January 27, 2023 - Black History Month at the OCDSB, Weekly Update from Ottawa Public Health, and more.
Dear Families,
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which 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. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023 the Board of Trustees will consider a recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to create a new position to support Jewish students and staff, and to combat antisemitism and hate.
On Sunday, we will recognize the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. This week many have worn a green square on their clothing in memory of the victims and in solidarity with Muslim communities across Canada, and students and staff have engaged in learning about the importance of standing together against hate and discrimination.
Black History Month at the OCDSB
February is Black History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate Black culture and history and applaud the many achievements and significant contributions of Black Canadians. While the realities of people of African descent must be reflected in school experiences all year long, the month of February provides a special time for focused reflection on the lived experiences of Black people, past and present. Learn more about Black History Month 2023 at the OCDSB.
Weekly Update from Ottawa Public Health
This week Ottawa Public Health posted an update on the respiratory illness situation in Ottawa, sharing that while overall indicators are declining, levels of COVID-19 remain high in our community. They continue to emphasize that wearing a high-quality and well-fitted mask, staying home when sick, and getting vaccinated (flu and COVID-19) will help us keep ourselves and one another safe.
Ottawa-Carleton Virtual (OCV) Elementary and Secondary Schools - Registration
With planning underway for September 2023, OCV Elementary and Secondary schools will soon be accepting registrations for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration will be open from January 31 to February 14, 2023. Learn more.
Middle French Immersion Registration Period, February 6-10, 2023
If your child has completed the grade 3 English/Core French Program, you can register them for the OCDSB’s Middle French Immersion Program. The registration period for Middle French Immersion is open from Monday, February 6th to Friday, February 10th 2023. Learn more on our website.
OCDSB EarlyON Centres Hosting Drop-In Playgroups for Families with Children Ages 0-6
EarlyON Child & Family Centres are welcoming and supportive places where children (ages 0-6) and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers can play and learn together. At EarlyON’s free multi-age drop-in playgroups, families can explore a variety of early learning activities together, speak with early years professionals, and meet other families in their neighbourhood. No pre-registration is required to join. Drop-in playgroups are held at the following schools:
- Cambridge Street Public School
- Carleton Heights Public School
- Hilson Avenue Public School
- Severn Avenue Public School
- Queen Mary Street Public School
- York Street Public School
- Charles H. Hulse Public School
- Featherston Drive Public School
For schedules and school-specific details, visit the EarlyOn Family Resources website.
Upcoming Events
February 1: Winter Walk Day
Winter Walk Day encourages and celebrates winter walking. Even when it’s cold outside, there are so many benefits to active transportation and spending time outdoors!
February 2: Share Your Story! Virtual Strategic Plan Consultation
As we work together on our next strategic plan, we want to hear your priorities for OCDSB’s future. Our next session 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, and visit our website for more ways to share your thoughts.
February 8: Virtual Session to Support Parents of Students with Developmental Disabilities
Learning Support Services is hosting a series of virtual Question & Answer sessions for parents/caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The first session, Navigating the System, takes place February 8th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Watch this recording and use this link to join us for the virtual session. Learn More
February 8: School Council Professional Development Session (virtual)
OCDSB’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department is organizing a School Council Professional Development Session on February 8th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This virtual session, titled Creating An Atmosphere Of Belonging At The School Council Table, will include a keynote address by Lisa Anna Palmer, the international best-selling author of Light A Fire In Their Hearts: The Truth About Leadership, and will also have panel discussions on three key topics: School Councils Working With School Administrators; School Gardens And Their Positive Impact In The Community; and Recruiting a Diverse School Council. Register Now or learn more.
February 11: Black History: A Day of Celebration
We invite parents/caregivers, students, staff and community members to join us on February 11th, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., for an in-person event at the Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School to celebrate Black Excellence. This event will feature a keynote address by Meghan Stewart, founder of Mindfulness Meghan, artistic performances by OCDSB students and staff, and community members. Participants will also have an opportunity to interact with, and learn more about the work of Black Excellence Student Clubs. Register Now and learn more on our website.
February 13: Introduction to Gender Identity and Expression
Join us on Monday, February 13th from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for a webinar on Gender Identity and Gender Expression. Learn more or register now.
March 1: Transition Planning Fair (in-person)
Learning Support Services is organizing an in-person event for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities to know more about the services and supports offered by organizations in Ottawa. This event will take place on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Confederation Education Center. OCDSB staff will be on site to help guide families to connect with the type of services they need. Register Now. To know more, visit our website.
School News
Kindergarten is the start of an exciting learning adventure. Take a look inside some kindergarten classes across the District to see how students are learning, growing, and exploring together. Read the story!
Throughout the District, educators are engaging students in innovative projects that combine Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills. We caught up with three elementary classes to hear about their hands-on learning activities.
Laundry, philanthropy, and experiential learning – in a recent collaboration between the OCDSB and community partners, students from Merivale High School and Gloucester High School combined these elements to create artwork for a great cause.
In case you missed it…
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.
Nominations for the 2023 OTIP Teaching Awards: Nominations close March 31, 2023. Additional details are available at www.teachingawards.ca.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Recording: This Speaker Series event saw OCDSB’s Mental Health Team providing participants with information and tips on supporting their child’s mental health and wellbeing. For those of you who could not attend, click here to watch the recording. For upcoming Speaker Series events, visit: ocdsb.ca/SpeakerSeries
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education