School Council Update #27 - March 29th, 2019
Research shows that young people with strong social and emotional skills are more likely to have better grades, good health, be more physically active, be happy, and be active citizens. As parents and educators, we understand the importance of skills such as responsibility, self-control, empathy, sociability, trust, and co-operation. Our challenge is understanding how we can foster the development of these skills.

The OCDSB is participating in an international project with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which seeks to better understand the policies, practices, activities and environmental conditions that are associated with the development of social and emotional skills. This week, I had an opportunity to participate in meetings about the study and learn how participants from around the world are working to develop social and emotional skills. It's exciting to know that we are at the forefront of really important work that can help support student learning and well-being, and most importantly set students up for success in life!  

At the OCDSB, our work in well-being, along with our commitments to building a Community of Character and our Exit Outcomes , are definitely on the right track.
Important Information
World Autism Awareness Day - April 2nd, 2019

April 2nd, 2019, is World Autism Awareness Day . The goal of the day 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 will be celebrating this day is by participating in the ‘Raise the Flag’ campaign , in collaboration with Autism Ontario. They will be incorporating 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 another Parent Information Night (open to all parents), 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.
OCDSB 2019 Community Member Recognition Awards

There's still time to nominate a volunteer for the OCDSB Community Member Recognition Awards.

Volunteers make such an important contribution to our schools. The OCDSB Community Member Recognition Awards are a great opportunity for you to recognize that individuals in your school or community who make a difference. If you know a community member, parents, volunteer, or business partner who has made a difference please consider nominating them through our formal recognition awards program. O nline  nomination forms must be completed  no later than 11:00 p.m. Sunday, March 31st, 2019.

The 2019 awards will be presented at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Community Recognition Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 13th, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cafetorium at the Confederation Education Centre.

OCDSB French Public Speaking Contest

On March 26th we held the OCDSB French Public Speaking Contest. We had 36 elementary and secondary students participate from 12 of our schools. Students had 15 minutes to prepare a topic to present it in a spontaneous speech and answer questions about it. It was such a pleasure to see their confidence in their spontaneous speech skills in French! Our winners will represent the OCDSB at the Provincial contest in Toronto on May 4th.
2019 OCDSB International Languages Summer Programs

The OCDSB International Languages Summer Programs are open for registration! They will be running from July 2nd to 26th. Our programs offer classes in Spanish, Greek, Japanese, and more. For further information and to register, visit our website .
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.

But wait…there’s more…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.

Get the free OCDSB app at the  App Store  or for Android in the  Google Play Store .
Reminders
Earth Hour is March 30th, 2019

Since its beginning in 2007,  Earth Hour  has inspired millions of people to take action for our planet, including the OCDSB. This year OCDSB schools and administration have been encouraged to take part in the Earth Hour challenge on Friday, March 29th, from 1:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m. You can join this global movement and bring awareness to climate change at home on March 30th from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., by turning off the lights and all other electronic devices that are not required for the hour.
School Ground Greening Workshops

Join us for a free series of  inspiring workshops   designed to help you plan a successful and sustainable school ground greening project. Workshops are run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Immaculata High School - 140 Main Street. The next workshop is Planting and Maintaining your Trees & Food Gardens - Find out how to plant, protect and care for your trees and food gardens.
Proposed 2019-2020 School Year Calendar - Subject to Ministry Approval

For those looking to start planning for next year, the proposed calendar for the 2019-2020 school year is now available on our website .
Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching

Each year, Canada’s History Society recognizes 6 teachers for innovative approaches to teaching Canadian history. Applications are due April 1st, 2019. Visit CanadasHistory.ca/GGAward .
Paint it Up! - Funding Available for Projects

Funding is available for outdoor mural art projects that support graffiti prevention, youth empowerment, community safety and the beautification of Ottawa neighborhoods. Deadline to apply is April 2nd, 2019. 
 Ottawa Public Health (OPH) Immunization

All children attending school between ages 4 to 17 need to be immunized according to  Ontario's Immunization Schedule . OPH has the authority to suspend from attending school students for whom OPH does not have a record of immunization. Parents can contact OPH by phoning 613-580-6744 or visit parentinginottawa.ca/immunization . Learn more   here . 
School Council Information
 School Council Liability Insurance

The following text serves to clarify the difference in insurance coverage between the School Council’s liability insurance, and the District’s liability insurance.

The School Council Liability Insurance, paid for by the District, applies when members
of School Council (as defined in the School Council Constitution) are acting within the
scope of their duties, and the event is organized and controlled by the school council.
Coverage exclusions, under this policy, include, but not limited to, pyrotechnics and
fireworks, sports teams and all organized sport activities, skiing, fitness training,
gymnastics, and stage/prop construction.

If school councils engage in activities beyond the scope of their duties, e.g. running
music programs, social activities, or sports clubs, they are advised to:
  • Not use the school name and clearly stating, in any correspondence to parents,
that it is not a school sanctioned event;
  • Purchase an additional insurance policy, as the event is not covered the School
Council Liability Insurance;
  • If using the school or school property, book the space through the Community
  • Use of Schools (CUS) department;
  • Consider using a consent form for persons participating in the event; and
  • Consider a vetting process for all volunteers.

The District’s insurance policy provides liability coverage for school council members
only when they are acting as volunteers to a principal-approved, organized and
supervised event.

For more information, please check the School Council Insurance webpage . Should you have any questions, please contact the Risk Management Team .
School News
There are a lot of amazing events going on in our district. Check out the School News section of our website to learn about some of the great things happening in our schools!


Earl of March Secondary School presents Mamma Mia! - April 4th to 7th

The musical theater department at Earl of March Secondary School is proud to present Mamma Mia the musical! Evening performances will be held from April 4th to 6th at 7:00 p.m., and there will be a 2:00 p.m. matinee on April 7th. Tickets are $15 and can be  purchased online . Learn more on our website .

Want to spread the word about your event? Send us an email at:   [email protected] . 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 public Committee of the Whole meeting will be on April 2nd, 2019. Read the full agenda here . Watch the meeting live here .

Upcoming Committee Meetings:
04/02/2019 7:30 PM Committee of the Whole, Public
04/16/2019 7:30 PM Committee of the Whole, Public
04/17/2019 6:00 PM Parent Involvement Committee
04/23/2019 7:30 PM Board, Public
04/25/2019 6:00 PM Advisory Committee on Equity
04/29/2019 7:00 PM Advisory Committee on the Arts

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 , and downloading our new app, visiting our  Facebook  and  LinkedIn  pages, and watching our videos on  YouTube .

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