September 9, 2022 - Recognizing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Update Your Contact Information, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Thank you for everything that you did to help make this first week of school a success. As we settle into school routines, we all navigate a range of transitions. Setting aside some time to check in with your child(ren) about their feelings about the return to school is a great way to understand where they are at and to help them feel connected. These tips and strategies might be helpful to you.
Recognizing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Yesterday, flags were lowered at all OCDSB schools and buildings in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As Canada’s longest reigning Sovereign, she took the throne at the young age of 25, and has served witness to history for 70 years. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and those affected by her passing.
Update Your Contact Information
Please ensure your child’s school has your up-to-date contact information. This week, families receive many forms from the school. Please complete these and return them to the school. If you have questions, contact the school office.
Get Involved in School Council
School councils are one way that parents can get involved in their child’s school. Any parent can be elected to the school council. The election of school council members is held in the first 30 days of the school year. If you are interested in participating in the school council, watch for information from your child’s school.
Municipal Elections - Be Informed Before You Vote
The 2022 Municipal and School Board election is Monday, October 24th. School board trustees are elected for a four year term. Trustees are responsible for setting strategic priorities, policy and budgets for the school board and bring the concerns and interests of constituents when making Board decisions. Learn more about the role of trustees and the election process here or on our website.
Elections are your opportunity to make a difference in your community. Make the time to know who is running for election in your zone. Take a look at candidate platforms, attend all candidates meetings, reach out to candidates and ask questions. Make sure your name is on the voter’s list. Information about candidates and voting is available from the City of Ottawa.
Managing COVID-19 Transmission
Ottawa Public Health continues to recommend these strategies:
- Daily screening for symptoms using the updated daily screening tool
- Staying home when sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19
- Continuing to wear a mask, after your isolation, when out in public for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
- Avoiding non-essential visits to high risk settings (like hospitals and long-term care) for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
- Using Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) as needed;
- Ensuring children and youth are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine.
Upcoming Committee of the Whole Meeting: September 13, 7:00 p.m.
The first OCDSB Committee of the Whole Meeting for the 2022-2023 school year will take place on Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. Save this link to watch the meeting and view the agenda on our website.
Open Trails Day: September 24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Mark your calendars: the MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre is having its annual Open Trails day! This is the only day of this school year when this 425-acre classroom will be open to the public for everyone to explore. Watch our website for more details.
Additional Important Dates can be found on the OCDSB’s board calendar, as well as the elementary and secondary school year calendars.
School Bus Transportation
With school back in session, we all need to be extra careful on the roads watching for students walking or cycling to school or waiting at bus stops. For those using school buses, please monitor the OSTA website regularly for updates. Inquiries about busing should be directed to OSTA.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education