School Council Update #14 - December 7th, 2018
It's hard to believe that December is already here! This month our schools hold a range of musical performances, plays, craft fairs and special events. These are great opportunities to participate in school based events with you child which is such a fun way to support learning. Be sure to check your school website or newsletter to find out what is happening in your school. A reminder that the last day of school before the Holiday Break is December 21st and students return to school on January 7th, 2019.
Important Information
OCDSB Strategic Planning -
Building Brighter Futures Together @OCDSB

Do you have thoughts about education - what we do well; where we can improve; and what priorities are important to learning and well-being at the OCDSB for the next 4 years? Of course you do, and we'd love to hear from you.  All parents, students in grades 7-12, staff and community partners are encouraged to participate in our community conversation called “Building Brighter Futures Together”. Click on the link below to participate now!


Staff and students - find your link in your OCDSB inbox.

Please take the time to participate between now and December 12th Visit our website  for more information on the consultation.
Hour of Code - December 3rd to 9th
 The OCDSB was encouraging coding activities in all classrooms this week as part of the Hour of Code . In today's world, we recognize the importance of coding and creating opportunities for everyone to develop coding skills. This is essential to our exit outcome of building digital citizenship. Take a few minutes to listen to this CBC story about the amazing accomplishments of two students from Colonel By High School.  
 Continuing Education - Winter Newsletter

Check out the   Continuing Education Newsletter for November/December 2018, and have a look at what is coming up this Winter. 
Reminders
High School Information Nights
Making decisions about high school? Come to an OCDSB inforao help you make an informed decision when choosing a high school, OCDSB schools host information night for parents and grade 8 students. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses.
Upcoming sessions:
  • Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School - December 11th
  • Ridgemont High School - December 13th
  • A.Y. Jackson Secondary School - December 20th

Visit our website for a complete list of Information Nights by school.
What is the WITS Program?
The WITS Program is an evidence based bullying prevention program that brings schools, families and communities together to create responsive environments that help elementary school children deal with bullying and peer victimization. This program has been implemented in our OCDSB schools.

Click here to learn more and find resources.
 Ottawa Public Health (OPH) Immunization
All children attending school between ages 4 to 17 need to be immunized according to  Ontario's Immunization Schedule . Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, students attending school in Ontario are required to be vaccinated against nine (9) diseases or have a valid exemption. Parents are required to report all immunizations done at the doctor's office to OPH. Under this Act, OPH has the authority to suspend from attending school students for whom OPH does not have a record of immunization.
 
Parents/guardians of these intermediate and secondary students received written notice from OPH in the mail by  November 21st . Suspension orders are scheduled to be mailed to households on  January 25th, 2019  (Grades 7 - 12) and scheduled to be enforced on  February 20th, 2019

Parents seeking more information can contact OPH by phoning 613-580-6744 or visit  parentinginottawa.ca/immunization . Learn more   here
School Council Information
School News
There are a lot of amazing events going on in our district. Check out our new School News section of the website to learn about the great things happening in our schools!


South Carleton High School Christmas Fundraiser -
November 26th to December 10th

The HOPE Club at South Carleton High School is running a Christmas fundraiser to help families in areas affected by the September tornadoes. From November 26th to December 10th the school will be collecting money for gift cards, new and gently used hats and mittens, new hygiene items, and notes of encouragement and best wishes for the affected families. Donations can be brought in to the students' homeroom, or made online via  School Cash Online .  The HOPE Club will be working with Manordale Public School and West Carleton S.S. to identify the families. Your generosity is most appreciated. 

Want to spread the word about your event? Send us an email at:  schoolnewslettersinfo@ocdsb.ca . We will help publicize your events on our website.
Dates to Remember
School Year Calendars
The 2018-2019 school year  elementary   and  secondary   calendars are available on our website. The highlights include School Holidays, PA Days, and District-wide Secondary Testing. 
Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings
The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be on December 11th, 2018. Read the full agenda here . Watch the meeting live here .

Upcoming Committee Meetings:   
12/11/2018 7:30 PM Committee of the Whole, Public
12/11/2018 7:30 PM Board, Public

Read our Boardroom Highlights here .
Stay Connected
OCDSB staff, students and community members can view the District's  website . Keep in touch by following us on  Twitter , visiting our  Facebook  and  LinkedIn  pages, and watching our videos on  YouTube .

About the Newsletter
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