December 2, 2022 - OCDSB Board of Trustees Appoints Interim Director of Education, Reminders for the 2022-2023 Winter Break, and more.
Hello Students,
OCDSB Board of Trustees Appoints Interim Director of Education
The OCDSB Board of Trustees is pleased to announce it has appointed OCDSB Executive Officer Michele Giroux to serve as Director of Education and Secretary of the Board on an interim basis, effective January 9, 2023. Michele will serve in the role of Director until a permanent candidate is selected by the Board of Trustees later in 2023. Please join me in congratulating Michele and welcoming her to the role. You can learn more about Michele and the hiring process for the Director of Education on our website.
Standing up to Anti-Indigenous Racism, Anti-Black Racism, Islamophobia, Antisemitism and other Forms of Hate
Recently we have seen a rise in anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, transphobia and more. The response to recent debates in our Boardroom, as well as events in schools have highlighted the need to reinforce and restate our values and commitment to respecting one another and ensuring our mutual safety and belonging. In the past week, members of the OCDSB community have been subject to specific messages of hate, threats, and actions. We clearly and unequivocally denounce these acts and reject hateful personal attacks on any member of our community.
Feedback, criticism and healthy debate directed towards the organization are always welcome. Racism, targeted hate, threats, and ignorance are dangerous.
There is no place for hate or racism in our schools, workplaces or anywhere in our community. The unfortunate reality is that most incidents of hate and racism come from within our communities. This means that we have the power to change that. Individually, we must interrupt and confront racism, discrimination and hate when we see or hear it. Collectively, we must continue to educate ourselves and others to foster a strong OCDSB community, build resilience and compassion, and cultivate basic respect for one another, in order to eliminate all forms of hate and racism in our schools and our system. Everyone deserves to live, learn and work in an environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming.
Reminders for the 2022-2023 Winter Break
As we approach the winter break, here are a few important details for students and families to remember.
- The last day of school for elementary and secondary students will be Friday, December 23.
- All students will return to class on Monday, January 9, 2023.
- All elementary and secondary schools (including school offices) and OCDSB administrative sites will be closed as of the end of regular hours on Friday, December 23.
- Secondary school offices and OCDSB administrative sites will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Applications to College or University
Application deadlines for Ontario Colleges and Universities are quickly approaching. Visit OUAC or OntarioColleges to be aware of important dates.
New OCDSB Podcast Episode: Digital Citizenship
It seems we’re all struggling to navigate the online world these days, and it’s a challenge for kids, teenagers, and adults alike. In our latest episode of our In Conversation with OCDSB podcast, we talk about how we can all navigate the digital world with confidence. Listen and learn more: ocdsb.ca/inconversation
Weekly Snapshot from Ottawa Public Health
This week, Ottawa Public Health announced they would now be providing a Respiratory Virus Snapshot in place of their COVID-19 Snapshot, as they will be adding flu and RSV wastewater data into these weekly updates. OPH will be watching trends in 2023 to decide whether or not to shift the snapshot's focus once again. Read more about this change on Twitter, and view data from the past week.
Dates to Remember
December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On December 3rd, the OCDSB joins communities and organizations around the world, to stand for persons with disabilities to be recognized for their humanity and abilities. We invite students, staff and families to reflect on what we can do differently to fulfill the OCDSB’s commitment to identity and apply Transformative and Innovative Solutions for Accessible, Equitable and Inclusive Education. Read more.
December 5: International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day is a global celebration of volunteers, founded by the United Nations in 1985. We are grateful to all our wonderful volunteers for the kindness and care they show each day to our students, staff members, and families.
December 5-11: Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science often completed during coding week (December 5-11). It uses fun tutorials to teach the basics, demonstrating that anyone can learn to code! Millions of students around the world take part each year, as do many schools in our District.
December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is recognized each year on December 6, in memory of the 14 young women murdered at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989. Please join us in remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those we have lost to it.
Event Reminders
December 3: Brick and Masonry Information Session - Ottawa Technical Secondary School, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
December 6: Secondary Gifted Program Information Session, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Open to all, though parents with a student in grade 8 may find it the most beneficial. Parents and guardians can save this link to join the session on Google Meet.
December 6: Committee of the Whole Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.
December 8: All About High School Virtual Information Session, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Open to students in grades 8-11 and their families. Learn more and register.
Thank you,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education