November 3, 2023 - Applications for Ontario Colleges and Universities, D. Aubrey Moodie Award for Highest Academic Average, and more.
Hello Students,
This week, I spent some time with our student leaders at the first Student Senate Meeting of the school year. It was inspiring to hear and see the extraordinary leadership and voice as students envisioned their priorities for the current school year. My gratitude to Student Trustees, Emma Hong and Malaika Kamanzi, for their coordination of this important work.
A reminder that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5th, so don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.
Applications for Ontario Colleges and Universities
Applications for Ontario colleges and universities are open, with important deadlines coming up throughout the fall and winter. Please check out ontariocolleges.ca and the Ontario Universities Application Centre to learn more about how your child can apply to college or university, and to learn about important dates and deadlines.
D. Aubrey Moodie Award for Highest Academic Average
The OCDSB would like to congratulate Xuan Pham as the top scholar in our district for the 2022-2023 school year. For her remarkable achievement, she received the D.Aubrey Moodie Award, which is presented to graduating students with the highest academic average. Xuan graduated from Cairine Wilson Secondary School, with a grade point average of 99.5%. She is currently studying Software Engineering at the University of Ottawa. Read more on our website.
Student Transportation Update
OSTA is actively working with operators to cover a shortage of 40 school bus drivers, down from 50 on October 24th. This driver shortage results in the long-term cancellation of approximately 3% (166 runs) of all transportation services managed by OSTA. 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.
Community Involvement Hours: List of eligible activities updated
The Ministry of Education has updated the list of eligible activities for students to obtain community involvement hours to meet their graduation requirement. The temporary activities which were available to students during the pandemic have now been removed from the list. The OCDSB Community Involvement Hours webpage has the details of the eligible categories. Please review the list and choose accordingly.
Treaties Recognition Week: November 5-11, 2023
Each November, Treaties Recognition Week provides an opportunity for everyone in Ontario to learn about and recognize the importance of treaty rights and relationships. Treaties matter to everyone in Canada, and represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody. Knowing and upholding Treaty obligations is a responsibility shared by all. Learn more through Treaty Learning Resources and Indigenous Voices on Treaties.
National Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day
We honour the commitment and sacrifices of all who have served and continue to serve in times of war, conflict, and peace. In recognition of National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th and Remembrance Day on November 11th, students will be taking part in many activities to reflect, remember and learn about those who have served. Every school will host their own Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday, November 10th. An in-person ceremony will also take place at the Board office at 133 Greenbank Road on November 10th at 10:30 a.m., which community members are welcome to attend.
Holocaust Education Month
Holocaust Education Month provides an important opportunity for students, staff, and families to learn more about the history and impact of the Holocaust. We have an individual and collective duty to understand the Holocaust and to educate, prevent, challenge and address antisemitism in all its forms. Educating students about the Holocaust, equipping staff members with helpful resources and lessons, and sharing additional information with families is an important part of this responsibility. Please visit our website to learn more.
National School Psychology Week - November 6-10
OCDSB school psychology staff apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Learn more about the supports available.
Register Now: 2SLGBTQ+ Voices: Pathways to Interdependence Program and Black Youth Program
The OCDSB Continuing Education department, in partnership with the Equity Program team and the Sankofa Centre of Excellence, is offering students in Grades 10-12 two reach ahead credit opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ students and African, Black and Caribbean students respectively. The 2SLGBTQ+ Voices: Pathways to Interdependence Program offers eligible 2SLGBTQ+ students the opportunity to supplement and enrich their high school education by acquiring one credit while preparing and planning for the eighteenth annual Rainbow Youth Forum (RYF). The Black Youth Program offers the same opportunities while preparing and planning for the seventh Annual Black Youth Forum. The registration deadline for both these programs is November 8th.
November 23 - Explore French Summer Program Information Session
This summer, secondary students can spend 3-5 weeks immersed in a French language environment to build language skills, enjoy French cultural activities, and connect with peers from across Canada. The Explore program is open to students aged 13+. Participants who are entering grades 10, 11 or 12 in September 2024 have the opportunity to earn two high school credits. We are hosting a virtual information session on November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. To participate, please complete this registration form.
November 29 - All About High School Virtual Information Night
Interested in learning more about High School? If you are a student in Grades 7 to 12 join us on November 29, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This virtual event is a great opportunity to learn about subjects, programs, and other exciting aspects of high school. You can ask questions and learn about topics that interest you. To register and learn more, visit our website.
Classroom Chronicles
Students in the Information & Communications Technology Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program at Osgoode Township High School launched their video game “Lil Johnny Goes Home,” featuring a brave hero on an extraordinary adventure.
Students in Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School’s Black 365 Student Union collaborated on poetry and artwork to share their lived experiences and advocate for Black and biracial students. This fall, their work was showcased to the community at a community wellness festival.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
November 9th, 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 significance. Additional dates of significance can be found in our MultiFaith calendar and on our website.
In case you missed it:
Events:
Helpful Links
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to be a source of pain and grief for many, and especially for Arab, Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian staff, students, and families. We know how important the familiar structure and routine of the school day is, especially in times of uncertainty. We continue to focus on student learning and providing school-based supports and resources to those in need. It is so important that students have opportunities to talk through their feelings, connect with friends and with caring adults, and learn more about available community resources. We were inspired by the recent Statement From Ottawa Faith Leaders, and encourage everyone to not only read the statement, but to be kind to each other, and to “stand with each other and against all forms of hate now and forever”.
Thank you,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education