February 25, 2022 - Mandatory eLearning Graduation Requirement and Opt-out Information, OCDSB Community Check-In, and more.
Hello OCDSB Students,
Many of you may be watching the news of the escalating conflict in Ukraine. This is deeply troubling, particularly for those who may have loved ones affected by the violence. This comes after a particularly difficult time in our own community and all in addition to the ongoing stress of the pandemic. During times of stress, reaching out for support is important. Sometimes it can be difficult to start that conversation and to ask for help. If you want to read more about how to start these conversations, click here for more information. Just a reminder, there are resources available if you need help and our staff are also available to assist you. Please take care of yourself and each other.
Mandatory eLearning Graduation Requirement and Opt-out Information
Last week, the Ministry of Education shared that students currently in grade 10 and below are subject to a new mandatory eLearning graduation requirement. If you would like to opt-out of this requirement, your parent or guardian can do so using this form. Please note, current grade 10 students will receive one eLearning credit due to their experiences with pandemic learning, and current grade 11 and 12 students are exempted from the requirement and do not need to complete the opt-out form. Frequently asked questions about the mandatory eLearning requirement and the opt-out process are available on our website.
Draft School Year Calendars Available for 2022-2023 - Subject to Ministry Approval
The proposed secondary calendar for the 2022-2023 school year is now available on our website. Please note calendars are subject to Ministry Approval, which we normally receive during the month of May. Visit our website to learn more.
OCDSB Community Check-In
Earlier this week, we sent an email to all parents and guardians and students in grades 7-12 asking you to share your thoughts as part of our Community Check-In. Please visit our website to learn more and take part in the survey.
A reminder that the purpose of this exchange is to engage participants in community dialogue. You will likely see thoughts shared by others that you don't agree with. The rating process (assigning 1-5 stars) is how you can indicate your level of support, or lack thereof, for each thought. Please do not report thoughts you disagree with, instead assign a low number of stars. Thoughts will only be removed from the exchange if they contain offensive language, individual's names or private information, or indiscernible text.
We also want to acknowledge that some people may find comments shared by others in the exchange to be upsetting or disturbing. If you are struggling or experiencing feelings of distress, we encourage you to reach out for help. Visit our website for mental health resources available to you. Respect for anonymity, well-being and safety remain a priority.
Dates of Significance
The month of March is recognized as Nutrition Month, Bangladeshi Heritage Month, and Hellenic Heritage Month. There are a number of events from March 1-7 recognizing Black Mental Health Week, leading up to Black Mental Health Day on March 7th, and Social Work Week begins on March 7th. Please note, we will be sharing more dates of significance that take place in March in future updates. Visit our website and follow us on social media to learn more about dates of significance.
School News: Celebrating Black Excellence and Olympic Success
This February, OCDSB schools marked Black History Month, as students and staff celebrated Black excellence, culture, and the significant contributions Black Canadians. Take a look at some of the learning activities, conversations, and collaborative projects that took place in our classrooms.
At the 2022 Winter Olympics, we saw outstanding displays of skill, perseverance and sportsmanship from Team Canada. We are very proud of the former OCDSB students who competed in multiple sports, including curling, skeleton, skiing and bobsled. Jamie Lee Rattray, who attended Castlefrank Elementary School, Katimavik Elementary School, and Earl of March Secondary School, was part of Canada’s gold medal-winning women’s hockey team. Speed skater Isabelle Weidemann, a graduate of Henry Munro Middle School and Colonel By Secondary School, brought home gold, silver and bronze medals and carried the flag for Canada in the closing ceremony. Learn more about these inspiring alumni and how schools got into the spirit of the Games.
Visit our School News page to read more stories from our schools.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 28: Career Development Workshops - Resume Building
The OCDSB is organizing a series of Career Development Workshops for High School Students. These virtual information sessions will cover topics like Resume Building, Interviewing Skills, Personal Branding and will help students learn and enhance their professional skills. The first session focuses on Resume Building and will take place on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. This event is considered a virtual field trip, allowing for student absences to participate in a sanctioned event. Visit our website to learn more.
March 3: Transition Planning Workshop Series - Navigating the System
The OCDSB is organizing a series of virtual information sessions that will provide detailed information to families and caregivers of students with developmental disabilities about how they can support their child as they transition to a life beyond high school. These workshops will cover important topics that include Navigating the System, Community Day/Programs, Post-Secondary Education Opportunities and Employment Opportunities & Support. The first workshop will be on Navigating the System and will take place on March 3, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit our website to learn more.
COVID-19 UPDATES AND PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION
Mask Usage K-12
- Outdoors: Although students are no longer required to wear masks outdoors, they are still encouraged to do so especially if they cannot maintain physical distancing.
- Indoors: Masks continue to be required inside the school for all students.
For more information on choosing a mask, visit the Ottawa Public Health mask page.
Expansion of Booster Dose Eligibility for Youth Ages 12-17
Ontario has expanded booster dose eligibility to youth aged 12 to 17. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose. To book an appointment online, individuals must be 12 years old at the time of appointment.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
March Break: A reminder that March Break will take place from Monday, March 14th to Friday, March 18th.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education