May 12, 2023 - OCDSB Strategic Plan Open House: May 15th, Celebrating Education Support Workers, and more.
OCDSB Strategic Plan Open House: May 15th
Many of you have shared thoughts about priorities for the next OCDSB strategic plan. Join us on Monday, May 15th, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at the Ottawa Technical Secondary School (485 Donald St) for an in-person public meeting where there will be an opportunity to review the draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. You’ll hear about what we learned during consultation and how that has shaped our thinking. This is an opportunity for you to provide feedback as we work toward finalizing the Strategic Plan by the end of the school year. We will be providing support in the Arabic language for those who require it.
Celebrating Education Support Workers
On Tuesday, May 16th, we recognize World Education Support Personnel Day. Our educational support staff, including custodial staff, technicians, educational assistants, early childhood educators, professional student services staff are simply amazing. Their work is critical to our ability to provide safe and caring learning environments and the impact they have on the lives of students is immeasurable. To all of our educational support workers - we are grateful for your many, many talents, endless energy, quiet determination, and positive contributions to our schools and administrative offices.
OCDSB Submission: Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023
In April, the Ontario government put forward Bill 98: Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 which proposes sweeping changes to the Education Act, with increased provincial direction in a number of areas. This week, Chair Lyra Evans spoke to the draft legislation at the Ontario Standing Committee on Social Policy. On the various components of the bill. On behalf of the Board, the Chair expressed the concerns of the Board about the scope and breadth of these changes and their potential adverse impact on the local autonomy of school boards to act in the best interests of their communities.” Read our full submission.
Classroom Chronicles
Last week was Mental Health Week at the OCDSB. Across the district, students participated in activities to connect with one another, talk about mental health, and promote mental wellness.
As part of our commitment to building global awareness, in April, we welcomed 70 grade 11 students from Yamate Gakuin High School in Yokohama, Japan for a two-week exchange program. The students attended four OCDSB schools and participated in a wide range of activities.
Grade 9 and 10 students explored the tools of the trades by visiting the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck, where they had the opportunity to experience skilled trades through hands-on activities and simulations.
Castlefrank Elementary School transformed its schoolyard into a gallery of Indigenous art, inviting students to participate in an outdoor Art Stroll. This activity was part of the school’s Outdoor Nature Learning Kits, which enabled students to explore the world around them through the lens of Indigenous Education.
Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
Parenthood is filled with joy, laughter and fun, however, it is also filled with busyness, chaos, and sometimes the plain exhaustion that can take us away from enjoying the moments as they come. Here are a few tips and resources from the OCDSB’s Mental Health Team to help you discover the benefits of laughter in creating stronger family connections, increasing coping skills and rediscovering joy in parenting.
Save the Date: Black Youth Forum - Wednesday, June 7
Join the OCDSB for our sixth annual Black Youth Forum! This year, our theme is Black Joy, and we're excited to explore different aspects of this theme with you. The forum will feature multiple groups, each with their own unique perspective on Black Joy. You will have the opportunity to learn, share, and engage with others in a fun and supportive environment. Registration and more information will be shared at a later date.
Ottawa Public Health: Virtual Party Safer and Naloxone Training for Grade 12 Students
As the end of the school year and the start of event season approaches, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recognizes it is a time where youth might be faced with challenging decisions when partying. OPH is offering no-cost virtual Party Safer & Naloxone training sessions prior to the start of prom season. The sessions will cover commonly used substances and drug poisoning; how to identify an overdose; the 5 steps to respond to an opioid overdose; consent, bystander intervention, and sexual health; Party Safer tips; and where to go for help. Attendees will receive a naloxone kit.
Grade 12 students can register online through Eventbrite using the following links:
Please refer to OPH’s Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage for more information.
Important Dates in the Week Ahead
- May 14: Apraxia Awareness Day. Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a rare but severe motor speech disorder that affects nearly one in 1,000 children. CAS can be very challenging, and is often misunderstood.
- May 17: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This date raises awareness about the discrimination, violence, and stigma the 2SLGBTQ+ community continues to face. This year’s theme, “Together Always: United in Diversity” aims to promote the human rights rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people and encourage respect, equality and justice for all.
In case you missed it…
2023 Summer School Programs - Register Now! Designed for students in grades 6-12 and adult learners, our courses offer a range of options for credit recovery, upgrades, and e-learning. Contact your guidance counsellor or school for registration information. Learn more.
OSTA’s Driver Appreciation Day: Saturday, May 27th is OSTA’s Driver Appreciation Day, where we recognize and thank our dedicated drivers and walking school bus (WSB) leaders for getting students to and from school safely each day. Your child can create a thank you card to submit to your school office in-person, or to send to OSTA online. Learn more on OSTA’s website.
We hope we’ll see many of you at tomorrow’s Open Trails day, and extend our best wishes to everyone in the community celebrating Mothers Day.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education