January 20, 2023 - Nominations Open for the 2023 OTIP Teaching Awards, Weekly Update from Ottawa Public Health, and more.
Dear Families,
Today, January 20th, is an elementary Professional Activity Day. Secondary schools have a regular day of learning. As secondary schools move towards the end of the semester, students are engaged in exams. Please watch for communication from your child’s school for more information.
Nominations Open for the 2023 OTIP Teaching Awards
Do you know a teacher who inspires students, ensures a positive learning space, and encourages learning? Nominate them for an OTIP Teaching Award! Additional details are available at www.teachingawards.ca.
Weekly Update from Ottawa Public Health
While respiratory illness indicators have shown a decrease since the report last week, Ottawa Public Health emphasizes that they still remain high overall. They continue to recommend wearing a high-quality, well-fitted mask in public, staying home when sick, getting a flu shot, and staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines. Read the snapshot here.
Upcoming Events
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.
February 2: Virtual Strategic Plan Consultation
As we work together on our next strategic plan, we want to hear about your priorities for OCDSB’s future. Our next Large Group Meeting will take place via Zoom on Thursday, February 2nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Multilingual support will be available in Arabic, Cantonese, English, Korean, Mandarin and Somali. Register Now.
For more ways to share your opinion and for additional information, visit our website.
February 8: Transition Planning Q&A Session - Navigating the System
OCDSB’s Transition Team in Learning Support Services (LSS) is hosting a series of virtual Question & Answer sessions for students and parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The first 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 the participation link in the next update.
February 13: Introduction to Gender Identity and Expression
Register now to 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.
Dates to Remember This Week
- January 21: Lincoln Alexander Day. Lincoln M. Alexander was the first Black Canadian to serve as Member of Parliament, Cabinet minister and Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. Lincoln Alexander Day celebrates his legacy and invites us to reflect on his optimism and learn from his life and achievements. Learn more.
- January 22: Lunar New Year. The first day after the new (dark) moon is a religious and cultural festival celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans of Buddhist and other backgrounds as New Year’s Day. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year begin on January 22nd. We send our best wishes to all who will be celebrating!
- January 24: International Day of Education, a date proclaimed by the United Nations that reminds us of the life-changing power of education, and the importance of providing lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- January 27: Family Literacy Day, which highlights the important role families play in literacy for children of all ages. This year’s Family Literacy Day theme is Celebrate your Heritage. Find out more.
- 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. Learning the lessons from our past is essential to shaping a more inclusive future, free of antisemitism and hate. Learn more about International Holocaust Remembrance Day on our website.
- Next week…
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 where a gunman killed 6 worshipers and seriously injured 19 more. In 2022 January 29th was proclaimed the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. 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. Read more on our website.
In case you missed it…
Register for Kindergarten: Families with a child who will be four years old by December 31, 2023 can visit our website to register them for Kindergarten.
Kindergarten and High School Information Nights: Visit our website to find out when a school near you is hosting a parent information night for Kindergarten or High School.
Cross-Boundary Transfer Period: The transfer application period for elementary and secondary students runs from January 30, 2023 to February 10, 2023. Learn more on our website.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education