HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Council Update 2017/03/03 - #23School Council Newsletter
March 3, 2017
WHAT'S NEW...
This week parents have raised many questions about drug use and the current issues relating
to opioid use in the city. The OCDSB has been working with Rideauwood Addictions and
Family Counselling, Ottawa Public Health, and Ottawa Police Services to organize parent
evenings at several of our school locations. We know that the more information you have, the
better equipped you are to parent. The sessions will be held on:
Wednesday, March 8 - Earl of March Secondary School 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 9 - Glebe Collegiate Institute 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22 - Longfields Davidson Heights SS 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 - Gloucester High School 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
These presentations will focus on opioids and opioid overdose, followed by a marketplace o f
community resources. Parents will also have an opportunity to speak directly to Public Health
nurses, Rideauwood counsellors and Ottawa Police. More information is on our website.
Director's Blog on the Final Decisions for Western Area Review
This week, the Board made final decisions on the Western Area Accommodation Review.
These decisions came after months of consultation and deliberation. We had tremendous
parent and community participation in the process. Read the director's blog to learn more
about the process and to link to the specific decisions.
Parents of students in schools in the Western Area Review should have received
communication about the decision this week. Next week, more detailed letters will be sent
home regarding the specific impact of the decisions at individual schools. We will also begin
the transition planning process. Regular updates will be provided to parents and students
through direct communication, school council, this newsletter and our website.
Board Meeting - Eastern Secondary Area Accommodation Review -
March 7th
The Board of Trustees will consider the Committee of the Whole recommendations from
February 15th and 16th and will make final decisions on March 7, 2017. See more information
below.
Eastern Secondary Review - Final Committee of the Whole Recommendations
February 16
Rideau High School would close and its Grade 9 to 12 students be redirected to
Gloucester High School effective September 2017.
Grade 9 to 12 Immersion program students residing within the Rideau High
School attendance area be directed to Gloucester High School effective September
2017.
The Immersion program students residing within the Rideau High School attendance area
currently enrolled in schools (2016-2017) other than Gloucester High School be
permitted to remain at those schools.
The Board support the transition of Rideau High School students to Gloucester High
School, by providing transportation; additional staffing; and in consultation with
students, staff and community partners continue the creation of a room for students
that is culturally friendly to FNMI and comparable to the Lodge
at Rideau High School
Take the Time to Recognize Someone through the Community
Member Recognition Awards
There are so many people who make an incredible difference in our school communities. The
district has several awards to recognize the work of parent and community volunteers.
Nominations can be made by individual parents or by a school council. All nominations must
be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
Community Award - recognizes the outstanding efforts of a member of the OCDSB
community in developing a community initiative that directly supports the well -being
of our students.
Distinguished School Council Service Award - recognizes the outstanding efforts of
a school council or school council member for making a significant contribution to
enhancing the learning experience of students at a school and/or system level.
Volunteer of the Year Award - recognizes the substantial contribution of a parent
volunteer or community volunteer over an extended period of years or through a
single significant initiative that has had a positive impact on students.
Community Partnership Award - recognizes the outstanding partnership/support
from a community agency or business over an extended period of years or through
a significant initiative that has directly benefited OCDSB students.
Excellence in Equity Community Award (in tribute to Isis Officer) - recognizes a
substantial contribution of a parent, volunteer, business community member of an
organization to support the alignment and integration of equity and inclusive
educational principles and practices over an extended period of years or through a
significant initiative that has directly benefited OCDSB students.
Nomination forms can be found here. For more information, please see our Procedure
For more information, please contact susan.baker@ocdsb.ca
REMINDERS
Kindergarten Registration
If your child will be age four or five by December 31, 2017, they are ready for junior or senior
kindergarten starting September 2017. Students already in junior kindergarten do not have to
re-register for senior kindergarten. Visit your local school to register anytime.
Young Artist Award - Deadline for applications: March 10, 2017
The Young Artist Award is a project-based, mentorship-driven youth arts award established for the
recognition and encouragement of young Ottawa-based artists, ages 14 - 17 years old,
demonstrating exceptional potential and a commitment to excellence in any art form. . A more
detailed description of the award and the application procedure can be found here.
Speakers' Speech Writing Contest
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Speakers of the Senate and the
House of Commons have launched a speech writing competition for Canadians aged 12 to 17.
This national contest asks, "What does Parliament mean to you?" Young Canadians are
invited to participate by submitting a written speech via the contest webpage. The contest
closes April 21, 2017. Visit the contest webpage here or here.
Updating your child's immunization record
Any time your child gets a vaccination or booster shot you need to update their record with
Ottawa Public Health by:
Completing the Online Immunization Reporting to Ottawa Public Health
Fax: 613-580-9660
Mail: Immunization Program, 100 Constellation Dr., Ottawa, ON, K2G 6J8, 7th floor,
mail code 26-44
Phone 613-580-6744 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
ImmunizeCA App: appottawa.immunize.ca
CANImmunize has also launched an action comic, Immunity Warriors: Invasion of the Alien
Zombies, to educate elementary school students about the immune system and the role of
immunization in defending against illness.
Ottawa is bidding to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games
The Canada Summer Games are the largest multi-sport event in the country for young athletes.
This two-week event takes place every two years, alternating summer and winter.
The 2021 Canada Summer Games would inspire, engage and transform our community in
many ways, delivering legacy benefits that would endure beyond the event itsel f. Ottawa's bid
to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games will only succeed if the local community
demonstrates its support. Sign up to show your support at Ottawa2021.ca
Math Facts
Homework Help for Students Grade 7 to 10
Homework Help is a free online math help resource for students in Grades 7-10. Homework
Help provides free, live one-on-one tutoring from Ontario teachers Sunday to Thursday
from 5:30pm - 9:30pm ET. The program is funded by the Ontario government and
administered by TVO's Independent Learning Centre. To log in, students will need to register
with their Ontario Education Number (OEN), found at the top of their report card near
their name. (Your child's OEN never changes so any of their Ontario report cards will have it.)
Note: Homework Help is offered in English and is only available to students at publicly
funded schools.
SCHOOL COUNCIL BUSINESS
Strategies for Developing a School Council Succession Plans
This is a good time of year for school councils to begin thinking about succession
planning. There are several things you can do in this regard.
1. Acknowledge the contributions of council members and
volunteers. This is the time of year where you might start
thinking about spring appreciation events and messages in
newsletters. Nominations for our Community Recognition
Awards are also a good way to show appreciation.
2. Invite new parents to School Council meetings. You may
want to pay particular attention to kindergarten parents or
parents who are joining for MFI programs, etcetera. This is
the time of year to hold information nights or encourage
people to come to school council to understand the role of
members.
3. Keep good records - know where your constitution is and
ensure it is up to date; keep your agendas and minutes
posted on your website; ensure your newsletters are filled
with timely information; keep records of council events and
activities for future planning.
4. Share the workload. You want to make sure you avoid
volunteer "burn out". One way to do that is to welcome new
ideas and invite the "idea sources" to play a leadership role in
implementing their suggestion.
Funding for Play Structures and Playgrounds
Funding is available to assist school communities in developing their school grounds and
installing or replacing some of their play structures. Please submit your application using Form
700, as soon as possible. Approval will take into account equity, special circumstances and
other funding already in place. Project applications that did not receive funding in previous
years will be carried over; however, it is important to update the application to reflect the
current status. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Fournier at 613-596-8211 ext.
8690 or at daniel.fournier@ocdsb.ca.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meetings that Matter....
Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings
The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will be on Monday, March 6th at 7:30 p.m. at 133
Greenbank Road in the boardroom. Read the full agenda here.
The Board meeting for the Eastern Secondary Review is scheduled for Tues day, March 7,
2017.
Upcoming Meetings:
3/7/2017
7:30 PM Special Board (Eastern Secondary Review)
3/20/2017
7:00 PM Alternative Schools Advisory Committee
3/21/2017
6:30 PM Committee of the Whole, In Camera
3/21/2017
7:30 PM Committee of the Whole, Public
3/22/2017
7:00 PM Audit Committee
Boardroom Highlights can be found here.
EVENTS AND REMINDERS
Places to Go...Things to Remember
Practical Tips and Tools For Supporting Girls - Navigating Life
Online
Support girls facing digital & media issues with A Guide for Trusted Adults, made with
@YWCA_Canada #ProjectShift.
Me-to-We Food Drive and Raffle
Roch Carrier's Me-to-We Club is hosting a food drive students, staff and community members
can donate. At this time of the year items that are in high demand are coffee, soups, crackers,
canned goods including;stews,vegetables and fruits. If you would like to participate you can
drop off the items at the main office.
Speaker Series
Parents, guardians and caregivers are invited to join us for our free Speaker Series
Presentations. The presentations will begin at 7:00 p.m. Please save the date; more details will
be added to our website in the near future.
Gender Identity and Expression
Thursday, May 8th
Sir Robert Borden High School auditorium, 131 Greenbank Road.
CHEO Workshops on MindMasters 2 at Alta Vista P.S. - March
30th and May 11th
MindMasters 2 is a free toolkit, developed by CHEO, for children from JK to Grade 3, to help
children learn mindfulness, relaxation and positive thinking strategies that will help them
manage emotions and cope with stress. Learn about the toolkit (including the free app for
iPad) at a 3-part workshop series at Alta Vista Public School 1349 Randall Avenue in the
Main Gym 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on March 30th and May 11th. Attend any or all workshops. Child
minding is available. These tools can be modified for all ages. More information can be found
here.
45th National Student Commonwealth Forum
Families are needed to welcome students into their homes for the 45th National Student
Commonwealth Forum. The Forum is a week-long youth leadership program for Canadian
high school students, the first week of May in Ottawa. Students will discuss Canadian issues
in the Senate Chamber and meet Members of Parliament and Commonwealth High
Commissioners. If you would be interested in supporting this charitable program by billeting
one or more high school students from out of town between April 30, and May 5 - more
information can be found at www.nscf-fnec.ca
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School - 25 Year Anniversary and
Reunion
The reunion is scheduled for May 27, 2017. All current and past student alumni and staff are
welcome to attend. Check out the interactive website at http://www.swl25.com/
Tickets for the event are on sale now.
Stay Connected
OCDSB staff, students and community members can view the District's website. Keep in touch
by following us on Twitter, visiting our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, and watching our videos
on YouTube.
About the Newsletter
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Have a good weekend.
Thanks,
Michele
Michele Giroux
Executive Officer, Corporate Services
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
613-596-8211 ext. 8607
michele.giroux@ocdsb.ca