March 24, 2023 - Supporting Students and Families During Ramadan, Scholarship Opportunities, and more.
Hello Students,
We hope you had a wonderful March Break, and that you have enjoyed this first week back at school. Here are a few things to note for the week ahead.
Supporting Students and Families During Ramadan
Ramadan is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims all over the world. During Ramadan, the OCDSB ensures students and staff are accommodated for prayer, fasting, and any other needs they might have, and is committed to promoting inclusivity and belonging for Muslim community members. Ramadan provides an opportunity for us to share relevant stories about Muslim people and contributions in our schools, classrooms, and offices, honour Muslim students’ and families’ own expertise, experiences, and identities, and continue ensuring no student or staff member is discriminated against. For all those observing, we wish you a blessed Ramadan.
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:
April is World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is an opportunity for staff, students, and families to work together to promote diversity, inclusion, and well-being. Learn more on our website.
Dates to Remember This Week
- March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: This date honours those who suffered and died and recognizes our obligation to fight for racial equity, to build a world that is just and free.
- March 26: Purple Day. This is an international movement dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy, and reminding those with epilepsy that they are not alone.
- March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility. International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates transgender people and advocates for their safety and well-being. The date was first marked in 2009 when trans, gender diverse, intersex, and Two-Spirit peoples recognized the need to celebrate trans individuals and communities. The OCDSB supports the rights of trans students and staff.
- March 31: Indigenous Languages Day: Indigenous Languages Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous languages, and to support Indigenous peoples as they reclaim, maintain, celebrate and strengthen their languages.
Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard
A reminder that Ottawa Public Health (OPH) updates their Respiratory Virus Dashboard every Wednesday, and continues to recommend layers of protection like masks, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu vaccines, and staying home when sick.
In case you missed it…
Nomination Period Extended for the RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards: The RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards are an annual celebration of young people, and recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of youth who are making the Ottawa community, and the world, a better place. Learn more and submit a nomination by March 31, 2023.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education