School Council Update #26

March 13, 2020

The past two days have been unprecedented in our community and around the world as we collectively move to implement strategies to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Yesterday's announcement regarding the closure of all publicly funded schools in Ontario from March 14 to April 5th was breaking news for school districts and for families. We worked quickly to communicate with parents based on the information that was available. Earlier today, Director Education Camille Williams-Taylor sent an update to all families and all employees with more detailed information about the cancellation of school, childcare and other programs, services, events and permits in relation to the concerns around COVID-19. There are still many questions to be answered and we will continue to provide updates as we better understand the situation.

In the weeks ahead, we will not have classes, school council meetings, or this newsletter, but we will provide regular updates on our website, through social media and by email to families. Students should also monitor their OCDSB email accounts. If you have ideas or suggestions that you would like to share, please drop us a line at [email protected].

With the situation changing so quickly, our first priority remains the health and safety of our OCDSB community. Working together, practicing self-care, supporting those in need, and assisting and supporting the efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus are the keys to working through this and become an even stronger community. Ottawa Public Health remains the primary source of information on COVID-19.
 
Take good care.
Michele
Important Information
The Ministry of Education has directed all publicly funded schools in Ontario to close for 2 weeks following March Break. Information was sent to parents, students and staff. Learn more on our website . We will continue to provide updates.
The Safe Schools and School District School Code of Conduct Policy Review Consultation planned for March 23rd has been cancelled due to the public school closures across Ontario.
Only 2 weeks left to show your volunteers how much you appreciate their contributions to your school!

The OCDSB Volunteer and Community Member Recognition Awards are a great opportunity to recognize individuals in your school or community who make a difference. It takes only a few minutes to nominate a deserving volunteer.

If you know a community member, parent, volunteer, or business partner who has made a lasting impact please consider nominating them through our formal recognition awards program. Online nomination forms must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27th, 2020 .
This week ETFO announced a delay of further sanctions which were anticipated for March 23rd. We will continue to monitor the impact of strike sanctions and provide notice of changes or impacts affecting OCDSB.   Learn more .
Educational planning is very important to success in high school. Making informed decisions will help students to choose the most appropriate courses for their strengths, interests and abilities. Our o nline Secondary School Course Guide allows students to review the courses offered at their secondary school. Specific dates by school can be found by either contacting the school directly, or by looking on their website.
Did you know that there are many free resources available to assist students in their search for scholarships, bursaries and awards? Check out our website for more information or talk to your child's guidance counsellor for more information.
The proposed calendar for the 2020-2021 school year is now available on our website .

Please note that this is subject to Ministry Approval which is received on or before May 1st.
The Education Foundation of Ottawa removes economic barriers to successful learning by creating a level playing field for all students regardless of personal or socio-economic circumstances.  


Did You Know?  The Education Foundation of Ottawa was recently able to provide funding to help support a student who did not have a stable and safe residence.

STUDENTS ARE SAYING:  "Thank you for caring about me. It’s nice to know there are people out there who think I am important."

It’s About What Kids Deserve.
Reminders
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.
Ontario Public Health is undergoing a consultation on the modernization of public health. Their discussion paper can be found on their website , and individuals are asked to provide feedback using the survey at the end of the paper. Deadline to provide feedback is Tuesday, March 31st, 2020 .
Check out the interactive   Continuing Education Newsletter   for February/March 2020, and have a look at what's taking place this Winter.
The OSTA Pitter Patter Grant is a micro-grant of up to $250 available to local schools who wish to implement or support a School Active Transportation initiative. Learn more .
Nominations are open for the 2020 OTIP Teaching Awards. These awards recognize teacher excellence in publicly funded education. Deadline is Tuesday, March 31st, 2020 .  Learn more.
All 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 Ottawa Public Health . 
School Council Information

There will be no school council meetings during the planned closure period.

Resources:

Additional School Council information can be found on our website .
Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings
The next public Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on April 7th, 2020 , in the boardroom at 133 Greenbank Road at 7:30 p.m.

 Watch the meeting  live here .

For a summary of our board meetings, read our Boardroom Newsbriefs here .
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