October 28, 2022 - OCDSB Welcomes Newly-Elected Trustees, Reminder to Register for the 2022 Parent Conference!, and more.
Dear Families,
OCDSB Welcomes Newly-Elected Trustees
Congratulations to the twelve trustees who were elected on Monday. The trustees elect will be sworn-in at a public meeting on November 15th and will serve a four-year term. Until then, the current Board of Trustees will remain in office. Over the coming weeks, the five returning and seven newly-elected trustees will participate in an extensive orientation program to learn more about their role and responsibilities under the Education Act. Learn more. Thanks to everyone who participated in the municipal election process.
Reminder to Register for the 2022 Parent Conference!
Join us on Saturday, November 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ridgemont High School for a keynote address by CHEO’s Dr. Michael Cheng, and over a dozen workshops (with some offered in Arabic and Somali). All parents and guardians are welcome - attendance is free. Learn more on our website, or register now.
A Fun and Safe Halloween
Monday, October 31st is Halloween. Please check with your child’s school/class to see whether they are planning any activities or events to mark this day. Costumes and participation in Halloween events are optional.
If your child is wearing a costume, please:
- Avoid costumes that mimic the traditional attire of an ethnic, religious, racial or gender group. Pretending to be a member of a group is cultural appropriation and sends the message that cultural attire is a ‘costume’ to be donned for entertainment purposes.
- Avoid costumes that are intended to, or have the impact of, inciting fear and anxiety, stereotyping, misrepresenting or making fun of an ethnic, religious, racial or gender group.
- Ensure costumes are properly fitting, easy to wear, safe for travel and play, and not too scary, particularly for younger children or those who may be triggered.
And don’t forget, on Halloween night, it can be hard to see trick or treating children. Please drive safely and remind your children to be extra cautious for traffic.
Elementary and Secondary Report Cards
In November, report cards will be sent by email to parents, guardians, and students in grades 7-12. Elementary report cards will be sent on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Secondary report cards will be sent on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. You will need your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access the report card. Learn more about how to find your child’s OEN and how to use it to open the report card. Follow this link to learn more about how to understand your child’s report card.
New OCDSB Podcast - The Joy of Reading
For some kids, learning to read comes easy. For others, it can be a challenge. In this podcast, we talk with Julie Butterworth, an instructional coach with the OCDSB Program and Learning Department. She provides a few tips to support early learners and discusses how parents can help their children develop a joy of reading. Listen and learn more: ocdsb.ca/inconversation
Recording Available: Explore Digital Parenting with MediaSmarts
On Tuesday, MediaSmarts and the OCDSB hosted a virtual workshop for Media Literacy Week called Explore Digital Parenting. Participants learned strategies on managing kids’ screen time, keeping children safe online, and more. Visit MediaSmarts’ website for the presentation materials and watch the recording.
November is Holocaust Education Month
Holocaust Education Month provides an important opportunity for students, staff, and families to learn more about the history and impact of the Holocaust. We have an individual and collective duty to understand the Holocaust and to educate, prevent, challenge and address antisemitism in all its forms. Educating students about the Holocaust, equipping staff members with helpful resources and lessons, and sharing additional information with families is an important part of this responsibility. Please visit our website to learn more, and for additional resources and event information.
Hindu Heritage Month
November is Hindu Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important social, political, economic, and cultural contributions Hindu Canadians have made in Ontario, and to educate future generations about Hindu Canadians.
Treaties Recognition Week
Each November, Treaties Recognition Week provides an opportunity for everyone in Ontario to learn more about and recognize the importance of treaty rights and relationships. Treaties Recognition Week is November 6-12, 2022.
November 1: OCDSB Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will meet in-person on Tuesday, November 1.This will be an opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to the outgoing trustees for their incredible service to the OCDSB. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.with a reception to follow. Please save this link to watch the livestream.
November 4: PA Day for Elementary Students
A reminder that Friday, November 4th is a Professional Activity Day for all elementary schools. There will be no classes for elementary students on this date.
School News
Through the OCDSB's International Certificate Program (ICP), secondary students are learning about the world and growing as intercultural ambassadors. Read about the ICP and what students have said about their experience.
Recently, Glebe Collegiate Institute brought together current and former students and staff for a weekend of activities marking the school’s 100th anniversary. Take a look at the celebrations!
In case you missed it…
November 2: Take Our Kids to Work Day: Take Our Kids to Work gives grade nine students the opportunity to shadow a parent or family friend in their place of work for a day. Students who do not visit a workplace and remain in school for the day will have opportunities in class to explore various job and career options.
November 9: Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Road Trip - Transforming Cultures for Students, Staff and Families: The OCDSB is hosting a special event to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we need to go to fulfill our commitments to Indigenous education, equity and human rights. On November 9 we will launch our “Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Road Trip” with an event for students, families and staff at Woodroffe High School. Learn more and register.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education