March 25, 2022 - Rewards and Recognition, Extracurricular Sports and Activities, Program Registration, and more.

March 25, 2022 - Rewards and Recognition, Extracurricular Sports and Activities, Program Registration, and more.
Posted on 03/25/2022

Dear OCDSB Families, 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this first week back at school. We have been navigating a number of changes to public health guidelines, and so grateful that staff, students, and families have worked together to make these transitions as easy as possible. 

Rewards and Recognition

OCDSB Community Recognition Awards - Nominate a Volunteer 

The OCDSB Community Recognition Awards recognize the valuable contributions of our community members, parents, and businesses. In the face of many challenges, our volunteers have shown outstanding commitment to supporting students. Their compassion and dedication has continued to positively impact our schools. Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Help us celebrate the difference they have made in the lives of our students and staff! Visit our website to learn more about the six award categories, and nominate a volunteer today. Nominations close Friday, April 22nd. 

Submit a Nomination: Ottawa’s Favourite Crossing Guard 2022

Nominations for the Ottawa Safety Council’s “Ottawa’s Favourite Crossing Guard” contest are open until April 29th! This is an opportunity to recognize your school’s crossing guard for the work they do to keep students and families safe. The winning crossing guard will receive a $500 cash prize and will be presented with the Marie Armstrong Crossing Guard Award on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on May 19th. Learn more on the Ottawa Safety Council’s website

Extracurricular Sports and Activities 

Schools are working on the phase in of extracurricular sports and activities. Please note, planning for extracurriculars is school-based and may vary by site. Please reach out directly to your child’s school with any questions you may have about specific activities. Schools are encouraged to be thoughtful in their approach and reintroduce activities in a gradual manner.

Program Registration 

French and Spanish Summer Camps for Students in JK to Grade 8

Registration is now open for French and Spanish summer camps with the OCDSB. This is a great opportunity for students in JK to grade 8 to enhance their language skills in a fun-filled learning environment, and no previous experience with the languages is necessary. To learn more and register today, visit our website. This opportunity is open to students in all school boards. 

Register Now for Summer International Language Classes

Registration is open for in-person and virtual summer international language classes! Students in JK to grade 8 in all school boards are welcome to participate. Learn more and register on our website

Other Reminders 

School Cash Online - myWallet Update

School Cash Online offers a safe and convenient way to pay for school activity fees. School Cash Online is closing the myWallet payment method, and the retirement date for myWallet has been extended. We encourage parents and guardians to use their remaining myWallet balance or request a refund through School Cash Online. Other payment options continue to be available through eCheque or credit card. Registration is easy and available in multiple languages. Learn more.

Resumption of School Immunization Catch-Up Clinic Services - Hepatitis B, HPV, Meningococcal Vaccines

Ottawa Public Health is resuming school immunization catch-up clinic services, by appointment only, for youth who attend school in Ottawa and who were unable to receive their school-based vaccines (Hepatitis B, HPV, Meningococcal vaccines) at their school clinic in grade 7.

Upcoming Events 

Thursdays: Virtual Black Excellence Club and Hangout for Students in Grades 7-12

This student-led space provides a culturally responsive and welcoming environment where African, Black and Caribbean (ABC) OCDSB students can connect. Meetings will occur on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. on Google Meet (students must log in to meet.google.com using their OCDSB account). To obtain the Google Meet code, students can reach out to Black Excellence Club staff leaders, Guidance Counsellors, Student Success Teachers (7-12), or their Principal/Vice Principal. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns (including access to the Google Meet code). 

Dates of Significance 

Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m., communities around the world are turning off their lights to take part in Earth Hour. March 26th is Purple Day in support of Epilepsy Awareness. March 31st is National Indigenous Languages Day, which recognizes and celebrates Indigenous Languages. International Transgender Day of Visibility is also recognized on March 31st. We will share dates of significance occurring in April in our next update. Please remember to visit our website and follow us on social media for more information about dates of significance. 

March 29th - OCDSB Board Meeting 

The OCDSB’s Board of Trustees will meet next on Tuesday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m. for a Board Meeting. Save this link to watch the livestream.

March 31st - CRA vs Service Canada Webinar

Parents and guardians are welcome to join us March 31st at 6:00 p.m. for a webinar about services provided by the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada. Learn more on our website.

April 7th and 21st: World Autism Awareness Month Webinars 

April is World Autism Awareness Month. This is an important opportunity to reflect on the unique qualities, skills, and individual challenges faced by people with Autism, and to work together to raise awareness and promote acceptance and well-being. The OCDSB will be hosting webinars for families with guest speaker Lauren H. Kerstein, covering topics like emotion regulation for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and sensory issues and emotions. Learn more and register on our website.

April 12: OCDSB International Learning Opportunities - International Certificate Program, Exchanges and Studying Abroad 

The OCDSB offers a number of exciting opportunities for students who want to become active global citizens. On April 12th at 7:00 p.m. we will be holding a virtual information session for Grade 8-11 students and their parents/guardians to learn more about our International Certificate Program, international exchanges and studying abroad. Learn more.

COVID-19 Updates and Public Health Information 

Masks Encouraged and Other Changes 

As you know, a number of changes to COVID-19 measures came into effect this week. We’d like to remind families that wearing a mask at school is strongly encouraged, and that all staff and students must screen for COVID-19 symptoms each morning before school. To review the rest of the recent changes, please visit our website

Situations Where Masking is Required in School 

As indicated on the Ottawa Public Health website, wearing a mask is sometimes mandatory in public. Students and staff are required to continue to wear masks at school in the following situations:

  • Return from international travel: For those exempted from quarantine, wearing a well-fitted mask in public settings (including schools and childcare) is required for the first 14 days upon return to Canada from international travel, as per current federal travel requirements
  • After a COVID-19 infection: If self-isolation is complete after 5 days, wearing a well-fitted mask in public settings (including schools and childcare) is required for an additional 5 days.
  • If you are a close contact: If self-isolation is required for 5 days, close contacts coming out of isolation must wear a well-fitted mask in public settings (including schools and childcare) for an additional 5 days. If self-isolation is not required, close contacts must wear a well-fitted mask in public settings (including schools and childcare) for 10 days.

After School COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics 

Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect you and your family from COVID-19. School vaccination clinics continue to be held across the District for anyone needing a first, second, or booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. For a list of upcoming school vaccination clinics, visit Ottawa Public Health’s website.  

Remember, under the new provincial self-isolation requirements, individuals 17 and under who are considered fully-vaccinated may not need to self-isolate if a household member has possible symptoms of COVID-19. Follow the daily self-screening for guidance.

In Case You Missed It…

Confirming Transportation for the 2022-2023 School Year: The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) is requiring parents and guardians of all eligible students, including PRESTO, to confirm their transportation for the 2022-2023 school year. Please do so before the deadline of April 3, 2022 to ensure your child has transportation on the first day of school. 

Registration Open for Early Learning During the 2022-2023 School Year: Registration for the Extended Day Program (EDP) for the 2022-2023 school year is now open. Families currently enrolled in EDP are invited to re-register until April 15th, and new families are welcome to apply for EDP as well.

School Climate Survey: A reminder that the OCDSB will be conducting a school climate survey in class for students in grades 4 - 12 in April. If you would like to opt your child out of the survey, you must do so by March 28th. The opt-out form can be found on our website.  

Technology & Trades Career Pathway Event - Session Recordings: The OCDSB recently hosted its second annual Technology and Trades Event: A Pathway for all Students. The virtual event was a great success with over 20 presenters from industry, community and education sharing great opportunities with students and parents/guardians about career pathways in the skilled trades and technology. For those who could not attend the event, and for those who would like to watch it again, click here to watch the recordings of the sessions.

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor 

Director of Education 

 

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