October 25, 2024 - Inspire And Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A Video Series, OCDSB Family Conference: Register Now!, and more.
Good Afternoon Students,
Earlier this week, it was so inspiring to take part in Glebe Collegiate Institute's 'Student Leadership and Mentorship Day'... a day of learning through 'passion projects'... organized by students for students. My sincerest thanks to the student leadership and voice of the Equi-Unity Committee for the kind invitation!
I would also like to highlight the IB Programme and Arts Canterbury open houses taking place next month. These are great opportunities for students to learn more about these pathways. The details are given further below.
Launching - Inspire And Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A Video Series
We are launching a new student-led initiative - Inspire and Inquire, Your Mental Health Q&A video series to highlight some of the information youth are interested in. Recognizing a need for information about mental health support, students proposed creating a video series to address these questions. This series will explore those questions and provide helpful insights. In the first video, students can learn about some techniques to overcome procrastination.
November 2nd - OCDSB Family Conference: Register Now!
Join us for a day of collaboration, inspiring speakers, and workshops to help support your child’s educational journey. Register Now! For more details visit our website.
Arts Canterbury Open House (in-person)
November 5th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Dance, Drama and Music Open House
November 7th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Literary Art and Visual Art Open House
For more information, visit this website.
November 20th - International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Virtual Open House
Learn more about the IB Programme and the application process for the next school year. Visit ocdsb.ca/ib for more details.
November 21st - Applying to Post-Secondary Virtual Information Session
This virtual session will provide Grade 12 students and their parents and caregivers information about the process of applying to post-secondary education in Canada, with a focus on apprenticeships, colleges and universities.
Classroom Chronicles
In September, more than 80 students and staff from across the OCDSB gathered at Confederation Education Centre for a Mental Health Champions event. The day was filled with learning, sharing and inspiration, as school teams explored ways to promote mental health and well-being at school.
P: Drive Access Ends in December - Copy Your Files to Google Drive
Student and staff access to Windows-based P: Drives will end this December. You will not be able to access any files on your P: Drive after December 31st. If you want to keep any files, please copy them to your Google Drive, which provides safe, secure and backed-up storage of your educational files and data.
Upcoming Starred Dates: Diwali
Diwali takes place on November 1st and is a five-day celebration also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is associated with a story about the destruction of evil by Lord Vishnu in one of his many manifestations. Wishing a very Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating!
Reminders:
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 28th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
October 29th, 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting
November 5th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
November 6th, 7:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
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 2024-2025 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, Days and Months of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
Helpful Links
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education