Ottawa Carleton District School Board

Hello Students, I had the chance to visit the Youville Centre this week… a vibrant, innovative centre that nurtures the education and wellness of young mothers and their children. This Centretown site represents the value-add our organization brings to society at large.

Hello Students, This week, I had the pleasure of visiting two of our amazing sites, Hilson Avenue Public School and Ottawa Technical Secondary School, and I was so inspired by the incredible dedication and diligence of our staff as they interacted with our students. At OTSS, I walked through the entrance as part of the 'human library'... listening in as community members shared their personal and professional experiences with small groups of secondary students... such an atmosphere of genuine engagement on site!

Hello Students, I had the pleasure and privilege to visit Half Moon Bay Public School earlier this week… and watched a number of students engaged in enriching learning tasks, including the development of sight vocabulary in both English and French in the bilingual kindergarten program, for instance. My heartfelt thanks to all staff on site for their efforts and energy in creating such exciting teaching and learning environments in the early years and elsewhere on site.

Hello Students, Remembrance Day - November 11 Each year, we honour the commitment and sacrifices of all who have served and continue to serve in times of war, conflict, and peace. Find out about Remembrance Day events happening in Ottawa this weekend.

Hello Students, ​ This week, I spent some time with our student leaders at the first Student Senate Meeting of the school year. It was inspiring to hear and see the extraordinary leadership and voice as students envisioned their priorities for the current school year. My gratitude to Student Trustees, Emma Hong and Malaika Kamanzi, for their coordination of this important work.

Hello Students, Tuesday, October 31st is Halloween and schools across the OCDSB may choose to mark this in a variety of ways. We want activities to be kept fun for all students, respectful. Costumes are not required and students do not need to participate in Halloween activities.

Caring Community We appreciate the very thoughtful feedback from many members of the community, sharing perspectives, concerns, and fears about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and how we are responding. We recognize the tremendous impact and hurt being experienced by so many in our community.

Hello Students, This week, school staff have been vigilant in their effort to ensure that students and staff feel safe, respected and comfortable in their working and learning environments. Continuity in routine and in learning, along with supportive resources is important to student well-being.