Building Brighter Futures Together
at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
December 2019
Our 2019 Student Survey is going well - over 20,000 students and parents have responded. It's really important that we hear from as many people as possible, so we are extending the deadline to  January 19th, 2020 . Please watch for a reminder email with a link to complete the survey for children from K-6. Students from grades 7-12 will be provided time in class. 

The surveys take about 20 minutes to complete. Additional information and FAQs can be found  on our website . If parents have questions or concerns, they can be emailed to:  [email protected] .
The ETFO has escalated its “work-to-rule” sanctions to Phase 2. These apply in addition to previous sanctions, which began in November. ETFO members will not participate in Ministry, District or administrator-led professional learning, training, meetings and other activities, this includes the planning of any new field trips. The full list along with an FAQ can be found on the  ETFO website .

All up to date information can be found on our Labour Relations Update page .
If your child will be 4 years old before December 31st, 2020, then they are ready to start kindergarten in September 2020. Give your child the best possible start! Call or stop by your child’s new school to pick up a registration package or register  online !
The OCDSB takes the health and safety of students and staff seriously. In accordance with expanded provincial lead testing requirements in 2017, all designated drinking locations in our elementary schools were tested in 2017 and 2018. We expect to complete the expanded testing in secondary schools in 2020. All of our schools are currently in compliance with provincial legislation and regulations. W e can appreciate parents may have questions about lead in water systems. We've developed a list of frequently asked questions to address the concerns we've heard.
To enhance our existing absence-check procedure, we have introduced a new, more efficient student absence reporting system called  SchoolMessenger SafeArrival in select schools. The rest of the schools will get the system via a staggered rollout through the 2019-2020 school year.
As part of its Right to Read inquiry, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has launched a survey for students with reading disabilities and their parents and guardians. The survey will help the OHRC understand and report on the experiences of students with reading disabilities.
All OCDSB schools will be closed Monday, December 23rd, 2019 and will reopen on Monday, January 6th, 2020.

The Extended Day Program (EDP) will be closed from December 20th to January 6th, 2020.

The main administrative office at 133 Greenbank Road will be closed as of the end of regular working hours on December 24th, 2019, and will reopen on January 2nd, 2020.
November 27th Meeting

The meeting opened with special presentations for Trustee Mark Fisher, recognizing 10 years of service, and Chair of the Board, Lynn Scott, recognizing 25 years of service to the board.

Evidence of Practice – Culture of Innovation
Students in the West Carleton Secondary School courses, TEJ3M (Grade 11) ‘Introduction to Computer Engineering’ and TEJ4M (Grade 12) ‘Computer Engineering’, in addition to learning how to code, also learn how to create printed circuit boards which allows them to build hardware while earning a credit. The courses are part of the ‘Information and Technology’ Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) at West Carleton Secondary School. 

Many schools offer computer programming, but actually building circuit boards is not common. This initiative was successful in improving outcomes for students by enabling them to learn about both software and hardware simultaneously. Students report very high levels of engagement, and some students have gone on to study in related fields in their post-secondary studies.

Approved Policies
The following policies were approved:

December 17th Meeting

The meeting opened with the Board recognizing retiring Superintendent Olga Grigoriev for her years of dedication to students and the district. Throughout her career, Superintendent Grigoriev has been an advocate for students and creating learning environments that encourage creativity and help each child realize their potential.

Evidence of Practice – Culture of Innovation and Social Responsibility
A presentation was made from students and staff from Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School showcasing how the school is working to promote a Culture of Innovation and Social Responsibility. Students in multiple programs and courses at Sir Guy Carleton are engaged in experiential, relevant and authentic learning that was initiated by a group of teachers who received a “farm to cafeteria” grant.

Learning is demonstrated and expanding in the areas of food planting, fertilizing harvesting, preparation, and food security. Students and staff in the Urban Farming Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and the Advanced Culinary Education SHSM programs, as well as students and staff from the General Learning Program (GLP) specialized classes, and the Woodworking and Construction courses, are engaged in the diverse learning experiences connected to this initiative.

Approved Policies

Read full Newsbriefs on our website here . Watch the livestreaming of our meetings here .
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