Briefing from the Chair of the Board
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This week the Education Foundation of Ottawa will be holding a special fundraiser for its Bridges Over Barriers fund. They’re calling it “What’s up with Bob?” and asking you to take part in a fun social media activity and donate. The goal is to raise $100,000, which will support social workers in OCDSB schools.
To learn more or donate, visit the Education Foundation of Ottawa website.
I also wanted to mention an article in the Ottawa Business Journal’s Gift Giving Guide from Executive Director Clarissa Arthur. In it, she discusses Black Lives Matter and representation in the charitable sector. Check our social media to read more.
The Education Foundation of Ottawa continues to provide critical support to students in our District. We thank Ms. Arthur for her leadership.
On Tuesday, December 8th, we will be hosting an Indigenous Speaker Series event for Grade 7 to 12 students and staff.
Our presenter will be Isaac Murdoch, an Indigenous artist and environmentalist. He is currently working on a new book and will be sharing his experiences with the writing process and the process of getting a book published.
The Ottawa Safety Council has asked us to share with the community information about new crossing guard safety measures. Crossing guards will now be using a whistle to let pedestrians know when it’s safe to cross and ensure motorists are stopped. Two short whistle blasts mean it’s safe to walk across the road.
This is a great opportunity to remind us all about the important work they do in keeping our children safe.
Briefing from the Director
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On December 2nd, the OCDSB is hosting a virtual conference for students in Grades 11 and 12 to explore going to college or university, starting an apprenticeship, entering the workforce, starting a business, or taking a gap year.
The event will help students gather information and hear about different learning experiences and opportunities from current students, apprentices and employees. Visit our website to register and learn more.
Last week, Youth Ottawa and the OCDSB presented the first Rainbow Bridges student film festival. This event showcased films made through the Rainbow Bridges program. The goal of the event was to raise awareness of the 2SLGBTQ+ resources available to schools, teachers and students. The next film festival will be held in February.
Visit our website to watch last week’s event or learn more about submitting a film to the next festival.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge a letter received from Dr. Vera Etches on behalf of Ottawa Public Health and the community. The letter offers thanks to the work that each of our staff members does to keep our schools clean and safe. I could not agree with Dr. Etches more than when she writes:
“You are providing a safe environment for our kids to learn, grow and be meaningfully connected to others. We know that everyone working in schools has made the health, safety and well-being of students their top priority, and we are witnessing that your efforts are truly making a difference.”
I too would like to extend my thanks to all staff and I encourage you to take a few minutes to read the full letter on our website.
COVID-19 Update
OCDSB staff presented an update to trustees on COVID-19.
In-camera Motions
Trustees approved in-camera motions with respect to a financial matter and a human resources matter.
Public Motions
Trustees approved the following:
- Confirmation of Board Minutes:
- Board, 27 October 2020
- Special Board, 16 November 2020 (as amended)
- Receipt of Committee of the Whole Minutes, 10 November 2020
- Audit Committee, 21 October 2020
- Approval of 2019-2020 Annual Report on Internal Audit Activity
- Approval of Audit Committee Annual Report 2019-2020
- Approval of 2020-2021 Internal Audit Plan
- Oral Report, Audit Committee, 23 November 2020
- Approval of Draft 2019-2020 Consolidated Financial Statements
- Report 20-089, Appointment of LDAO Alternate Representative to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Meeting ended at 1030pm
The meeting concluded at 11pm