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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Council Updates December 2023December 2023   2023 School Council Speaker List for PRO Grant Events We have shared a Speakers List designed to help you maximize your Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant event. The list features expert speakers and organizations, covering topics such as equity, human rights, mental health, creating safe spaces, and engaging parents/caregivers in early literacy and numeracy. By engaging with these speakers, your School Council can tap into the knowledge of and resources needed to foster meaningful change and ensure that every family feels welcomed, informed, and actively engaged in their child’s education. A reminder that PRO Grant applications close January 12, 2024.    School Council Insurance The OCDSB provides School Council liability insurance. This policy provides coverage for the School Council executive members and all volunteers acting on behalf of the School Council that may face lawsuits arising out of their activities for the School Council. This year’s School Council insurance coverage has been paid for by the District and will be provided through the Ontario School Boards’ Insurance Exchange (OSBIE). Learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions.   Building Connections through Communication The key to any successful partnership is communication. When parents are actively involved in their children’s education there is a sense of connectivity with their children’s teacher, principal, School Council, and the greater community. This connection helps to promote engagement, trust, and support for School Council initiatives. Our Engaging Families page provides many resources to support School Council communications, including: Communications Plan template School Council Websites training video School Council Social Media training video Communications strategy ideas   A Message from the Education Foundation of Ottawa   School Councils can allocate a percentage of their funds to support The Education Foundation of Ottawa (EFO). By doing so, they contribute to fostering community and school partnerships, increasing student and community engagement, and positively impacting student achievement. Learn more about the work of the Education Foundation of Ottawa and how your council can support the EFO!   Promote Your School’s Parent Information Night OCDSB schools are hosting Kindergarten and High School Information Nights to help families register and prepare for their education journey. We need your help to highlight this in your community! Councils are encouraged to spread the word on social media channels and in their neighbourhoods. See how you can support your school's event.   Indigo Love of Reading Literacy Fund Grant The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation exists to ensure that all Canadian kids have access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading. Literacy Fund Grants are awarded to schools in high-needs communities who are committed to fostering a love of reading and have a robust plan for how they would utilize new books and resources to enhance their vision. The submission deadline is January 14. For information about additional grants available to School Councils, visit our Fundraising and Grants page.    Tips for School Councils: Break Down Barriers to Participation The Ministry of Education has created 25 helpful tips for School Councils on involving parents in the school. This month, we’re sharing tips #8-10, which focus on addressing barriers to family engagement in School Council. Visit the Ministry website to read about these tips: Consider providing child care Offer translation services Vary times and places   OCDSB is Seeking Indigenous Community Members to Serve on the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Calling all Indigenous community members residing in the city of Ottawa – the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is seeking dedicated individuals to join the committee. The Indigenous representative will advocate for the interests of Indigenous students with special education needs on the SEAC. Learn more and apply by December 15, 2023.   Reminders Board and Committee Meeting Calendar: View Board and Committee agendas, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings.