April 8, 2022 - Summer School Registration for Grades 9-12 is Now Open, School News, Social Media, and more

April 8, 2022 - Summer School Registration for Grades 9-12 is Now Open, School News, Social Media, and more
Posted on 04/08/2022

Dear Families,

We know that many families are having to adjust schedules in response to temporary class closures and we apologize for the inconvenience. We continue to have challenges recruiting sufficient replacement staff to cover absences. While COVID is definitely a factor, we have also experienced gastro viruses in some parts of the community. We continue to encourage following public health guidance to check daily for symptoms, stay home when ill, practice regular hand washing and wear a mask.

Summer School Registration for Grades 9-12 is Now Open

Summer School is a great option for students who wish to complete an additional credit or who may need to upgrade a mark during the summer. Offerings include Reach Ahead, eLearning, Co-op and more (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Register by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, and visit our website to learn more. 

School News

Visit our School News page to read the latest stories from our schools:

Social Media

Over the past couple years we have seen a concerning rise in social media as a place for hurtful and divisive comments, bullying and intimidation. We recognize the value of social media as a communications tool. We also welcome feedback when someone disagrees with our approach, tone, imagery, or wording. But in a community, whether in-person or online, we must be civil with one another and approach conversations from a place of kindness and respect. We believe that the majority of our community members feel the same way. With this in mind, we have been rethinking how we approach social media and our responsibility to curate a safe and respectful online community. Next week, we will be sharing more information about what we can do, individually and collectively to set expectations for how we engage with each other online.  

OCDSB’s Draft Policy on Student Exclusions 

The OCDSB is seeking input on the proposed new Policy P.144.SCO on Student Exclusions. This policy would provide guidance on the authority of school principals to exclude a student from school due to safety concerns. Exclusions are non-disciplinary and are used to mitigate risk to student safety in schools. A policy is being developed to ensure consistent standards of practice in schools. Members of the public are welcome to submit their feedback on the policy up until May 27th, 2022 by emailing [email protected]. More information is available on our website.

Upcoming Events

April 12th - OCDSB International Learning Opportunities - International Certificate Program, Exchanges and Studying Abroad - 7:00 p.m.

On April 12th at 7:00 p.m. we will be holding a virtual information session for Grade 8-11 students and their parents and guardians to learn more about our International Certificate Program, international exchanges and studying abroad. Learn more.

April 12th: Skilled in STEM - Career Discovery Expo - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  

In partnership with Build a Dream, the OCDSB will be hosting an interactive Canada-wide Virtual Skilled Trades and STEM Expo. This event is for students Grades 7-12 and their parents and guardians. It will highlight opportunities in a number of careers around Youth Apprenticeship Programs to better assist students to make informed career choices. For registration and additional information, visit this link . 

April 21st - Sensory Issues and Emotions: A Guide to Assisting Children and Adolescents with Self-Awareness and Strategy Development  - 7:00 p.m.

Join guest speaker Lauren H. Kerstein on April 21st at 7:00 p.m. to engage in an exploration of sensory issues and the impact they have on our emotions, mental health system, and self-regulation. Participants will develop a better understanding of sensory challenges and strategies that might assist a child with increasing their ability to understand and manage sensory issues. Register here or watch the event livestream at this link.

Important Dates 

April is Earth Month and Poetry Month. This year, the city of Ottawa has declared April 9th as Isabelle Weidemann Day, in honour of Colonel By graduate Isabelle Weidemann’s achievements at the 2022 Winter Olympics. April 13th is International Day of Pink, an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion and raise awareness to end transphobia, homophobia, and all forms of bullying. 

COVID-19 Updates and Public Health Information 

As more public health measures have been lifted, it’s important to remember that COVID is still present in Ottawa. To make informed decisions about the levels of risk for you and those around you, visit Ottawa Public Health’s website. If you or your child has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, complete this self-isolation determination tool to find out if self-isolation is needed.

Reminder about the Voluntary COVID-19 Reporting Dashboard 

A reminder that the OCDSB Voluntary COVID-19 Reporting Dashboard is still active and will be for the remainder of the current school year.  Parents, students and staff - please use the dashboard to report confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 - it is a great way for everyone to access information on positive cases. 

In case you missed it…

There’s still time to Nominate a Volunteer for the OCDSB’s Community Recognition Awards: Visit our website to learn more about the six award categories and to nominate a volunteer. Nominations close Friday, April 22nd.

We’d like to remind you that next weekend there will be no school for elementary or secondary students on Friday, April 15th and Monday, April 18th. We send our warmest wishes to all who will be observing Vaisakhi, Passover, Easter, or another occasion or celebration that is important to your family.

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor 

Director of Education

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