June 30, 2022 - Highlights from the 2022 School Climate Survey, Supporting Mental Health Over the Summer, and more.
Dear Families,
We have reached the end of another school year, and what a year it was!
Together, we overcame challenges and found our way to many new accomplishments, exciting milestones, and unforgettable moments of community and connection. I have been so inspired by our students’ enduring drive to learn, and the way they have shown support for one another. I also want to thank staff for their commitment to and focus on student learning and to making our schools better, safer, and more welcoming places to be.
I am also very grateful for the role you have played in helping students to continue learning and growing at school. To those with a student graduating this year, we offer our sincerest congratulations and wish you all the best in the future. To those whose children will be returning to school in the fall, we look forward to seeing you all soon.
Below are just a few last things to be aware of as we head into the summer.
Highlights from the 2022 School Climate Survey
The OCDSB’s School Climate Survey was conducted between April 4 and May 6, 2022, for students in grades 4-12. We have compiled some of the highlights of survey responses, which will help guide efforts across schools and across the district to improve school climate. A full report will be available over the summer. Read the highlights on our website.
Supporting Mental Health Over the Summer
As the school year comes to an end, many mental health resources and supports continue to be available to students and families throughout the summer months. Mental health professionals will be running Stress Lessons for students in Grades 7-9. For further details and registration, please visit our website.
Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services’ School-Based Program will also continue offering its counselling services. This program supports students with substance use, technology, and related mental health concerns. In addition, Rideauwood will begin offering Parent Information sessions on prevention tips in August. If you have any questions or would like to reach the school-based team, please call Rideauwood’s office at 613-724-4881 or email [email protected].
As you enter the summer months, remember that taking care of our mental health involves engaging in daily mental health practices. School Mental Health Ontario has created some fun and easy resources and activities to try at home as a family which includes topics such as deep breathing, identifying emotions, and engaging in gratitude practices. Click here for more information.
If you require further community resources, please visit our website to find a list of free supports and services.
Registration is Open All Summer
The OCDSB’s admissions department is open all summer, and families can also register their child for school online anytime. Visit our website to learn more.
Elementary School Offices Closed July 4th - August 29, 2022
Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, Elementary school offices will be closed on Monday, July 4, 2022 and will reopen on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.
School News
Throughout June, schools celebrated diversity during Pride Month, learning about the contributions, achievements, and histories of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
There have been many inspiring examples of creativity across OCDSB schools. Thousands of students shared their voices through songwriting and video projects with musician Craig Cardiff. Student artists had their work exhibited at the Ottawa Art Gallery, and young authors honed their craft through cine-poetry workshops and writing books in French.
We also caught up with students in Co-Op, OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program), and SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) programs to hear about their learning pathways. And finally, we're celebrating the success of award and scholarship recipients across the District!
Visit our School News page to look back at more stories from this school year.
Wishing you all the best for a safe and happy summer,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education