Building Brighter Futures Together
at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
School Council Update #4 - September 27, 2019
Across Canada, people gathered to raise awareness about the impact of climate change. The OCDSB is committed to building a culture of social responsibility. Environmental sustainability is an important part of that commitment.

What does environmental sustainability look like in schools? Many schools have environmental clubs, recycling programs, school yard greening or other activities that students can participate in. We also have Eco Schools and Forest School programs. Did you know that:

  • The OCDSB is a leader in the solar power generation with green energy installations at 50 schools.

  • The OCDSB is a key member of Carbon 613 and received the Best Sustainable Project Award 2018 for our 5 net metered solar installations.

  • Water bottle filling stations were installed throughout the District in 2011. To date an equivalent of over 5.9 million 16 oz. water bottles have been filled using these stations.

  • Despite having grown in size by 71,000 m2, the District’s overall emissions have been reduced by 12.5% since 2013.

You can learn more about our environmental stewardship initiatives, curriculum requirements and energy management programs on our website .
Important Information
Across Ontario, school districts are engaged in collective bargaining with employee groups. While negotiations are underway,   all Ottawa-Carleton District School Board schools are currently open and there is no loss of service taking place. Learn more .
Parent Conference and School Council Training Day -
November 9th, 2019
Mark your calendar for our 2019 Parent Conference. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Laura Markham , along with engaging workshops. It will be held at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School - 149 Berrigan Dr. Registration coming soon.
Free Speaker Series - Protecting Your Child: Reducing the Risk of Sexual Abuse - October 10th, 2019
Join us and our guest speaker from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and learn how to better understand the issue of child sexual abuse. Topics covered include personal boundaries, adult supervision, what to talk to your child about, and more.
Orange Shirt Day 2019
Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations and non-First Nations to raise awareness about the legacy of Residential Schools in Canada, and to participate in a visual representation of solidarity and reconciliation. Events are taking place at schools in every zone in the District. Learn more.
Islamic Heritage Month
Every October Islamic Heritage Month is recognized in Canada. This is an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Ontarians of Muslim heritage, as well as to appreciate the significant contributions made by the Islamic community.
14 & Muslim - Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
On October 1st, in celebration of Islamic Heritage Month, the documentary film 14 & Muslim will be screened at the Ottawa Art Gallery. The film will be followed by a panel discussion. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. Reserve Tickets
ONFE's Spark Soirée - October 26th, 2019
Breakfast for dinner never tasted so good – or did so much good! ONFE’s Spark Soirée, supporting one of ONFE’s School Breakfast Program, features a breakfast inspired cocktail reception, gourmet breakfast-for-dinner three-course meal, and late-night entertainment.
Become a Foster Parent Today
The children and youth of Ottawa need your he lp. Foster families allow the child or youth to be raised in a family environment that is stable and supportive, ensuring that their needs can best be met. Find out more about fostering.
Concussion Management Speaker Series
We were extremely pleased to have Dr.  Andree-Anne Ledoux join us for our first Speaker Series. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the causes of a concussion, symptoms, recovery and concussion management protocols . For those interested, the presentation will be available on our website shortly.
Reminders
Upcoming EQAO Webcasts for School Councils
Sessions

Oct 1st, 2019, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Register here

Oct 2nd, 2019, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Register here
OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills
This fall, the OCDSB will be participating in the OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills. Further information can be found here .
Identity-Based Data Study
The OCDSB is currently undertaking a data collection project which includes the administration of a survey collecting demographic and perceptual data for all students. This will launch in November 2019.
Outdoor Education Centres' Fall Newsletter
There are great things happening at our Outdoor Education Centres this fall. Check out the Fall 2019 Newsletter for further information.
School Year Calendars
Looking to plan out your school year? The 2019-2020 School Year Calendars are available on our website.
2019-2020 Religious or Creed Based Holy Days and Days of Significance
You will find our 2019-2020 Religious or Creed Based Holy Days and Days of Significance Calendar  on our website .
School Council Information
 School Council Annual Report - Due 30 October 2019
School councils are required to submit to the District an annual report on their activities for the past year. On or before October 30, 2019, please ensure to submit your report to the school principal and forward a copy to Engy Masieh, 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, ON K2H 6L3 or by email at  [email protected] .

Elections of 2019-2020 School Council Members
The election of school council members must be held within 30 days of the start of the school year. The details about the election process are outlined in the School Council policy  and in the  school council elections procedure .

School Council Records and End of School Year Tasks
Records that contain financial information, such as those that pertain to School Generated Funds, are kept for the current year, plus 6 years. As such, financial records from the 2012/2013 school year can be destroyed. School Council meeting minutes are required to be maintained for the current school year, plus 5 years. Thus, the 2012/2013 minutes can be destroyed.

School Council Year-End Financial Reporting
All school councils must prepare and submit to the Board an annual report on their activities (including fundraising activities). To make the exercise easier the Finance Department has produced a template that school councils can fill in. A memo with this information was sent to school principals this week.

Further School Council information can be found on our website .

Other Resources:

Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings
The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on October 1st, 2019, in the boardroom at 133 Greenbank Road at 7:30 p.m.

 Watch the meeting  live here .

Upcoming Committee Meetings: 

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