January 14, 2022 - Device Return, Share Your Thoughts, Register Now for Kindergarten!, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Earlier today, we shared detailed information about the return to in-person learning. We’d like to once again express our gratitude for your patience and understanding during the many changes and transitions we have experienced this month.
This message includes some updates and reminders on regular school related matters.
Device Return
All families who borrowed devices to support remote learning are asked to please return Chromebooks or hotspots to your child’s school by Wednesday, January 19, 2022.
Share Your Thoughts
We're planning the calendar for the 2022-2023 school year and looking for the input of students, parents and staff on the placement of the Winter Break. Two options are being considered for the timing of the Winter Break:
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Last Day of Classes for Students
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Date of Return to Classes for Students
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Winter Break Dates
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Option 1
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Friday, December 16, 2022
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Tuesday, January 3, 2023
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Saturday, December 17, 2022-Monday, January 2, 2023
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Option 2
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Friday December 23, 2022
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Monday, January 9, 2023
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Saturday, December 24, 2022-Sunday, January 8, 2023
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Note: January 2, 2023 is a statutory holiday
Click here to access the survey and let us know which option you prefer. The survey closes on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. The feedback will inform final decisions about the school year calendar.
Register Now for Kindergarten!
If your child will turn four years old by December 31, 2022, you can now register them for Kindergarten at the OCDSB. Learn more about our Kindergarten program on our website.
Registration Now Open: J-School Noire Ottawa
J-School Noire Ottawa is a free virtual media training and mentorship program geared towards Black youth in the capital region. The Canadian Association of Black Journalists (CABJ) is hosting J-School Noire Ottawa on Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. Topics will include performance, podcasting, sportscasting, and video editing, and the CABJ will set up virtual mentoring sessions with prominent Canadian journalists later this term to offer more advanced skills. Learn more and apply on the CABJ’s website by Monday, February 7 at 5:00 p.m.
New Support Network for Trans Parents
There is a new space for parents who are trans or gender diverse! This is an informal drop in to discuss common issues that we face and to create a community of support. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in joining.
Parent Information Sessions
Kindergarten and Secondary School Parent Information Nights
Do you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten or high school in the fall of 2022? Learn more about the school in your neighbourhood at our Virtual Parent Information Nights! Please visit our website to learn the dates and times of our Kindergarten and High School information nights.
DATES ADDED - Mental Health and Wellness Parent Information Sessions
Do you have questions about how to promote and sustain your family's mental health? Next week, the OCDSB will host virtual group drop-in sessions with the OCDSB's mental health team, where parents can hear from and ask questions to our mental health professionals. There will be general sessions for elementary and secondary families. There will also be sessions for Indigenous and Black families and parents of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Developmental Disabilities. Learn more on our website.
Upcoming Dates
Committee of the Whole Meeting (Continuation), January 18
OCDSB Trustees will meet on Tuesday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. for a Continuation of the Committee of the Whole Meeting from January 11. You can watch the livestream at this link, and view the agenda on our website. Note, the dates and times of upcoming OCDSB committee meetings can be found on our calendar: https://ocdsb.ca/calendar.
January 21 is a PA Day for Elementary Students
Friday, January 21 will be a PA Day for all elementary students. There will be no class on this day for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Toonie Tuesday is Tuesday, February 22!
This year we’re celebrating Toonie Tuesday on a real 2’s day: 02/22/2022! The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO) believes every student deserves to have the tools they need to be successful. They work to reduce barriers to ensure ALL students can learn confidently, by providing appropriate access to food, clothing, school supplies, healthcare supports, and opportunities for learning and recreation. There are many ways to support EFO on or leading up to Toonie Tuesday, including:
- Making a one-time or monthly donation to the Toonie Tuesday campaign online (you will receive your charitable tax receipt right away by email)
- Donating through your School Cash Online Account
- Sending your child to school with $2 (or more) anytime between now and Toonie Tuesday (please ensure the money is put into a plastic baggie for safe handling).
To learn more, visit www.educationfoundationottawa.ca or follow their accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Upcoming Dates of Significance
Every January, Tamil Heritage Month is recognized in Ontario. On Monday, January 17th, we recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and January 21 is Lincoln Alexander Day. We will share additional dates of significance occurring in January in our future updates. Please follow us on social media and visit our website for more information and to learn about additional dates of significance.
In case you missed it…
February 1 Equal Consideration Date for Ontario Colleges: As long as space remains in an Ontario college program, students may apply for it. However, there are some important dates to keep in mind, especially for popular programs that fill up quickly. Apply on or before February 1, 2022 in order to receive equal consideration for admission to programs starting the following fall. Learn more about when to apply.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education