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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Council Updates November 2023November 2023   Welcome to the new format of the School Council Newsletter! This newsletter is being sent to all OCDSB School Council email addresses. We encourage you to share this information with your council members. All families can access updates by visiting our School Council News page.   Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant Applications Are Open! School Councils may apply for a grant of up to $750 to support innovative projects and activities to engage parents, caregivers, and guardians while enhancing their capabilities in various areas. These areas include:  Addressing anti-Black racism Addressing anti-Indigenous racism Anti-racism Equity/anti-oppression Food sovereignty Human rights Mental health and well-being Creating safe and inclusive spaces Involving parents in early literacy and numeracy. Eligible initiatives may include activities such as workshops, training sessions, information sessions, artistic expressions, and more. A resource will be provided shortly, including examples of presentation topics and presenters.   Applications must be submitted via the 2023-2024 School Council Parent Reaching Out Grant Application Form by January 12, 2024. You must be logged into your OCDSB School Council email address (sc-schoolname@ocdsb.ca) to access the form. Access to these accounts is available to School Council Chairs; if you require assistance with access, please contact your principal. Principals also have access to the PRO Grant application form. For full information about the grant, eligible initiatives, criteria, and more, please visit our website.    Creating Equitable and Inclusive Programming As collaborators in education, schools and School Councils recognize that all families have an equitable place in our schools' community, free from racism, classism, colonialism, and other forms of discrimination, intentional or unintentional. School Council programming should reflect the goals of the OCDSB’s Indigenous, Equity & Human Rights Roadmap by ensuring that councils create welcoming and inclusive spaces for all members of their school community. Visit our website for tips on engaging families through inclusive events and initiatives.   2023-2024 Chair and Vice-Chair of Board of Trustees At our annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, the OCDSB elected a chair and vice chair of the Board of Trustees for the 2023-2024 year. Trustee Lynn Scott was elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Scott is the trustee for Zone 1, West Carleton-March, Stittsville, Rideau-Jock. Trustee Cathryne Milburn was elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees. Milburn is the trustee for Zone 12, Orléans West-Innes, Beacon Hill-Cyrville. For more information, visit our website.   SCHOOL COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT Pleasant Park Public School Outdoor Classroom Pleasant Park Public School is the proud recipient of a brand new Outdoor Classroom complete with wooden log seating, chalkboard and a small stage. Their School Council partnered with Desjardins Ontario Credit Union and the OCDSB to launch the learning area, which was completed in time to welcome students back to school in September 2023. Read the story.   TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant is currently open for applications. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives. The winter submission deadline is January 15.  For information about additional grants available to School Councils, visit our Fundraising and Grants page.    Tips for School Councils: Create an Inclusive Welcome The Ministry of Education has created 25 helpful tips for School Councils on involving parents in the school. This month, we’re sharing tips #3-7, which focus on creating inclusive, welcoming experiences for School Council members and all families. Visit the Ministry website to read about these tips: Create a school information package Meet and greet new parents Bring a friend Welcome new members Plan a newcomers event   OCDSB is Seeking Indigenous Community Members to Serve on the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) Members of Indigenous communities, now is your chance to share your voice and support Indigenous students within the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). The Indigenous Education Council is looking for expressions of interest from members of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to sit on the IEC. Learn more and apply by December 15th.   Reminders Board and Committee Meeting Calendar: View Board and Committee agendas, minutes, livestreams and recordings of meetings. Approved List of Food and Dairy Product Providers for Elementary Schools: View the lists of approved providers and learn about the School Food and Beverages Policy. School Council Email Accounts: Learn about how to use your OCDSB school council email account.