December 22, 2022 - 2021-2022 Director’s Annual Report to the Community, 2023-2027 Strategic Planning Process: Get Involved. Share Your Story!, and more.
Hello Students,
As we head into the winter break, we hope you are able to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. Please remember that all OCDSB schools and administrative buildings are closed on Friday, December 23 due to the incoming winter storm. We look forward to seeing all our students back at school on Monday, January 9, 2023.
I would also like to wish each and every one of you all the best in the new year, and all the best for the rest of your learning journey with the OCDSB. As you know, I will be leaving the District in January, and so I want to take one more opportunity to say thank you. It has been a privilege to serve as your Director of Education for these past four years. I am so grateful for everything I have learned and each moment I have shared with our students, staff members, and families.
2021-2022 Director’s Annual Report to the Community
Each year we provide a report to the community in order to celebrate accomplishments from the previous school year, report progress on our strategic priorities, provide student achievement data, and much more. Please visit our website to take a look at some of the highlights from the 2021-2022 school year in the Director’s Annual Report.
2023-2027 Strategic Planning Process: Get Involved. Share Your Story!
We want to hear about your priorities for OCDSB’s future. To create a Strategic Plan that is meaningful to you, your families, staff and community members, we need to hear from you about your experiences and what is important to you. This is your chance to share your insights about what matters most to support your learning and well-being. We will be using what we learn from these conversations to develop the Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. Learn More
Weekly Snapshot from Ottawa Public Health
As many plan to gather with friends and loved ones over the break, please take a look at Ottawa Public Health’s weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshot for reminders about how to keep ourselves and others healthy.
Cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s important to start each school day by screening for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. If you feel sick, you should stay home. Check the screening tool for instructions about returning to school, wearing a mask, and information for siblings or other people you live with.
Reaching Out for Help
While the holiday season can bring rest and connection for many, it is also a time when many of us experience loneliness, changes to our routine, stress, and more. If you are experiencing difficult emotions about the upcoming holiday season or the break from school, you are not alone. Talking with others can be one way to take care of our mental health. The OCDSB's Youth Action Committee on Mental Health (Y.A.C) has compiled a list of resources that can help:
- Youth Services Bureau (24/7): 613-260-2360 or chat at [email protected]
- Kids Help Phone (24/7): 800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Hope for Wellness (24/7): 855-242-3310
- LGBT Youthline: 800-268-9688 or text 647-694-4275
- Black Youth Helpline: 833-924-8650
- Jewish Family Services: Visit www.jfsottawa.com
- Naseeha Mental Health: 866-627-3342
- TransLifeline: 877-330-6366
- Rape Crisis Centre: 613-562-2333
You can also visit our website for more mental health resources.
School News
This season, many students, staff, and families are celebrating holidays or marking important occasions. Across the District, students have been learning about the diverse holidays, traditions, and celebrations within their school communities. Read the story.
Ahead of the winter break, schools across the OCDSB regularly participate in efforts in support of local community organizations - from collecting donations for charities, to creating holiday cards for seniors. See how schools are spreading kindness.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy winter break, and all the best in 2023!
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education