April 29, 2022 - May 2-8 is Mental Health Week, The Results are In from Toonie Tuesday, Upcoming Events, and more.

April 29, 2022 - May 2-8 is Mental Health Week, The Results are In from Toonie Tuesday, Upcoming Events, and more.
Posted on 04/29/2022

Dear OCDSB Families, 

May 2-8 is Mental Health Week 

This year, Mental Health Week takes place from May 2-8. The theme of the week is Empathy, before you weigh in, tune in. We will explore this theme each day by learning about mindfulness, feelings, wellness, thoughtfulness, and fun. The OCDSB's mental health team has prepared a number of resources to help staff, families and students learn more about mental health and well-being. Visit our website to find out more, and follow us on social media for daily updates.

The Results are In from Toonie Tuesday

We are thrilled to share that OCDSB students, staff, families, and community members helped raise more than $68,000 for Toonie Tuesday this year! Thank you to all who took part, and a special thanks to the secondary students who participated in our 1st Toonie Tuesday mentorship program. Your support for the Education Foundation of Ottawa makes an immense difference in the lives of vulnerable OCDSB students. 

Registration Coming Soon: Summer School for Grades 6-8

Registration will open on Monday, May 2 for 2022 Summer School Programs for students in Grades 6-8. Two non credit programs are available for OCDSB students currently in Grades 6-8, as well as some Reach Ahead Credit courses for Grade 8 students entering Grade 9. Learn more on our website - the deadline to register is June 17, 2022.

The Winning Attitudes Co-op Program 

Incredible learning can happen outside the classroom, and the Winning Attitudes Co-op Program helps students get credit for it. Winning Attitudes allows youth to earn high school credits while working at their full or part time job. If your child has been disengaged from school and working in the community, this program may be a great fit to help them get their last few high school credits. To learn more, please contact Ashley Brooks (West End) at [email protected] or 613-857-4661, or Rupa Jolly (East End) at [email protected] or 613-857-4662.

Joint Custody Arrangements - OSTA Variable Transportation Forms Now Available for 2022-2023 

Variable Transportation Forms for the 2022-2023 year are now available for students in a joint custody arrangement, who have two homes. The deadline for NEW applications is June 1st, to ensure transportation can begin on the first day of school in September. Please visit OSTA’s website to download the form or learn more. 

Upcoming Events 

May 2-6: Education Week

The OCDSB recognizes Education Week May 2 to May 6, 2022. It's an opportunity for us to celebrate excellence in education and highlight the accomplishments of students and staff. Watch for stories about this year’s recipients of the OCDSB Employee Recognition Awards. 

Jewish Heritage Month - Google Hangouts for Students

May is Jewish Heritage Month, and throughout the month Jewish students in grades 7-12 are invited to join a weekly student-led Google Hangout. This student-led and student-driven space is open to all students who are a part of a Jewish family, including those who are exploring their Jewish identities. Students will need to log in to Google Meet using their OCDSB google account, and can ask any of the following staff members for the nickname: student success teachers, principals, or vice principals. Meets will take place from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the following dates: 

  • Monday May 2nd,
  • Monday May 9th
  • Monday, May 16th
  • Thursday, May 26th
  • Monday, May 30th

May 5th: Discussion with Dr. Bettina Love, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

In celebration of Education Week and Mental Health Week during the first week of May, the OCDSB invites families and students to attend a lively and engaging virtual conversation with Dr. Bettina Love. This discussion will address the struggles and the possibilities of committing ourselves to an abolitionist goal of educational freedom, as opposed to reform, and moving beyond what she calls the educational survival complex

Register Now!

Learn more here

May 5th: National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)

May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). It is also known as Red Dress Day, where we wear red or display red clothing to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, and to encourage one another to take action for change. We acknowledge the many families affected by the loss of their daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties, grandmothers and two-spirit family and friends, and reinforce our commitment to implement the Calls for Justice and engage in education and awareness that will help keep First Nations, Métis and Inuit children safe. All Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people have the right to be safe and to feel safe, no matter where they are. 

Important Dates 

During the month of May, we recognize Jewish Heritage Month, Asian and South Asian Heritage Month, and Speech and Hearing Month. On May 1st, we celebrate our Principals and Vice Principals on National Principals’ Day. On May 5th we recognize South Asian Arrival Day. We will be sharing more important dates happening in May in our future email updates. Please visit our website and follow us on social media to learn more about these dates. 

Nomination period for school trustees opens May 2nd

The nomination period for school board trustee candidates opens Monday, May 2, for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on Monday, October 24, 2022. Trustees play a key leadership role in setting the strategic direction for their local school board, and ensuring local accountability for student success and well-being. They are elected for a four-year term, which will officially begin on November 15, 2022. The nomination period to register as a candidate runs from Monday, May 2, 2022 until Friday, August 19, 2022 (at 2:00 p.m.). Candidates must file their nominations through the City of Ottawa Elections Office. Nomination information can be found here

School News: Earth Day at the OCDSB

On April 22nd, schools celebrated Earth Day by learning about the steps we can all take to create and sustain the OCDSB Culture of Social Responsibility. From yard cleanups to collaborative artwork, take a look at the activities that happened in our schools. 

Demonstration in Ottawa this weekend

The City of Ottawa issued an update with information about traffic and access restrictions related to a demonstration planned for downtown Ottawa this weekend.  The OCDSB has been in contact with the Ottawa Police Service to ensure school safety concerns are being addressed. At this time, there is no anticipated impact on schools. We are monitoring the situation and will share any further updates if needed.

In case you missed it…

French and Spanish Summer Camps and Summer International Language Classes for Students in JK to Grade 8: Registration is open for French and Spanish summer camps with the OCDSB, and for virtual summer international language classes. Learn more and register on our website.

Summer School Registration for Grades 9-12: Offerings include Reach Ahead, eLearning, Co-op and more (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Visit our website to learn more.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and a blessed Eid to all who will be celebrating next week. 

Thank you, 

Camille Williams-Taylor 

Director of Education

 

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