September 13, 2024 - Elementary and Secondary Professional Activity (PA) Day, Rowan’s Law Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and more.
Good Afternoon Students,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and school communities for their incredible care and commitment to learning, well-being and social responsibility in the smooth start-up to the new school year. A special shout-out this week to our amazing school administrators - principals and vice-principals - for their steadfast leadership on site. I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting with our system leaders mid-week... and I could feel the enthusiasm, energy, poise and professionalism for the new school year. Thank you for all that you do for our system!
I would like to remind everyone that these updates will be sent bi-weekly this school year. The next update will be sent on September 27th.
September 27th: Elementary and Secondary Professional Activity (PA) Day
Friday, September 27th is a PA Day for all OCDSB schools. There will be no classes for students.
Rowan’s Law Day
September 25th, Rowan’s Law Day, honours Rowan Stringer’s memory and raises awareness about concussion safety. Rowan Stringer was a competitive and keen athlete, and was captain of John McCrae Secondary School’s rugby team. She passed away tragically in May of 2013 at just 17 years old, as the result of head injuries she sustained while playing rugby. Visit our Rowan’s Law Day webpage to learn about recognizing the symptoms of concussion and for additional resources.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of mourning and remembrance for everyone, especially First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, that offers an opportunity to reflect and honour survivors, their families, and communities. OCDSB students and staff will also mark National Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 23rd-27th. For additional information and resources, subscribe to the OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter.
Reminders:
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
September 18th, 7:00 p.m. - Audit Committee
September 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.
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 and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
Helpful Links
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education