October 11, 2022 - 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections - October 24th, Information on Labour Negotiations, and more.
Dear Families,
We hope you enjoyed a restful long weekend. Here are a few reminders for the week ahead.
2022 Municipal and School Board Elections - October 24th
Do you know how to vote for your school board trustee? You should have received a voter card from the City of Ottawa. This card will have your address, municipal ward number, and which school board you support (OCDSB is Public English). Once you know your municipal ward, you can use that information to find your OCDSB electoral zone.
Have questions about voting? Visit the City of Ottawa’s Information for Voters page. The list of candidates running for OCDSB trustee can be found on the City of Ottawa’s certified candidate page. On our website, you can find the links to the PDF map of each zone which includes the schools in the zone. Monday, October 24th is election day, with an advance voting day on Friday, October 14th.
Information on Labour Negotiations
Ontario school districts are currently engaged in labour negotiations with employee groups. OCDSB employees are represented by two unions: the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF).
Last week, the union CUPE announced the results of a strike vote of its education members. This union does not represent OCDSB employees and any potential actions taken by CUPE will not affect our schools.
The OCDSB values all employees and remains committed to good faith bargaining and fair and fully-funded collective agreements which support student learning and well-being. While negotiations are underway, any significant updates will be shared with the community as necessary. Learn more.
Upcoming Administration of the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
The Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) is an internationally recognized French proficiency test for persons whose first language is not French. The OCDSB offers DELF administrations to eligible students twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Information for the fall administration has been emailed to eligible students - students should check their OCDSB email account for more information.
Supporting Students Through Virtual Clubs and Hangouts - Grades 7-12
The OCDSB runs virtual clubs and hangouts for students with common interests and lived experiences to come together, share ideas, and make connections. These virtual spaces are often student led and provide a culturally responsive and welcoming environment where students can safely and comfortably connect. Some examples include virtual meets for the Black Excellence Club, for Muslim Students, for LGBTQ2S+ and more.
Because these are intended to be safe spaces for online meetings, information about how to access these events is confidential. To log into the Google Meet students must obtain the Google Meet Code from a trusted staff member such as the Club leader, Student Success Teacher, Principal or Vice Principal.
- Are you a parent or caregiver of 2SLGBTQ+ student looking to run a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) or make a change at their school? Does your child want to start or run a student group, organize an event, or advocate for their school to be more inclusive of trans and gender diverse students? Kaeden (they/he) is a trans and nonbinary adult who can help. Email them at [email protected].
- Kaeden and Kusha Dadui (he/they), OCDSB’s Trans and Gender Diverse Student Support Coordinator, run Google Meet sessions, every Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., where your child can meet other 2SLGBTQ+ student leaders and earn volunteer hours. For the Google Meet code and more details, please email Kaeden or [email protected].
- Virtual Black Excellence Club and Hangout for Students in Grades 7-12: This group meets virtually on Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Students can reach out to their Black Excellence Club staff leader, Student Success Teacher (7-12), or their Principal/Vice Principal for the Google Meet code.
- Google Hangout for Muslim Students: Muslim students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a virtual weekly google hangout in celebration of Islamic Heritage Month. Please reach out to a Student Success Teacher (7-12), or Principal/Vice Principal for the Google Meet code. Please note some Meet dates have changed: Meets will take place October 17th, November 7th, and November 14th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
OCDSB Seeking Community Member to Join Audit Committee
The primary role of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its duties related to governance and oversight. Do you have financial expertise and business knowledge that could add value to this committee? If so, please consider applying for a volunteer position to support this valuable work. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and résumé by 1:00 p.m. on October 31, 2022. Learn more on our website.
October 11th - Committee of the Whole Meeting
A Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held today, Tuesday, October 11th, at 7:00 p.m. Visit our website to view the agenda, and save this link to watch the livestream.
OCDSB Educators Recognized - Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
A huge congratulations to three OCDSB teachers who are being recognized for The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence in STEM.
- Marc Dubeau, Osgoode Township High School (Certificate of Achievement,Teaching Excellence in STEM)
- Lisa Levitan, Vimy Ridge Public School (Certificate of Achievement, Teaching Excellence)
- Jenn Talbot, John McCrae Secondary School (Certificate of Achievement, Teaching Excellence)
Read more about these awards and the outstanding recipients on our website.
October 26th - RBC Spirit of the Capital Awards
Eight current and former OCDSB students will be honoured at the 25th Annual RBC Spirit of the Capital Awards for their achievements in arts and culture, academic perseverance, service and caring, and more. Learn more about the award winners and the awards ceremony on Youth Ottawa’s website. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 26th. Congratulations to the recipients!
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education