November 25, 2022 - December 6: Secondary Gifted Program Parent and Caregiver Information Session, December 8: All About High School Virtual Information Session, and more.

December 8: All About High School Virtual Information Session
Posted on 11/28/2022

Hello Students, 

This was a challenging week for the OCDSB community. The Board of Trustees considered whether to mandate masking for students and staff, and our student trustees provided an important voice at the table as well. These meetings generated a lot of discussion, both inside and outside of the Boardroom. After much debate, the motion did not pass. This means that wearing a mask in OCDSB schools and buildings is not mandatory, but it continues to be strongly encouraged. 

There are several respiratory viruses circulating in our community and our health care system is under extreme pressure. Ottawa Public Health recommends masking in all indoor public settings as part of a series of strategies to prevent the spread of illness in our community. Additional measures include, monitoring for symptoms, staying home from school or work if sick, handwashing, and getting the COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot to protect yourself and others. These strategies are highlighted in a recent letter to families from Dr. Kieran Moore (CMOH) and in this week’s update from Ottawa Public Health.

Public discourse and the debate of ideas is important. Critical thinking is important.  Criticism, attacks, and abuse of others for their beliefs or ideas is not okay. As a community, we need to learn from and move past the difficult experiences of this week. We all deeply care about the health, wellness and education of students. We must all do our best to listen, learn and engage with one another in a respectful manner, supporting the dignity of every person.

December 6: Secondary Gifted Program Parent and Caregiver Information Session

Parents and guardians are invited to join us for an information session about the OCDSB’s Secondary Gifted Program on Tuesday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m. Participants will learn more about the application process, the program, and will have the opportunity to ask questions. If you think your parent or guardian might be interested, they can attend at this link

December 8: All About High School Virtual Information Session

Inviting all Grade 8-11 students and their families for the All About High School Virtual Information Session on Thursday, December 8, 2022, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This virtual conference, organized by OCDSB’s Innovation and Adolescent Learning team, will provide details about the transition from Grade 8 to high school. Learn more 

School News

Last month, eight current and former OCDSB students were honoured at the 25th Annual RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards for their achievements in arts and culture, academic perseverance, service and caring, and more. Read about the recipients.

Dates to Remember 

December 1: Nunatsiavut Day 

Nunatsiavut Day acknowledges the effective date of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, which came into effect in 2005. This agreement recognized Inuit ownership of 15,800 square kilometres of land and the creation of the 9,600 square kilometre Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve. Nunatsiavut is the first of the Inuit regions in Canada to achieve self-government, and means "Our Beautiful Land" in Inuktitut.

Reminders 

November 30: Canterbury Arts Open House, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  

December 1: Ontario Universities’ Virtual Information Session, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

December 3: Brick and Masonry Information Session - Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Looking for More Information on Upcoming Events or Dates? 

Remember to consult the OCDSB’s elementary and/or secondary calendars for PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more. Board Meetings, committee meetings, and dates of significance can be found on the OCDSB’s board calendar. In addition, religious and/or cultural dates can be found in our MultiFaith calendar. A reminder that our email communications are conducted on a weekly basis. While we typically share event information well in advance for planning purposes, important dates mentioned are not an exhaustive list for the month ahead. 

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education 

 

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