September 29, 2023 - Elementary School Classroom Reorganizations, Student Transportation, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Today, OCDSB students and staff marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day of mourning and remembrance for Indigenous Peoples, and offers an opportunity to reflect and honour survivors, their families, and their communities. Please visit our website to learn more about the learning taking place in schools and actions you can take. If you or your loved ones are in need of support, mental health and community resources are available.
Elementary School Classroom Reorganizations
This week, principals at some elementary schools have begun sharing information with parents about efforts to realign classrooms to better reflect enrolment levels. We have added more information to our website to answer some common questions about this process.
Student Transportation
OSTA has made considerable progress in a short period of time in addressing transportation shortfalls, restoring almost 30% of the initial routes unserviced. OSTA has provided an update on the steps being taken to address the ongoing transportation cancellations and disruptions on their website. As OSTA continues to reinstate routes, please continue to use the Parent Portal to confirm the changes. OSTA is working very diligently to address the remaining transportation shortfalls. We understand that many parents and caregivers are significantly impacted by the service disruptions, we request that you continue to show kindness and understanding towards the school bus drivers and OSTA staff who are working hard to provide these services.
Ottawa Technical Secondary School Welcome Evening - October 5th, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ottawa Technical Secondary School is hosting a Welcome Evening for students and families to explore the Skilled Trades and Technology program. Visit the school’s facilities, meet the educator team, and learn more about the exciting pathways available in this growing field.
October 6th, 2023 - PA Day
Friday, October 6, 2023, is a Professional Activity Day for OCDSB school staff that focuses on key Ministry Priorities: Student Mental Health and Well-Being, Literacy and Numeracy. Students remain at home but schools remain open for school staff to engage in their learning and professional development as a school team. School staff will attend in person and participate in presentations, group discussions and collaborative activities facilitated by school administrators.
Save the Date! November 1st - High School Post-Secondary Pathway and Career Exploration Day
All OCDSB secondary students will have the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways and career possibilities on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Take Our Kids to Work Day provides all Grade 9 students with the opportunity to experience a variety of job and career options with a parent/guardian or family friend.
Launch 2023, the fourth annual post-secondary pathway exploration virtual conference, hosted by the OCDSB, the Ottawa Catholic School Board, and the Peel District School Board provides students in Grades 10-12 a great opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways. We will share more information in the next update.
Save the Date! November 4th - OCDSB Family Conference
We invite parents and caregivers to join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Brookfield High School for the OCDSB Family Conference. This in-person event, organized by OCDSB's Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Family and Community Engagement (FACE), will feature noted author, inspirational speaker, arts educator, and community leader Randell Adjei as the keynote speaker. There will also be multiple expert-led workshops with some offered in Arabic and Somali. We will share the registration and more details soon.
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.
Classroom Chronicles
This past weekend, more than 600 people took to the trails at the MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre for the annual Open Trails Day.
Get Involved in School Council
See our School Council News page for the latest updates, including election information, tips for effective meetings, and more. School councils are a great way for you to get involved in your child’s school. Contact your school for more information.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 3rd, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
October 4th, 7:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Agendas, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Ottawa Public Health - Helpful Resources
Ottawa Public Health offers a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy, including information about immunizations and helping children adjust to school.
In case you missed it:
School Bus Drivers needed: If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a school bus driver, please visit driveyellow.ca. The website provides all the information necessary to learn about qualifications, training, operators and has an easy application process.
OCDSB Job Fairs - October 2nd and 5th
We are looking for office assistants, custodians, educational assistants, early childhood educators and early learning assistants. Join us for this in-person event and learn more about all the opportunities we offer across Ottawa.
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].
2023-2024 Parent Involvement Committee Applications - Deadline October 13, 2023
Applications are now open for Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) membership for the 2023-2024 school year.
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education