April 25, 2025 - News, Upcoming Events, and Helpful Links

Dear Families, 

I would like to share an update with you regarding the recent announcement from the provincial government about increased accountability measures for school boards. At the OCDSB, we take our responsibility to manage public funds very seriously, and we understand and share the government’s commitment to transparency.

I wish to assure you that we are fully cooperating with the government’s review. In recent years, we have faced financial challenges due to costs associated with the global pandemic, retroactive payments to staff as a result of newly-bargained collective agreements, as well as funding that hasn’t quite kept pace with our organizational needs. We’ve also seen underfunding in areas like special education and staff absence coverage, which directly impacts our schools and students.

We are already working on addressing these issues. We’ve developed a plan to tackle our structural deficit, which includes some difficult decisions about staffing and program changes. Rest assured our goal is to use your taxpayer dollars effectively and efficiently in order to create the best possible learning environment for your children. We value your trust and are dedicated to working with the Ministry of Education to resolve these matters.

We will be issuing the recommendations for the Elementary Program Review next week. The recommendations are scheduled to be presented at the May 6, 2025 Committee of the Whole, with a decision anticipated at a Special Board meeting on May 13, 2025. 

News

• Cedarview Middle School Students Dive Deep into Canadian History with Diverse Research Projects
• Fantastic Fundraisers at Shingwàkons Public School Spread Warmth and Community Spirit
• More Than Touchdowns: REDBLACKS Tackle Mental Health with Bell HS Students
• Mental Health Week is May 5th-11th: Explore Activities, Conversation Starters and Resources.
• Applications Open for the Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund and Ilana and Steven Rubin Education Scholarship.
• School Council News: PRO Grant Final Reports, Schoolyard Tree Planting Grant, and Queen Mary Street Public School Community Event.
• 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.

Upcoming Events:

• Prepared & Positive Mental Health Forum for Parents: May 3rd, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Saint Paul University (in-person).
• Join Move for Youth in support of United Way - May 1st to May 15th
• By Your Side: Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being - Free Webinar Series from School Mental Health Ontario Continues Until June 4th (virtual).

Resources:

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