January 6, 2022 - Best Wishes for 2023!, 2023-2027 Strategic Plan Planning Process: Share Your Story! , and more
Best Wishes for 2023!
Dear OCDSB Families,
I hope you had a nice Winter Break. On behalf of everyone at the school district, I wish you a very Happy New Year. The start of a new calendar year is often a time for reflection, renewal and new beginnings.
Over the break, I have been reflecting on the exceptional work of Camille Williams-Taylor, our outgoing Director of Education. She has been a strong and vibrant leader, and has moved the OCDSB forward in so many important ways. I have had the privilege of working with and learning from Camille, and now have the daunting task of following in her footsteps.
This is an exciting opportunity. While the Board undertakes a comprehensive search for a future Director of Education, I hope to bring stability, credibility, and continuity to the important work of the school district this year. Fortunately, I am surrounded by over 12,000 very talented and dedicated colleagues, and well supported by the Board of Trustees. In the weeks and months ahead, I hope to have the opportunity to connect with as many employees, students, families, and community partners as possible. Our very first opportunity starts this week, with a chance for you to share your thoughts about what matters most for student learning and well-being at our strategic planning consultation. Learn more below.
2023-2027 Strategic Plan Planning Process: Share Your Story!
We want to hear about your priorities for OCDSB’s future. This is your chance to share your insights about what matters most to support student learning and well-being.
You can join us on these upcoming 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.
OCDSB Speaker Series: Supporting your Child's Mental Health and Well-Being
Join us on Monday, January 23rd at 6:00 p.m. for a virtual workshop that will help answer the following questions:
- What is mental health?
- What might be signs that your child is struggling with emerging or escalating mental health concerns?
- How can you communicate effectively with your child about their mental health and well being?
Participants will learn concrete strategies to engage in these conversations from a place of empathy, validation, and compassion, and will discover the mental health services available to students and their families both within and outside of the OCDSB. Registration details will be shared in the coming weeks. Learn more about supporting mental health this January from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team.
Kindergarten and High School Parent Information Nights
If your child will be starting Kindergarten or High School this September, we can help you get ready. OCDSB schools are hosting parent information nights throughout January and February to help families prepare, learn how to register, and more. Information night schedules for kindergarten and high school are available on our website, along with helpful tips and resources for families.
Dates to Remember in January
Our elementary and secondary calendars have detailed information about upcoming PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more. Please note:
- January 20th is an PA Day for Elementary Students
- January 24th - 30th are Exam Days for Secondary Students
- January 31st is a PA Day for Secondary Students
Some Days of Significance This Week
- January 6th is Epiphany
- January 7th is Orthodox Christmas
- January 14th is Makar Sankranti
Learn more on our Multi-faith Calendar.
Tamil Heritage Month
January is Tamil Heritage Month in Ontario. January is an important month for Tamil Canadians, as it includes the Tamil Harvest Festival, Thai Pongal, and other Tamil artistic and cultural events. This month provides an opportunity for all to celebrate Tamil culture and recognize the many contributions Tamil Canadians have made across the province.
January 19th: Black Excellence Day
On Thursday, January 19th OCDSB students and staff are invited to participate in Black Excellence Day. Black Excellence Day was first organized and recognized by OCDSB students and staff in early 2022, and reminds us that despite intentional inequities, People of Black African descent continue to excel in all areas of life. This year, Black Excellence Day is being held just before Lincoln Alexander Day, honouring and sharing information about Lincoln Alexander and other Black Canadians who have made significant contributions to our communities. Black Excellence Day is an opportunity for us to come together to repair the harm and damage caused by racism's past and present oppressive practices. Students and staff members will be engaging in learning before and after the date, and are welcome to wear black on January 19th. More information will be shared on our website.
Friday, January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023
In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as a day of remembrance to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. On this day, we honour the brave survivors, and recognize the heroes who risked their lives to save others during the dark days of the Holocaust. We will continue to share their stories of courage, hope, and perseverance against unspeakable evil, so that the pain and loss endured during the Shoah will never be forgotten. Resources are available to schools to support recognition and learning of this important day.
Weekly Snapshot from Ottawa Public Health
This week, Ottawa Public Health has shared that indicators for COVID-19 and RSV are rising within the community, while high levels of Flu continue to circulate. Learn more about the current situation in Ottawa and what you can do to keep yourself and others healthy.
Have a healthy and happy weekend.
Michele Giroux
Incoming Director of Education