and win prizes.
Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award - For Secondary Students
Students are encouraged to apply for The Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award ($1000). Read more about the application process. The deadline is June 28, 2024.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
May 21st, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
May 23rd, 6:00 p.m. - Indigenous Education Council
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