Building Brighter Futures Together
at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
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School Council Update #7 - October 18, 2019
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The OCDSB is currently seeking applications for membership to the Parent Involvement Committee. The Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is an advisory committee to the school district - in some ways similar to a school council, but at the district level. The Ministry of Education describes the role of PIC as follows:
PICs are an important advisory body that operate as a direct link between parents and a board's director of education and its trustees. Where school councils focus on the local school and community, Parent Involvement Committees (PICs) participate at the board level and focus on things that affect more than one school.
PICs and school councils encourage parent involvement in their children's learning in support of student achievement and well-being.
Parent Involvement Committees build parent engagement by:
- providing boards with advice on parent engagement and how to communicate with parents
- developing strategies and initiatives to help boards engage more parents in their children's learning at home and at school
- sharing information with, and supporting the work of, school councils within the boards.
This week, the OCDSB Parent Involvement Committee met to discuss it's workplan for this school year. One of things that came up in the discussion was ensuring parents are aware of the committee and the important work that it does. Our PIC helps to plan the Speaker Series and Parent Conference and provides advice on strategies to support parent engagement. Learn more about the
committee and how to
apply for membership.
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Parent Conference
Join us for our 2019 Parent Conference on Saturday, November 9th! Our keynote speaker is
Dr. Laura Markham
, and the event will feature engaging workshops. This year, following the keynote session and parent focused workshops, round-table discussions will be held specifically for school councils to discuss those issues and topics of greatest interest with OCDSB experts.
The day is designed to encourage discussion, embrace new ways of doing things and provide an opportunity to network with other parents and community members.
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School Council Training
The afternoon session of the Parent Conference will be focused on what’s most important to School Council members.
In order to facilitate discussions for the afternoon we are asking for your input. Participate in our
Thoughtexchange
and share what matters to you most. The day will be shaped around your input with OCDSB experts there to answer your questions. Want to learn more about School Council Finance? Constitutions? Fundraising? Greening your playground? Let us know.
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OCDSB members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation have taken part or will participate in central strike votes.
As well, ETFO has advised that they have asked the Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer with respect to central bargaining.
Strike votes and conciliation are part of the bargaining process. While these are necessary preconditions for strike action, this does not mean that strike action is imminent.
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To adjust to the new reality of cybersecurity threats and protect the security of students, staff and the broader school community, the OCDSB is planning to update its computer network security policy
.
Learn more
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Thursday, October 24th, is Ontario Dress Purple Day.
This is an important opportunity to raise awareness among students about their right to safety and well-being. Join us in showing support for children and youth, and letting them know they aren't alone.
Learn more
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All OCDSB secondary school students are invited to attend the 15th Annual Rainbow Youth Forum on Thursday, November 14
th
. The forum is a celebration of our diversity and a day to learn together by encouraging student voice.
Learn more
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The OCDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is currently looking for new members. PIC works with parents, school councils and community partners to foster parent involvement and community engagement in support of student success. Deadline to apply is November 4th, 2019.
Apply today
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On Tuesday, October 22nd, Emily Carr Middle School is holding a free session on
The Parent-Child Connection
. The workshop will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and take place at the school - 2681 Innes Road, Gloucester.
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Identity-Based Data Study
The OCDSB is committed to improving equity of access and opportunity for all students. To do this, we need to better understand the challenges our students are facing and where more support is needed.
As part of this commitment, the district will be conducting a survey called Valuing Voices – Identity
Matters! The survey will be conducted between November 26th and December 13th, 2019. The survey
will be completed by parents of students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 and by students in grades 7 to 12.
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OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills
The OCDSB is currently participating in the OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills. The data gathered from this study will be used to help identify factors that support the development of social and emotional skills. The study began on October 8th.
Examples of social and emotional skills include collaboration, open-mindedness and self-efficacy. These life skills are critical for student success, and contribute to many positive life outcomes.
Further information can be found
here.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our speaker series on October 10th.
This session focused on helping parents/guardians better understand the issue of child sexual abuse. Click
here
for further resources.
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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.
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With
Voila Live
, every Monday to Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. students have online access to homework help in French, English and Math.
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ONFE’s Spark Soirée
on October 26th,
supporting ONFE’s School Breakfast Program, features a breakfast inspired cocktail reception, gourmet breakfast-for-dinner three-course meal, and late-night entertainment!
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Foster families allow the child or youth to be raised in a stable and supportive environment, ensuring their needs can be met.
Find out more
about fostering.
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School Council Information
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Video Licensing Agreement 2019-2020
In order for schools and schools councils to show copyright protected movies, the OCDSB has renewed their video licensing agreements with Criterion Pictures, and Audio Cine Films Inc. for the 2019-2020 school year,
effective until September 1st, 2020.
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]
.
Other Resources:
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Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings
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The next public
Board
meeting will be held on October 22nd, 2019, in the boardroom at 133 Greenbank Road at 7:00 p.m.
Upcoming Committee Meetings:
For a summary of our board meetings, read our Boardroom Newsbriefs
here
.
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