May 31, 2024 - Board approves new school names, New Graduation Requirements for 2025, June 6th: OCDSB Speaker Series, and more.
Dear OCDSB Families,
Over the past two weeks, I had the honour of taking part in the Rainbow Youth Forum and the Black Youth Forum. Both events were inspirational in that they showcased the strength of diversity and power of potential in each and every one of our students. We also celebrated our winners of the 2023-2024 Community Recognition Awards! Learn more about the recipients’ and their contributions and dedication. We are so grateful to the nominees and winners, and to all our volunteers for the incredible work they have done this year!
Board approves new school names
On Tuesday evening, trustees voted to approve the names for new schools in Stittsville and Findlay Creek. The new elementary school in Findlay Creek will be called Mino Mikan Elementary School. The new high school in Stittsville will be called Maplewood Secondary School. Learn more.
Ministry of Education Announcement: New Graduation Requirements for 2025-2026
The Ontario government announced today that they will be introducing a new financial literacy assessment as a graduation requirement to earn a high school diploma. This and other additional changes announced today will apply to students starting in 2025. We will be sharing more information once we receive the details.
June 6th: OCDSB Speaker Series: Boosting Parents’ Knowledge and Confidence – Youth and Substance Use
Join us for a virtual session with Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services on June 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This session will provide parents and caregivers with the most current information on youth and substance use, reasons why some youth experience problematic substance use, and effective parenting strategies to support their youth’s overall health and well-being. Learn more and register now.
June 7th: Elementary Professional Activity (PA) Day
Friday, June 7th is a PA Day for elementary schools. There will be no classes for elementary students, and EarlyON Centres will be closed. The purpose of this PA Day is for educators to work on assessment and evaluation of student progress for term two.
Elementary Program Review - Public Meetings
Thank you to those who joined us at our in-person sessions. Through these consultations, we heard the perspectives of students, parents/caregivers and staff regarding their experiences and how we should approach education in the future. You can still share your feedback on Engage OCDSB until Friday, June 28th at 4:00 p.m.
2024 Summer Language Classes and Camps (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Our engaging summer programs give students an opportunity to enrich their language skills and deepen their intercultural understanding. Participants will speak, listen, write, and read in international languages while gaining a greater appreciation for diversity. Classes run from July 2 to July 26. Registration is open until June 14th. Learn more about the programs and register now!
Classroom Chronicles
In May, Wazoson Public School celebrated its grand opening. Check out the highlights from the opening ceremony! Throughout the month, OCDSB students and staff have been recognized through the MASC Arts Awards, Ottawa Piano Festival, Eleanor Newman Award for Outstanding Service, and a qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! Read about their success.
In the world of curling, inclusivity is taking center stage thanks to passionate individuals like Rebecca D., who organized curling events to make the sport accessible to everyone at Hillcrest High School. Meanwhile, Jockvale Elementary School shared its love of reading and celebrated Canadian literature by participating in I Read Canadian Day.
2023 Terry Fox School Run: OCDSB raised $218,457
Last year, OCDSB schools raised $218,457 through the Terry Fox School Run. The Terry Fox Foundation has thanked us for the incredible support we have given in support of cancer research. The exceptional dedication and commitment shown by OCDSB families to this cause exemplify the spirit of generosity and community. The 2024 Run will take place on September 20th. For registration and more details, please contact your school.
June 3rd: Jewish Students Group Meetup
We thank all the students who attended the previous virtual meetup. On Monday, June 3rd, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., we have another opportunity for Jewish students in grades 7-12 to virtually connect with others at different schools around the city, and share common experiences, feelings, ideas and achievements in a safe space, facilitated by Jewish OCDSB staff. For more details and to register, email [email protected].
Rainbow Youth Forum: High-Energy & Engaging
The 2024 edition of the Rainbow Youth Forum was attended by around 250 students, 60 educators, and 25 community partners. It was a high-energy and fun-filled event. The well-attended student-led workshops provided a great opportunity for the participants to learn and connect with each other. The students of the OCDSB 2023-2024 2SLGBTQ+ Voices Program would like to thank everyone for making this event a great success.
Reminders:
Share your Feedback - New Ministry Directives on Personal Mobile Devices and Vaping: Visit Engage OCDSB to learn about the changes and share your feedback by June 14th.
Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award - For Secondary Students
Students are encouraged to apply for The Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award ($1000). Read more about the application process. The deadline is June 28, 2024.
Recording Available: Be the Difference with Gaelin Elmore
Last week, we welcomed speaker and facilitator Gaelin Elmore for a virtual session exploring the transformational power of belonging. Watch the recording on YouTube!
From the Boardroom:
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
June 3rd, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole, Budget
June 4th, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
June 6th, 5:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
June 6th, 7:00 p.m. - Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
Agendas, locations, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings are available for public viewing using the Board and Advisory Committees' meeting calendar.
Calendars and Planning for Important Dates
Please consult the OCDSB’s Elementary and Secondary calendars for PA Days, holidays, exam dates, and more during the 2023-2024 school year. In addition, schools avoid scheduling activities like evaluations and field trips on certain religious/creed-based days of observance. Additional dates of significance can be found on the MultiFaith Calendar (located on our home page), Dates of Significance webpage, and on the Government of Canada, Ontario Government, and United Nations websites.
In case you missed it:
Helpful Links:
Thank You,
Pino Buffone
Director of Education