February 24, 2023 - Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing, March Break, Black History Month, and more.

February 24, 2023 - Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing, March Break, Black History Month, and more.
Posted on 02/24/2023

Hello Students, 

Thank you to everyone who brought $2 or more to school in support of Toonie Tuesday this week. Our colleagues at the Education Foundation are still counting toonies, but we are hopeful that we reached the goal of $80,000!

I also want to thank the students and staff who participated in Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday. Standing together against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny is something we must continue to do. See how some of our schools supported this through shared messages of kindness and support for each other. Learn more from these resources to help deal with bullying.

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Mental health matters, but it can sometimes be difficult to know where to turn for help. If you feel like you need support but don’t know where to turn, you are not alone. There are many local community organizations available to support you, including some that can help 24/7 like Kids Help PhoneYouth Services BureauHope for Wellness, and more. Find more support here

March Break 

A reminder that this year’s March Break at all OCDSB schools will take place between Monday, March 13th and Friday, March 17th. 

Black History Month 

This month staff and students have celebrated Black History Month through performances, art, special events, school displays, classroom lessons, and more. While learning will continue throughout the year, this has been a special opportunity to celebrate Black culture and history and applaud the achievements and significant contributions of Black Canadians. Visit our website to see how we've celebrated and learned together. 

Scholarship Opportunities 

If you are planning to attend college or university in the fall, please visit our website to see what scholarships, bursaries, and awards you may be eligible for. Upcoming deadlines include: 

Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard 

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) updates their Respiratory Virus Dashboard every Wednesday. OPH continues to recommend layers of protection like masks, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu vaccines, and staying home when sick.

Dates to Remember in March 

March is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about heritage through Bangladeshi Heritage Month and Hellenic Heritage Month, and is a chance to learn about health and well-being through Nutrition Month and Social Work Month. March 1st marks Zero Discrimination Day, which aims to help create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination. Additional dates of recognition occurring later in March will be shared in our upcoming updates. 

Coming soon: School Climate Survey for Parents and Caregivers 

Between March 1 and March 24, 2023, the OCDSB is conducting a School Climate Survey for parents and caregivers of students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. This is a voluntary and anonymous online survey, available in 12 languages, that allows your parents/guardians or caregivers the opportunity to provide feedback about your experiences in your school. Learn more here.

Opportunities to Share Your Thoughts

Thank you, 

Michele Giroux 

Director of Education

 

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