Keeping you Connected
April 2019
PA Day - April 12th, 2019

Friday, April 12th, is a PA Day for all OCDSB Elementary and Secondary Schools.
School Climate Survey 2019 for Students - April 23rd to May 10th, 2019
 
The OCDSB is committed to creating inclusive, safe and caring environments. As part of this commitment, along with direction from the Ministry, our schools administer school climate surveys to students at least once every two years. The purpose of a school climate survey is to better understand students’ perceptions about bullying, safety at school, and student engagement.
 
Students who are in grades four to twelve will complete the OurSCHOOL Survey online at school between  April 23rd and May 10th, 2019. Parents can advise the school if they prefer their child not to participate.
 
Please visit our  School Climate Survey webpage  for more information and frequently asked questions.
Autism Awareness Month

April is World Autism Awareness Month. The goal of the month is to help in the building of stronger, more inclusive communities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the ways in which OCDSB schools celebrated this was by participating in the ‘Raise the Flag’ campaign, in collaboration with Autism Ontario. On World Autism Awareness Day, April 2nd, they incorporated a flag from Autism Ontario into their activities to celebrate the diversity of our students as we continue to promote inclusion and acceptance in our schools.

Additionally, the ASD team will be hosting a Parent Information Night (open to all parents) on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 6:00 pm at Sir Robert Borden High School. Dr. Jonathan Weiss from York University will be the keynote speaker, and will address mental health and well being in regards to students with ASD.

The ASD Team will also be present to provide mini workshops for parents regarding supports and services within the district. These sessions are aimed at providing information on services and supports that are available through the Autism Spectrum Disorders Team within the OCDSB.

Sikh Heritage Month

April is an important month for the Sikh community. In this month, Sikh Canadians celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Sikh Canadians widely celebrate Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, across Ontario.

By proclaiming the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario's social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

Sikh Heritage Month provides an opportunity for staff, students and community members to learn more about Sikh traditions and history, and celebrate the many contributions of Sikh Canadians.

For more information visit: 
Extended Day Programs Advisory Committee Seeking Parent Members

The OCDSB is seeking three Parent Members to serve on its Advisory Committee for Extended Day and Child Care Programs for a two year term. It is anticipated that the Committee will meet at least three times per school year, September to June.

Deadline to apply is April 24th, 2019.

Technology Speaker Series

When Technology Takes Over:
Navigating Through the Teen Years
Thursday, May 2nd, 2019
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sir Robert Borden High School - 131 Greenbank Road

This session offers parents practical strategies to encourage healthy use of technology in teens. This free information session will be led by Liz Parsons and Matt Young, Youth Service Managers from  Rideauwood  Addiction & Family Services.

No registration required. Everyone is welcome. Free parking is available behind the school. Due to construction, please use the front/ main entrance.

To learn more about OCDSB Speaker Series, click here .
Stay Connected with your child's school with the OCDSB App

Check out the new OCDSB  mobile app . It makes staying connected with your children’s school(s) easy and accessible.

  1. Download the app.
  2. Choose the school(s) you want to follow and gain access to school calendars and school news.
  3. As a bonus you get busing information, cancellations or delays, school directory, emergency alert notifications and other communications.

And you can get two apps in one: The  SchoolMessenger app  is available within the OCDSB app and will give you access to your child’s attendance, school-to-parent communications and more. So download it now!

Get the free OCDSB app at the  App Store  or for Android in the  Google Play Store .
Dates to Remember

View our Elementary and Secondary School Year Calendars on our website.
Boardroom Highlights -
March 26th, 2019

2019-2020 Academic Staffing
The Board approved academic staffing levels, including elementary teachers, secondary teachers, principals, and vice-principals, for the 2019-2020 school year as outlined in  Appendix A Appendix B , and   Appendix C .

Letter to Ministers Thompson and MacLeod
Trustees directed Chair Scott to write a letter to Minister Thompson and Minister MacLeod endorsing the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association's (OPSBA) position regarding the impact of the planned changes to the Ontario Autism Program on school boards.

Visit our website for further information.
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133 Greenbank Road
Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 6L3
613-721-1820