October 21, 2022 - Register Now: OCDSB Parent Conference, Ontario Government Announces Catch-Up Payments for Families, and more.

October 21, 2022 - Register Now: OCDSB Parent Conference, Ontario Government Announces Catch-Up Payments for Families, and more.
Posted on 10/21/2022

Dear Families, 

Register Now: OCDSB Parent Conference 

Join us on Saturday, November 5th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ridgemont High School. Dr. Michael Cheng will join us from CHEO for a keynote address, sharing how to build resiliency in our children in a world of uncertainty. Over a dozen workshops will be available after the keynote session, with most offered in English and several offered in Arabic and Somali. Register now and visit our website to learn more. 

Ontario Government Announces Catch-Up Payments for Families 

On Thursday, the Ontario Government announced parents and guardians are eligible for “catch-up payments”, offering $200 or $250 per child (between kindergarten and Grade 12) to help pay for student learning supports to fill gaps that may have emerged because of COVID‑19. Learn more and apply on the Ontario government's website

October 24: 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections 

Polls will be open on Monday, October 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. If you have questions about how to vote, please 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 pageOn our own website, you can find the links to the PDF map of each zone which includes the schools in the zone. Many schools will be polling locations.  Please be mindful of traffic in and around the school.

October 24-28: Media Literacy Week 

Hosted by MediaSmarts and in partnership with the Canadian Teachers Federation, Media Literacy Week (MLW) promotes digital media literacy among educators, families, and students of all ages. Media Literacy Week shares information that helps us stay safe online, critically analyze what we see in the media, evaluate the sources of information we access, and more. This year’s daily themes are Use, Understand, Engage, Access, and Verify, which are explored through games, workshops, tip sheets, and more! MediaSmarts has also developed a framework about nine skill areas that are essential for students of all ages to know. Visit MediaSmarts’ website to take a look at these resources, and don’t forget to register for our Explore Digital Parenting webinar on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m. 

Working Together to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission 

Information provided in Ottawa Public Health’s most recent COVID-19 Snapshot shows that levels of COVID-19 in Ottawa remain high. In this video, OPH says that "If you haven't been wearing a mask in indoor and/or crowded public spaces lately, this is the time to start again." Please also continue screening for symptoms of COVID-19, stay up-to-date on vaccines, and stay home when sick. 

November 2: Take Our Kids to Work Day 

Take Our Kids to Work is a national program that gives grade nine students the opportunity to shadow a parent or family friend in their place of work for a day. Students who do not visit a workplace and remain in school for the day will have a number of opportunities in class to explore various job and career options. Schools will be communicating more information with families in the coming days.

November 2 & 3: Launch 2022 - Post-Secondary Pathway Exploration - Virtual Conference for students in Grades 11 & 12

The OCDSB, the Ottawa Catholic School Board, and the Halton District School Board in collaboration with the Ontario Council for Technology Education will be hosting Launch 2022, the third annual post-secondary pathway exploration virtual conference for Grade 11 and 12 students. This two-day virtual event, being held on November 2 and 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is a great opportunity for students to explore post-secondary pathways. Visit the Event Website.

November 9: Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Road Trip: Transforming Cultures for Students, Staff and Families

The OCDSB will be hosting a special event to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we need to go to fulfill our commitments to Indigenous education, equity and human rights. The OCDSB Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Roadmap charts our path in the goals and milestones we wish to reach so that all students can feel safe and welcome. On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, we will launch what we’re calling our Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Road Trip with an event for students, families and staff at Woodroffe High School. Learn more and register. 

Supporting School Councils

Are you a School Council member or interested in getting involved? Visit the OCDSB's Supporting School Councils webpage and subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates, tips, and resources. If you have questions about how to get involved in your School Council, please contact your principal.

School News

In August, Nepean High School student Julie B. made waves at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in St. Catharines. She earned eleven medals – six gold, one silver and four bronze – tying for the record of most medals won at a single Canada Games! Read the story.

Diwali 

We’d like to wish a very happy Diwali to all who will be celebrating. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is associated with a story about the destruction of evil by Lord Vishnu in one of his many manifestations.

In case you missed it…

October 26: International Certificate Program Virtual Information Session: Join us on Wednesday, October 26th for an information session about the International Certificate Program, international exchanges and studying abroad. Students in grades 8-11 and their parents and guardians are welcome to attend. Learn more on our website

Looking for More Information on Upcoming Events or Dates? 

Remember to consult the OCDSB’s elementary and/or secondary calendars for PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more. Board Meetings, committee meetings, and dates of significance can be found on the OCDSB’s board calendar. In addition, religious and/or cultural dates can be found in our MultiFaith calendar

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor 

Director of Education

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