May 9, 2025 - News, Upcoming Events, Resources, 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. The OCDSB is working collaboratively with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC), the firm appointed for the financial investigation of our organization and preliminary meetings have begun. We will continue to meet regularly during the course of the investigation and are committed to working with the Ministry of Education to resolve these matters.

The recommendations for the Elementary Program Review were presented on May 6, 2025 at the Committee of the Whole meeting. OCDSB Trustees approved a proposal to integrate elementary programming into two options, Enhanced English and French Immersion, while gradually discontinuing Alternative and Middle French Immersion. The proposal to phase out 26 special education classes was not approved. The Elementary Program Review will be finalized at a Special Board meeting on May 13, 2025.  

I would also like to bring “Unplugged Canada” to your attention. Their mission is to educate parents about the risks of early smartphone use and inspire a collective commitment to restore childhood. Through advocacy, resources, and an online pledge, parents/guardians and caregivers are empowered to unite in the creation of a smartphone-free childhood. By signing the pledge, families join a supportive community dedicated to prioritizing their children’s mental health.

News

• Ottawa Technical Secondary Student Brings Hockey Home
• Applications Open for the Marion Dewar Scholarship Fund 
• 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:

• Join Move for Youth in support of United Way - May 1st to May 15th
• OCDSB Speaker Series: Let's Talk – Substance Use, Vaping & Youth Well-Being - May 22nd, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Virtual).
• OCDSB Speaker Series: Speech and Language Virtual Open House - May 28th, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• By Your Side: Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being - Free Webinar Series from School Mental Health Ontario Continues Until June 4th (virtual).
• School Within a Trade (SWAT) - Information Session on May 12th

Resources:

• Mindful Media Podcast - Clear The Confusion: What Are Mental Health And Mental Illness?

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