October 11, 2024 - Initial Learning Updates, November 2nd - OCDSB Family Conference: Register Now!, and more
Dear Families,
Over the past two weeks, I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit a number of school sites and school-related events. Last week, for instance, I took part in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Conservation Forum at the Museum of Nature... a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental agencies, as well as Indigenous peoples' organizations... to discuss projects for environmental sustainability in the education sector. It was so inspiring to hear our student leaders speak to the importance of these promising practices for the benefit of our planet... harnessing innovation, while enabling conservation.
I also visited Manotick Public School and spent some time with students in a Grades 5 and 6 class, as they were preparing to welcome a baby into their classroom for regular visits as part of the 'Roots of Empathy' initiative... a worthy endeavour that strives to build caring, peaceful and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults. These experiences remind me daily that we have great things going on at the OCDSB!
Initial Learning Updates
The Initial Learning Updates (ILU) for semestered secondary schools were emailed to parents, guardians and eligible students on October 10th. Visit ocdsb.ca/reportcards for details. For any additional information or issues, please contact the school.
November 2nd - OCDSB Family Conference: Register Now!
Join us for a day of collaboration, inspiring speakers, and workshops to help support your child’s educational journey. This year’s OCDSB Family Conference takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Woodroffe High School. This year’s theme is Supporting Education Through Change. This free, in-person event, will feature noted youth entrepreneur, author and inspirational speaker Sam Demma as the keynote speaker. There will also be multiple-expert led workshops with some offered in multiple languages. Register Now! For more details visit our website.
Arts Canterbury Open House (in-person)
November 5th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Dance, Drama and Music Open House
November 7th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Literary Art and Visual Art Open House
Canterbury High School will be hosting two Arts Open Houses for Grade 8 students and their families. Families are invited to attend these in-person events to learn more about the OCDSB's specialized arts programming and application procedures for the 2024-25 school year. For more information, visit this website.
November 6th - Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day
OCDSB secondary school students will have the opportunity to explore post-secondary pathways and career possibilities on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. On this Post-Secondary Pathways and Career Exploration Day, Grade 9 students are encouraged to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day while grades 10-12 students are encouraged to participate in Launch 2024, a one-day virtual pathways and career exploration conference.
November 6th - Parent and Caregiver Mental Health and Wellness Virtual Workshop
Ottawa Public Health, in partnership with Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, is presenting a workshop to increase parents’ and caregivers’ awareness of mental health wellness in children and youth and how they can support their well-being. It will also showcase resources and services available in Ottawa. Join via Zoom on November 6th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Meeting ID: 858 7289 6732, Passcode: 100020).
Cyber Security and Media Literacy Resources
Everyone can take simple steps to stay safe online and protect their devices. The Government of Canada provides valuable resources to help you secure your accounts, devices, and connections. Cyber Security Ontario offers resources to help students of all ages learn about social media safety, privacy, cyber scams, misinformation, and cyberbullying. Additionally, MediaSmarts offers a wealth of tools to enhance media literacy, digital citizenship, and positive engagement with media, including videos, games, and other fun and informative materials for families and students.
New Career Studies Mental Health Literacy Modules
Learning about mental health at school can help students build skills and strategies that promote well-being. This year, we're introducing two new Mental Health Literacy Modules from the Ministry of Education within the Grade 10 Careers Studies Course (GLC20). These modules will help students prepare for and manage stresses, while knowing how to seek mental health support if they need it. Learn about the modules and how you can continue the conversation with your child at home.
Classroom Chronicles
Staff at the OCDSB’s central administration office rang in the school year with a Fall Barbeque lunch. The event combined great food with a great cause, with all proceeds supporting the Education Foundation of Ottawa. This is the latest in a series of staff engagement initiatives which have raised $1,500 for the Foundation! Read the story.
Upcoming Starred Dates:
Yom Kippur will begin at sundown today. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year and a day of fasting for Jewish families. We send our best wishes to all who are observing.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami), which is observed on October 12th, celebrates the victory of good over evil, following the nine-day celebration of Navaratri (nine nights) and Durga Puja (worship). Wishing a Happy Dussehra to everyone celebrating!
Reminders:
Career Opportunities
Positions available include:
- Team Lead - IT Security and Identity - Application Deadline: October 18, 2024
- Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA) - 12 Month Contract - Application Deadline: October 25, 2024
- Technological Studies Technician - Hospitality - Applications Ongoing
Visit our careers page to see job opportunities at the OCDSB and find out how you can make a real difference supporting our students and staff.
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
October 15th, 6:00 p.m. - Special Board Meeting
October 16th, 6:00 p.m. - Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)
October 17th, 6:00 p.m. - Indigenous Education Council (IEC)
October 21st, 7:00 p.m. - Arts Advisory Committee
October 22nd, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
October 24th, 6:00 p.m. - Advisory Committee on Equity
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, Days and Months of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
Helpful Links:
- Donate to the Education Foundation of Ottawa (external link)
- OCDSB Safe Schools Reporting Tool
- School Council News
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education