December 9, 2022 - Standing Up to Antisemitism, December 10: Human Rights Day, and more.
Hello Families,
Standing Up to Antisemitism
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board stands against antisemitism. We are aware of the vile, antisemitic statements and messages targeted at Trustee Nili Kaplan-Myrth. Many of these statements have included antisemitic slurs, epithets, threats of harm, aggression, and in some cases, illegal activity. This is unacceptable and inexcusable.
Students and staff in our schools, and in the community, are experiencing a rise in antisemitic behavior. Hateful, aggressive or threatening actions or statements by any member of the OCDSB community will be investigated and disciplined. Any evidence of hate crimes will be reported to local authorities.
December 10: Human Rights Day
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Human Rights Day is recognized each year on December 10th, the anniversary of the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is like a roadmap for the world, to achieve equality and freedom.
The OCDSB has its own Indigenous, equity and human rights roadmap that we use to guide us to be better, do better, and create more inclusive working and learning spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and feels belonging. Guided by this roadmap, here is how we are taking action to promote and protect the human rights of our students, staff members, and families:
We all have a responsibility to promote and protect human rights in our schools, workplaces, and communities. This can be achieved through our effort to create cultures of acceptance and belonging and to stand up against words and actions that are hateful, racist, threatening, or aggressive.
Nominate a Teacher or Early Childhood Educator for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominate an outstanding educator for the 2023 Prime Minister's Awards today! The Prime Minister's Awards recognize excellence in teaching, teaching excellence in STEM, and excellence in Early Childhood Education. Award recipients are honoured for their remarkable achievements in education and for their commitment to innovation. Nominations must be sent in by January 17, 2023 - nominate a teacher here or an early childhood educator here.
New French Summer Learning Opportunity: Earn Two High School Credits through The Explore Program
This summer, secondary students can have the opportunity to spend 3-4 weeks immersed in a French language environment to help build language skills; enjoy French cultural activities; and connect with other FSL students from across Canada. The Explore program is open to OCDSB students entering grades 10, 11 or 12 in September 2023 at any level of French (Open, Core or Immersion). Students who complete a language portfolio and oral interview in addition to this experiential learning opportunity will have the chance to earn both a French Language credit and a Travel & Tourism credit. To learn more, complete this form and join us on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. for an information session. A Google Meet link will be shared with you when you complete the form.
Weekly Snapshot from Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa Public Health has provided an updated Respiratory Virus Snapshot for the past week. Please take a moment to read their overview and practice the recommended actions, including masking, vaccines, staying home when sick, and hand hygiene to keep ourselves and others healthy.
School News
In November, Carson Grove Elementary School welcomed Minister Karina Gould and Minister Mona Fortier to announce the launch of an online questionnaire to build towards a national school food policy. The questionnaire invites all Canadians who have experience with, or an interest in, school food policy and programming in Canada to share their feedback by December 16th. Read more.
In case you missed it…
Dates and Reminders for the Winter Break: Here are a few important details for students and families to remember.
- The last day of school for elementary and secondary students will be Friday, December 23, 2022.
- All students will return to class on Monday, January 9, 2023.
- All elementary and secondary schools (including school offices) and OCDSB administrative sites will be closed as of the end of regular hours on Friday, December 23, 2022.
- Secondary school offices and OCDSB administrative sites will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
- Elementary school offices will reopen on Monday, January 9, 2023.
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.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education