January 13, 2023 - It’s Time to Register for Kindergarten!, A Reminder about Post Secondary Scholarships, Upcoming Events, and more.
Dear Families,
This week, the OCDSB opened a new school. Congratulations to the staff and families of Shingwàkons Public School who managed a mid-year move to the new building in the Fernbank community in Stittsville. It’s great to be part of a growing school district - this is one of five new school construction projects underway. The other elementary schools are in Half Moon Bay, Findlay Creek, and two new high schools are planned, one in Stittsville and one in Riverside South.
Over the next few weeks, schools will be actively engaged in hosting Kindergarten, Grade 8, and other program nights. These are fantastic opportunities to explore the incredible schools we have all across this city. Whether you are in the downtown core, rural community, east, west or south, each of your schools has a vibrant and unique culture that serves your community and great staff who are ready to welcome you.
It’s Time to Register for Kindergarten!
Will your child be four years old by December 31, 2023? You can register them for Kindergarten with the OCDSB at any time! Visit our website to learn more, register, or find out when your local school’s parent information night will be held. Please help us spread the word with any families you may know with young children.
A Reminder about Post Secondary Scholarships
If your child has plans to attend college or university, remember to check what scholarships and bursaries are available. A few upcoming dates include:
Weekly Respiratory Virus Update from Ottawa Public Health
On Wednesday, Ottawa Public Health shared that levels of COVID-19 are increasing in Ottawa. Read more about what you can do to keep yourself and others healthy, including staying home when sick, getting your flu shot, staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, and wearing a well-fitted high-quality mask in indoor public settings.
Upcoming Events
January 19: Strategic Plan Consultation Event at Bell High School
We want to hear about your priorities for OCDSB’s future. Join us January 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bell High School to share your insights about what matters most to support student learning and well-being. A virtual session will also be held February 2nd from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. For more ways to share your opinion and for additional information, visit our website.
January 23: OCDSB Speaker Series, Supporting your Child's Mental Health and Well-Being
A reminder that parents and guardians are welcome to join us on Monday, January 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for Supporting your Child's Mental Health and Well-Being, a virtual OCDSB Speaker Series event. Save this link to join the session.
January 30 - February 10: Elementary and Secondary Student Transfer Application Period
All OCDSB students are assigned a designated school based on geographic and programming considerations. Families who would like their child to attend a school other than their designated school must complete a student transfer application. This year’s application period for elementary and secondary student transfers will run from Monday, January 30th to Friday, February 10th. Learn more on our website.
Save the Date: February 8: Transition Planning Q&A Session - Navigating the System
OCDSB’s Transition Team in Learning Support Services (LSS) will be hosting a series of virtual Question & Answer sessions in February 2023 and an in-person Transitions Fair on March 1, 2023 for students and parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. For the virtual sessions, we invite parents/caregivers to watch the recordings of last year’s workshops and then join us for a Q&A session on a specific topic. The first Q&A session will be held on February 8, 2023, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and the topic for that day is Navigating the System.
Watch this recording and join us for the virtual session where we will help answer your questions. We will share more details in the next update.
Save the Date: February 13, Introduction to Gender Identity and Expression
Are you a parent or caregiver to a trans, gender diverse, or questioning child or youth? Do you have questions about gender diversity? Are you interested in learning more about creating inclusive environments for children and youth in your life? Join us on Monday, February 13th from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for a webinar on Gender Identity and Gender Expression. We will explore questions about gender identity and expression and how parents and guardians can support young people to be themselves, regardless of age or gender. Registration details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Dates to Remember This Week
- January 16: Martin Luther King Jr Day, an opportunity to reflect on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.
- January 17: OCDSB Committee of the Whole Meeting. View the agenda and watch the livestream. The public meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
- January 19: Black Excellence Day, a District-wide event. Students and staff are encouraged to participate by wearing black on January 19th, and by including the voice, vision and contributions of people of Black African descent in their learning throughout the year. Learn more on our website.
- January 20: PA Day for Elementary Students.
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
International Holocaust Remembrance Day honours and remembers the over six million Jews murdered and countless other victims of the Holocaust. At the OCDSB, it is our obligation 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. Resources are being shared with staff members to help guide learning, and more will be posted to our website, including:
Learning from our past is critical to shaping a more inclusive future, free of antisemitism and hate.
January 29: National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
On January 29th, 2017, a tragic Islamophobic attack took place at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. A gunman opened fire on worshipers, killing 6 and seriously injuring 19 more. In 2022, the federal government officially designated January 29 as a National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. On this day, all are welcome to wear a green square on their clothing in solidarity with the Muslim community and to show hope for a future without hate. Green symbolizes the green carpet of the Quebec City mosque where the victims last prayed, and also represents the colour of life, harmony, safety, and hope. Information will be shared with schools to support student learning on this date.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education