September 3, 2024 - School Year Calendars, Back to School Tips from the OCDSB Mental Health Team, and more.
Dear Students,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome (and welcome back!) all students, staff and members of our school communities to the 2024-2025 school year! I hope that you have all had a superb summer season... and are refreshed and rejuvenated for the teaching and learning ahead.
I had the pleasure, this past week, of visiting both Colonel By Secondary School and Lisgar Collegiate Institute to witness the 'Link Crew' initiatives on site. It was an inspirational display of student leadership and voice... as our seasoned, senior students in Grades 11 and 12 welcomed incoming Grade 9 students for their first year of secondary schooling. I could feel the care, the energy, the compassion, and the enthusiasm! Thank you to our sensational students for all you do to welcome new members to your sites!
Additionally, we’re enhancing the updates to ensure they remain current and relevant. We will be sending them bi-weekly, starting Friday, September 13, 2024.
Wishing everyone a wonderful start to the school year!
School Year Calendars
PA Days, holidays, and other important dates for the 2024-2025 school year can be found in the OCDSB’s Secondary calendars.
Back to School Tips from the OCDSB Mental Health Team
Heading back to school in September after a summer break can make you feel a number of different things. No matter what you are feeling right now, it’s totally normal. Our Mental Health team has shared some tips to help you adjust to the return to school.
September 21st: Open Trails Day - MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre
Our MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails Day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is the only day of the year when this 425-acre classroom is open to the public for everyone to explore. Take a hike through the trails and discover this unique outdoor learning site!
Safe Schools Reporting Tool - An Anonymous Reporting Option for Students
OCDSB’s Safe Schools Reporting Tool is a private and anonymous way for you to share your concerns. If you are feeling unsafe or worried about a friend or classmate, send an anonymous report through our website. This tool is not a replacement for talking to your teacher or principal. It’s just another way to get help. If it's an emergency or someone is in danger, you should always call 911 immediately.
Register Now for Fall 2024 Virtual Night School!
Night School gives secondary students an opportunity to upgrade a course or take a course that is not available at their school. The Fall Night School session will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from September 19th to December 17th (26 nights). Register by September 16th.
OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter
The OCDSB Indigenous Student Resource Newsletter is shared by the Indigenous Education Learning Team at the OCDSB. This newsletter provides bi-weekly updates of community events and opportunities for students, parents & guardians. Subscribe to the newsletter.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
September 4th, 7:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
September 10th, 7:30 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
September 11th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee
September 12th, 6:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Helpful Links
Once again, wishing everyone a warm welcome to the new school year.
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education