September 30, 2022 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Reminder - October 7th: Professional Activity Day, and more.

September 30, 2022 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Reminder - October 7th: Professional Activity Day, and more.
Posted on 09/30/2022

Dear OCDSB Families, 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day of mourning and remembrance for Indigenous people, and an opportunity for all to reflect and honour survivors, their families, and their communities. It is also an opportunity to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Today, please take a minute to watch our opening and land acknowledgment with Monique Manatch, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Algonquins of Barriere Lake. This was shared across the District to open learning activities for this important day. Students and staff also watched a closing video as they took their learning from today into the future. Please visit our website to learn more about how schools marked this date. Mental health resources are also available for those who may need them. 

Reminder - October 7th: Professional Activity Day 

A reminder that for all OCDSB elementary and secondary schools, there will be no classes held on this date. 

Add Dates from the OCDSB School Year Calendars to your Own Digital Calendar 

With just a few clicks, students and families can now add dates from the OCDSB’s elementary and secondary school year calendars to their own personal digital calendars. Visit our website for step-by-step instructions.

October 25th: OCDSB Speaker Series Presents “Explore Digital Parenting” with Media Smarts 

On Tuesday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m. the OCDSB and MediaSmarts will host a virtual speaker series event for parents and guardians. “Explore Digital Parenting” will provide information about managing kids’ screen time, helping to keep children safe online, and setting household internet rules. Learn more on our website

October 26th: Virtual Information Session on International Learning Opportunities

Is your child a grade 8-11 student? Do you want to learn more about the International Certificate Program, international exchanges and studying abroad? Join us for a virtual information session on Wednesday, October 26th to learn more. Details on our website

November 5th: Save the Date - OCDSB Parent Conference (In-Person)

On Saturday, November 5th the OCDSB will host its 2022 Parent Conference in-person! We will have more information to share with you in the coming weeks, and you can keep an eye on our website for updates as well.  

Virtual Black Excellence Club and Hangout for Students in Grades 7-12

Student-led hangouts continue this year for African, Black and Caribbean (ABC) OCDSB students in grades 7-12. The group will meet virtually on Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. to provide a culturally responsive and welcoming environment where ABC students can connect. The first hangout will take place on Thursday, October 6th. For the Google Meet code students can reach out to a Black Excellence Club staff leader, Student Success Teacher (7-12), or their Principal/Vice Principal. Students will need to log in to Google Meet using their OCDSB account to join. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions. 

Appropriate Use of Technology for Students 

At the OCDSB we believe in digital citizenship and the use of technology to enhance learning and support the work environment. Technology can include computers, cell phones, the internet or other electronic devices. It is important for parents and students to understand their responsibility for using technology in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with our Appropriate Use of Technology Procedure. We have recently updated this procedure to ensure we are creating safe digital spaces for learning and working, ensuring equity of access, and building awareness of bias in media and reference to social media. We have also updated the Appropriate Use of Technology Agreement forms. The form is no longer required annually. Parents and/or students will be required to sign an appropriate use agreement upon registration and in grades 4, 7 and 9.  

Did you know…

In October we recognize many significant dates, including Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, Canadian Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Cyber Security Month, Women’s History Month, and many more. Information for staff, students, and families will be posted on our website and social media channels throughout the month. Specific dates can be viewed on our calendar

Islamic Heritage Month    

Every year in October, Islamic Heritage Month is recognized in Canada. This is a time to learn together about Islamic excellence and the rich, longstanding contributions Muslim people have made to literature, math, science, art and history. We must also reflect on our shared responsibility to identify, challenge and eradicate Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination and hate. You can read more on our website. 

Google Hangout for Muslim Students

In celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, Muslim students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a virtual weekly google hangout. This hangout is open to all students who are a part of a Muslim family, including those who are exploring their Muslim identities. This is a student led and student driven space. Students will need to log in to their OCDSB google account to access the meet. To obtain the Google Meet code, please reach out to a Student Success Teacher (7-12), or Principal/Vice Principal. Meets will take place on the following dates: 

  • Monday, October  3rd, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday October 10th, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, October 17th, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month 

October is recognized as Latin American Heritage Month in Canada, and Hispanic Heritage Month in the province of Ontario. This month is an opportunity for our staff, students and community members to join us in recognizing and celebrating the heritage, culture, achievements, and contributions of Latin American and Hispanic communities across Canada. Read more on our website

October 4th-5th: Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur will begin at sunset on October 4th. This is a day of fasting, and is the year’s holiest day for Jewish families. We send our best wishes to everyone in the OCDSB community observing Yom Kippur, and wish you an easy fast. 

October 5th: Dussehra 

In Hinduism, Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil. It follows the nine-day celebration of Navaratri (nine nights) and Durga Puja (worship). Wishing a Happy Dussehra to everyone who will be celebrating. 

School News

At W.E. Gowling Public School preparations are in full swing to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary! All former staff, students, and community members are welcome to drop in at the school on October 6th from 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Learn more.

Every fall, students and staff join in the Terry Fox Run to raise funds for cancer research and carry on the legacy of Terry’s Marathon of Hope. Take a look at how OCDSB schools participated this year.

Celebrating Our Staff 

Throughout the month of October, there are a number of opportunities to appreciate our teachers, Principals, custodians, and many more incredible staff members. These include:   

  • National Principals Month 
  • National Custodial Workers Day on October 2nd 
  • World Teachers Day on October 5th 
  • Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day on October 18th 
  • Canadian Library Workers Day on October 21st 

We are grateful to all our staff for their hard work and commitment to our schools and work sites. Their enthusiasm and dedication are greatly appreciated by all! 

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

 

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