Ottawa Carleton District School Board

OCDSB, in partnership with Parents for Diversity, had organized Supporting Black Student Success: Parent Advocacy Conference on March 25, 2023. This in-person event, for parents and caregivers of Black children, provided strategies for supporting and advocating for their children’s success in three areas: supporting multilingual learners, high school streaming/destreaming and responding to school discipline. Parents also had the opportunity to share their own strategies and network with each other and community partners. 

Close to 70 parents and caregivers had registered for the event and over 30 of them attended this in-person event. The sessions were provided in English and French. Participants connected with 11 community partners. Participants were also able to utilize the childminding services coordinated and delivered by Carleton University Childhood & Youth Studies students.  

Here’s what the families, presenters and Parents for Diversity members had to say about this event: 

“This is the first time I have experienced a space like this, especially to be able to have these conversations with other parents.” - Parent _

“I found all of the sessions very helpful and information and I really appreciated connecting with other parents.” - Parent _

“I enjoyed talking to other parents and exchanging ideas.” - Presenter _

“It was definitely not enough time and the next one should have longer sessions because no one wanted to leave.” - Presenter _

"This day really exemplified our valued and mission; sharing with parents and hearing the different conversations that were ongoing in the hallways and through lunch was uplifting and inspiring!” - Parents for Diversity Member _