April 11, 2025 - News, Upcoming Events, Upcoming Starred Dates, Resources, and Helpful Links
Dear Families,
Last week on Thursday, April 3rd, a revised Elementary Program Review proposal was released reflecting feedback from over 10,000 parents, caregivers, staff, students and community members. Key changes included boundaries and grade configurations, student movement, a process to consider ‘exemptions’ (previously referred to as grandparenting), and support for students. In order to gather additional feedback on the revised proposal, an online survey is available until April 24th.
Today, we also released a report outlining implementation plans for the proposed Elementary Program Review changes, including status reporting to the Board of Trustees and interest holders. Implementation planning involves various aspects such as updating school schedules, developing learning frameworks, resource redistribution, professional learning for staff, and addressing staffing needs. The report also covers planning for student support, transition plans, and operational considerations such as childcare, student and staff movement, transportation, and site renovations.
The final recommendations are scheduled to be presented at the May 6, 2025 Committee of the Whole, with a final decision anticipated at a Special Board meeting on May 13, 2025.
I encourage you to review the revised proposal and provide your feedback through the online survey. The feedback collected through this survey will be used to further inform trustee decision-making regarding the revised proposed program model, ensuring that the final decisions are informed by community input and aligned with the overarching principles of the Elementary Program Review.
I’d also like to add that it was a delight to attend the theatrical performance of "The Lion King" at Kanata Highlands Public School. Congratulations to Natasha Richmond, her colleagues, and the students for their brilliance!
News
- A Symphony of Impact: Nepean High School’s Jeannie Hunter Wins 2025 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year
- Bonjour to Blooket: French Learning Reimagined
- Beyond the Label: Dispelling Myths About Autism
- Applications Open for The Ilana and Steven Rubin Education Scholarship.
- 2025-2026 School Year Calendars Approved by the Ministry
- Register for Summer School Programs, including Reach Ahead, eLearning, Cooperative Education, Credit Recovery, Remedial Elementary Programs and more.
- Register for Summer Language Classes and Camps for Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.
- The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) Parents and Caregivers Survey
- Did you attend our Transition Planning Resource Fair on March 26? Fill out this feedback survey.
Upcoming Events:
- Canterbury High School Invites You to a Free Children's Theater Festival (Ages 4-10) on April 12th
- By Your Side: Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being - Free Webinar Series from School Mental Health Ontario: April 22nd - May 22nd (virtual).
- Prepared & Positive Mental Health Forum for Parents: May 3rd, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Saint Paul University (in-person).
Upcoming Starred Dates:
- Pesach (Passover) - April 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th (commences at sundown on April 12th)
- Vaisakhi - April 14th
- Good Friday and Holy Friday - April 18th
- Easter and Orthodox Easter - April 20th
- Ridvan - April 20th or 21st (commences at sundown on April 19th)
Resources:
- Recording Available: Navigating the Challenges of School Refusal and Avoidance with Pleo
Helpful Links:
- Explore OCDSB Career Opportunities
- Want To Make A Difference In The Lives Of OCDSB Students? Donate To The Education Foundation Of Ottawa!
- OCDSB Safe Schools Reporting Tool
- Elementary Calendar
- Secondary Calendar
- Religious/Creed-Based Days Of Observance
- Multifaith Calendar
- Days And Months Of Significance
- Parents’ Guide to Ontario’s Education System
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education