October 13, 2023 - Student Transportation, 2022-2023 EQAO results released, Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports) to be sent on October 17th, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
This week, school staff have been vigilant in their effort to ensure that students and staff feel safe, respected and comfortable in their working and learning environments. Continuity in routine and in learning, along with supportive resources is important to student well-being. With that in mind, we are undertaking the following actions:
- Keeping in close contact with community organizations and faith leaders to be responsive to the needs of families.
- Hosting student support groups for Jewish and Muslim students in grades 7-12 (contact your principal for details).
- Acknowledging and building system awareness of possible threats to Jewish communities on Friday, October 13th and ensuring schools are actively planning for safety.
- Contacting the Ottawa Police Service, which said earlier today, “There is no credible information about threats locally, but we remain vigilant.”
- Monitoring for and addressing antisemitic, Islamophobia, or other hate-based activity.
- Ensuring educators are sensitive to the needs of students at this time and sharing supportive resources.
Should you feel your child requires additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your school.
Student Transportation
The OCDSB continues to coordinate with OSTA as they work toward implementing quick and effective solutions to address the ongoing shortage of school bus drivers. OSTA will be holding a Public Governance Meeting on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. via Google Meet. Please fill out the registration form if you are interested in attending.
2022-2023 EQAO results released
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released board and school level results for provincial assessments conducted during the 2022-2023 school year. This data will play an important role in identifying trends to inform specific strategies in support of student learning. Visit our website to learn more.
Initial Learning Updates (Progress Reports) to be sent on October 17th (Only for Secondary Students)
The Initial Learning Updates (ILU) (formerly known as Progress Reports) will be emailed to parents/guardians and eligible students on October 17, 2023. Students will receive the ILU link in their OCDSB student email address. The Ontario Education Number (OEN) is needed to access this report card. Visit ocdsb.ca/reportcards for details. Please contact your school if you need help identifying your child’s OEN or additional information.
November 1st: Arts Canterbury Open House (In-person)
Canterbury High School will be hosting an Arts Open House on Wednesday, November 1st from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Grade 8 students and their families are invited to attend this in-person event to learn more about the OCDSB's specialized arts programming, and about application procedures for the 2024-25 school year.
Reminder: November 1st - Post-Secondary Pathway and Career Exploration Day
OCDSB secondary students are invited to participate in the Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Grade 9 students are encouraged to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day while grades 10-12 students are encouraged to participate in Launch 2023, a one-day virtual pathways and career exploration conference.
November 4th - OCDSB Family Conference: Select your workshops!
Join us for the OCDSB Family Conference on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brookfield High School. This year’s theme is Educate, Engage, Empower - Enhancing Learning Together. The event will feature Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, noted author, and community leader Randell Adjei as the keynote speaker, and multiple workshops with some offered in multiple languages and with sign language support. Register now and select the workshops that you would like to attend.
November 22: International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Virtual Open House
Is your child in grade 8 or 9? Have you heard about the International Baccalaureate Programme? To learn more about the OCDSB’s IB Diploma Programme, and to learn about application procedures for the 2024-25 school year, we encourage OCDSB families to attend the IB Programme Virtual Open House on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, from 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. For the first 15 minutes, we will play a video answering a few Frequently Asked Questions. The presentation will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. For the participation link and more details, visit ocdsb.ca/ib.
Kids Come First - Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign
The Kids Come First Vaccinate and Up-to-Date campaign is here to help families catch up on their routine vaccinations. Spots are still available at the East Ottawa Kids Clinic tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit the KidsComeFirst website for booking an appointment and other information.
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 significance. Additional dates of significance to learn about throughout the year can be found in our MultiFaith calendar and on our website.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 17th, 7:30 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
October 19th, 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.
Local Government Week is October 16 to 20
Did you know that school board trustees are the oldest form of elected representation in Ontario? Trustees play a vital role in our schools and communities. Learn more about the work of trustees during Local Government Week.
We Are Hiring
We are currently hiring for several opportunities, including General Manager, Employee Wellness and Occupational Health & Safety and 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:
Reminder: DELF application deadline is October 20th
The Diplôme d’études en langue française DELF) is an internationally recognized French proficiency test for persons whose first language is not French. The deadline for eligible students to register for the fall administration is October 20, 2023.
Muslim Students Group in Celebration of Islamic Heritage Month
In celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, which takes place each October, Muslim students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a virtual weekly Google Hangout (OCDSB student login required). Meets will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Monday from October 2nd till October 30th, except on October 9th. For more details, email [email protected].
Education Foundation of Ottawa - Board Recruitment
The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO) is seeking candidates with skills and experience related to strategic planning, finance, law, marketing and communications (including social media), fundraising, event planning, and/or Board leadership to serve on our Board of Directors. The application deadline is October 31st.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education