December 22, 2022 - 2021-2022 Director’s Annual Report to the Community, 2023-2027 Strategic Plan Planning Process: Share Your Story!, and more.
Dear Families,
As we head into the winter break, we hope you are able to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. Please remember that all OCDSB schools and administrative buildings are closed on Friday, December 23 due to the incoming winter storm. We look forward to seeing all our students back at school on Monday, January 9, 2023.
I would also like to wish each and every one of you all the best in the new year, and all the best for the rest of your child’s learning journey with the OCDSB. As you know, I will be leaving the District in January, and so I want to take one more opportunity to say thank you. It has been a privilege to serve as your Director of Education for these past four years. I am so grateful for everything I have learned and each moment I have shared with our students, staff members, and families.
2021-2022 Director’s Annual Report to the Community
Each year we provide a report to the community in order to celebrate accomplishments from the previous school year, report progress on our strategic priorities, provide student achievement data, and much more. Please visit our website to take a look at some of the highlights from the 2021-2022 school year in the Director’s Annual Report.
2023-2027 Strategic Plan Planning Process: Share Your Story!
We want to hear about your priorities for OCDSB’s future. To create a Strategic Plan that is meaningful to students, families, staff and community members, we need to hear from you about your experiences and what is important to you. This is your chance to share your insights about what matters most to support student learning and well-being.
We will be using what we learn from these conversations to develop the Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.
You can join us on these public meeting dates to share your opinion:
- January 12th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Ottawa Technical Secondary School
- January 19th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Bell High School
- February 2nd, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Virtual (via Zoom)
For more ways to share your opinion and for additional information, visit our website.
Weekly Snapshot from Ottawa Public Health
As many plan to gather with friends and loved ones over the break, please take a look at Ottawa Public Health’s weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshot for reminders about how we can work together to keep ourselves and others healthy.
Cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s important to start each school day by screening for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. If your child feels sick, they should stay home. Check the screening tool for instructions about returning to school, wearing a mask, and information for siblings or other people your child lives with.
A Holiday Message from Minister of Education Stephen Lecce
Ahead of the winter break, the Minister of Education has shared a holiday greeting video for families. Please take a moment to watch the video here.
Reaching Out for Help
While the holiday season can bring rest and connection for many, it is also a time when many of us experience loneliness, changes to our routine, stress, and more. If you are experiencing difficult emotions about the upcoming holiday season or break from school, you are not alone. It’s important to reach out for support, and there are services available to assist you. If you need immediate help, please call the Ottawa Distress Line/ Help Line at 613-238-3311, or the Mental Health Crisis Line at 613-722-6914. You can also visit our website for more mental health resources.
School News
This season, many students, staff, and families are celebrating holidays or marking important occasions. Across the District, students have been learning about the diverse holidays, traditions, and celebrations within their school communities. Read the story.
Ahead of the winter break, schools across the OCDSB regularly participate in efforts in support of local community organizations - from collecting donations for charities, to creating holiday cards for seniors. See how schools are spreading kindness.
Students at Blossom Park Public School had a unique opportunity to share a few of their favourite things with the school community. The school held an Interests Day showcase, where students presented on their hobbies and passions.
January 23, 2023: Speaker Series Event - Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Wellbeing
Save the Date! Join us on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for a virtual information session on supporting your child's mental health and wellbeing. Know more about what might be signs that your child is struggling with mental health concerns and how you can communicate effectively with your child about these concerns. We will also provide information on mental health services available to yourself and your child both within and outside of the OCDSB. More details in the next update.
In case you missed it…
Gift A Lift Campaign: This holiday season, the Education Foundation of Ottawa is asking you to Gift A Lift to an OCDSB student in need. Your donation can provide the lift a student needs to help them move toward a bright future - a full belly, or a warm winter. It is the mission of the Education Foundation of Ottawa to change that. Donate Now.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy winter break, and all the best in 2023!
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education