The Newsbrief is meant to provide the highlights of the decisions made at the Board meeting for the benefit of our community. The notes do not serve as the official record of the meeting. Please refer to Board or Committee minutes.
For full agenda package prepared ahead of this meeting, visit this link.
Briefing from the Chair of the Board
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June 1 is the start of Pride Month.
From June 1-30th, all OCDSB schools will be flying our new Progress Pride Flag. Along with the rainbow, this flag also features black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, and baby blue, pink and white to include the trans flag in its design.
By flying this flag, the OCDSB is reaffirming its values and commitment to creating and sustaining a culture of caring where 2SLGBTQ+ students, families and staff matter and are welcome, seen and represented at OCDSB.
Educators have been provided with resources to discuss 2SLGBTQ+ identities and the importance of representation. Also, on June 1st, we will host an information session for parents to discuss gender identity and supports available at the OCDSB. More details can be found on our website.
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On Thursday, May 27th, students, staff and community members are invited to attend this year’s Black Student Forum. The theme is "A Year of Resistance and Resilience: Moving forward with clear vision". The event will include guest speakers and there will be opportunities to discuss and interact. A link to the livestream is on our website.
Briefing from the Director
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I would like to highlight a few interesting programs for Black and Indigenous students this summer:
The OCDSB is adding a new Reach Ahead credit course for Black students who have completed Grade 8 as of June 2021. This course will allow students to earn an Academic English credit over the summer before they start high school. The course will have an Afrocentric focus and will include mentoring and leadership opportunities, strong community connections and a focus on celebrating Black excellence.
Also this summer, Indigenous students can earn an academic credit while learning from Indigenous teachers, Elders and Traditional Knowledge Holders. This opportunity is for Grade 8 Indigenous students looking to earn a credit while transitioning to Grade 9. It is also open to all other secondary Indigenous students.
Details and registration information is coming soon for both of these programs.
COVID-19 Update
OCDSB staff presented an update to trustees on COVID-19.
In-camera Motions
Trustees approved a motion that staff be authorised to proceed with respect to the renewal of insurance.
Public Motions
Trustees approved the following:
- The proposed consultation plan for the update of Policy P.100.IT - Appropriate Use of Technology, attached as Appendix A to Report 21-038, as amended.
- Trustees Boothby and Penny be appointed as the two directors to the OPSBA Board of Directors, the voting and alternate delegates for the Eastern Regional Council meetings, and the voting and alternate delegates for the OPSBA Annual General meeting for the period 7 July 2021 to 7 July 2022.
- Trustees Campbell and Jennekens be appointed as the two alternate directors to the OPSBA Board of Directors for the period 7 July 2021 to 7 July 2022.
- The Board invoke the provisions of Section 8.6 of the Board’s By-laws and Standing Rules regarding the calling of extraordinary meetings of the Board, for the purpose of dealing with issues related to planning as a result of COVID-19 and Labour Relations matters, for the period from 25 May 2021 to 01 December 2021.
- The revised school year calendars (Appendix A and B) be submitted to the Ministry of Education as the official 2021-2022 school year calendar for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s elementary and secondary schools.
Meeting ended at 8:30 pm