HomeMy WebLinkAboutSchool Council Update 2017/05/19 - #33School Council Newsletter
May 19, 2017
WHAT'S NEW...
It's hard to believe that the May long weekend is here. Did you know that there are only 6
weeks left of this school year? One of the best things about spring at the school district is that
there are so many wonderful success stories to celebrate. Last night we held the 12th Annual
OCDSB Student Recognition Awards where 33 exceptional senior students were recognized
for their outstanding endeavors in academics, arts, athletics, advocacy and fundraising.
Those recognized represented students from all 26 high schools including Adult High School, 6
secondary alternate sites and 1 student who will receive the Excellence in Equity Award. Here
is a complete list of this years' recipients. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read what
these amazing students have accomplished.
Next week, we will celebrate the OCDSB Staff Awards. The following week, we will celebrate
the Community Recognition Awards. Celebrating success is important because it helps us to
develop a growth mindset. You might be in interested in reading this article about
growth mindset and how it can positively influence teaching and learning. From that same
weblink you can access a wealth of information about parenting with a growth mindset.
OCDSB Secondary All-Star Jazz Band Wins Gold at MusicFest
Canada Nationals
The OCDSB Secondary All-Star Jazz Band does it again - and wins Gold at MusicFest
Canada Nationals! For a second year in a row the band was invited to participate in this
prestigious national event. You can only enter the contest if you are invited.
Music Teachers, Jean-Francois Fauteux from Nepean High School and Stephen Szabo from
John McCrae Secondary School conducted the award winning musicians.
The OCDSB Secondary ASJB's end of year concert will be held at the Ottawa International
Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 24 at 1 pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Alta Vista/ Hunt Club Review - Community Meeting - May 29
Ridgemont High School - 2597 Alta Vista Drive - Cafeteria
Monday, May 29, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Childcare will be available
The accommodation review of the Alta Vista Hunt Club Area is now scheduled to begin
September 2017. The school district will be hosting a Community Input Meeting on May 29th
for families and community members to learn more about the review process and to share their
thoughts about the schools and community. This input will be important in developing the
options presented in the staff report planned for September. You can learn more on
our website and through our Frequently Asked Questions. Information will be sent directly to
families in the schools in the review area.
Community Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Reception - May 31
Wednesday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m.
Confederation Education Centre - 1645 Woodroffe Avenue
Everyone is welcome to attend the Community Awards and Volunteer Appreciation Reception.
This is a chance to recognize all of the people who make an incredible difference in our school
communities. The District has several awards to recognize the work of parent and community
volunteers. Register here to attend the 2017 Community Awards and Volunteer Appreciation
Event. And learn more about the award categories here.
Opiod Use
Public Health is reporting an increase in hospital visits related to opiod use. It is important for
parents to know the facts about opiods and to discuss these issues with your children. Learn
more here.
25 ideas to increase diversity of your school council
OCISO has been working with schools for many years to increase the involvement of parents,
especially diverse parents, in the school. They have compiled a list of suggestions for effective
ways for School Councils to use the $500 grant to increase the involvement of diverse parents
in your school and School Council. These initiatives will also go a long way towards increasing
the participation of all parents in your School Council. Click here to view the poster.
Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants 2017-2018 - Deadline
EXTENDED - June 15
The 2017-2018 Parents Reaching Out (PRO) grants program deadline is approaching. This
year, special consideration will be given to proposals that promote increased access and
awareness of math strategies and resources for parents to support their children's learning at
home and at school or support the engagement of parents from Indigenous or racialized
communities, or encourage parent engagement in promoting the value of arts, in support of
student success. The deadline for the 2017-2018 PRO grant submissions is June 15, 2017.
Applications must be submitted online. For more information, please visit the Ministry website.
School Council - Insurance Coverage for Bouncy Castles
The District has purchased school council insurance on behalf of all OCDSB school councils.
However, if your school council is planning to use a bouncy castle, yo u must ensure the
vendor has liability insurance and that they are Technical Safety Standards Authority (TSSA)
certified. The vendor should be the only persons responsible for installing and running the
bouncy castle. Principals and school council represen tatives are cautioned not to sign any
agreement accepting all liability. Dunk tanks should not be used.
School Council Transition Questions
What happens to school council when schools become 7-12 schools?
A 7-12 school has one school council which acts as an advisory body to the school
principal. Like any other school council, the council will consider issues that affect the school
as a whole. An important role of the council is building a sense of community. The council will
work with the school admin team about how best to provide supports and activities for families
in grades 7 and 8 and those in grades 9 through 12. In some cases, the council may want to
have a sub-committee(s) for specific events and activities.
Specific questions about school space and the sharing of resources may be affected by the
unique circumstances/configuration of the school building and the space availability in the
school. These issues are good discussions to have at school council with the principal and the
admin team.
Facts for Garage Sale Vendors
Spring is a popular time for schools to hold fund raising activities. One activity that has
attracted the attention of Health Canada from a safety perspective is garage sales . Health
Canada has released a memorandum entitled "Facts for Garage Sale Vendors" which clearly
states the following: "Everyone holding a garage sale is legally responsible for ensuring that
products sold, whether new or used, are safe and meet current safety standards. Damaged
articles should be discarded." In addition, the Hazardous Products Act places safety
requirements on certain products, particularly those intended for use by children - it is against
the law to import, sell, give away or lend products that do not meet this Act. Some of the most
common products that often appear in garage sales that must meet the Hazardous Products
Act include (but are not limited to) the following:
Baby Gates - certain designs can result in strangulation hazards
Baby Walkers (these devices have been illegal to sell in Canada since April 2004)
Child Car Seats - seats must meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
Children's Jewelry - lead is often used in the decorative paint or the materials used to
manufacture inexpensive jewelry
Children's Sleepwear - loose fitting cotton fabrics may not meet flammability
requirements.
Baby Cribs - cribs made before September 1986 are illegal to sell under the law.
Lawn darts - illegal to sell if they have elongated
tips.
Playpens, Baby Carriages/Strollers made before 1985
Toys - may present choking hazards, sharp protrusions, disrepair - beware of recalled
toy
Toys or Science kits with magnets - can create intestinal blockage if swallowed
Bicycle, rollerblading, equestrian helmets - designed for a single impact and should not
be re-sold
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meetings that Matter....
The next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at 133 Greenbank Road in
the Boardroom. Read the full agenda here. Watch the meeting live here.
Board and Committee of the Whole Meetings
Please note there have been changes to the schedule for the Committee of the Whole Budget
meetings. The new schedule is as follows:
05 June 2017 - Public delegations and committee questions
12 June 2017 - Budget debate commences
19 June 2017 - Budget debate (if required) and recommendation to the Board
Staff anticipates the 2017-2018 Budget will be approved at the Board meeting of 26 June
2017.
* The timelines for registering as a delegation (4 minutes) at Budget Commit tee have been
extended to noon Monday, June 4, 2017. To register in advance, please
contactnicole.guthrie@ocdsb.ca. Anyone can register just prior to the start of the meeting as a
2 minute delegation.
Questions and comments relating to the Budget can be sent by email
to budgetinfo@ocdsb.ca.
Upcoming Meetings:
5/18/2017 7:00 PM OCASC Secondary School Committee
5/18/2017 7:00 PM Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Councils
5/23/2017 7:30 PM Board Meeting
5/24/2017 7:00 PM Audit Committee
5/25/2017 5:00 PM Greenbank Middle School Closing Ceremony
5/25/2017 6:00 PM Advisory Committee on Equity
5/25/2017 6:30 PM Kanata Highlands Official Opening Ceremony
Boardroom Highlights can be found here.
EVENTS AND REMINDERS
Places to Go...Things to Remember
Free Webinar - Strategies to Support the Success of Students with
LDs on Exams and Standardized Tests - May 25
Thursday, May 25 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Online Webinar
Exams and standardized tests can be stressful for students and staff in general, and in
particular, for students with learning disabilities (LDs). This webinar will focus on how
educators can prepare students with LDs to write exams or standardized tests and assist
educators in creating exams with content and formatting that is "necessary for some, and good
for all". Click here for more information and to register for this webinar.
School Breakfast Program Goes Shopping - May 25
Thursday, May 25 - all day long
Talbots, Rideau Centre - 50 Rideau St #300
The Ottawa School Breakfast Program is partnering with Talbots - Rideau Centre to help
ensure that local children and youth start each school day well-nourished and ready to learn!
On Thursday, May 25th, 10% of each Talbots purchase will be donated to the program, all day
long. Every dollar raised will provide a child in need with the chance to eat, learn and thrive.
ONFE Board Member, Carole Chouinard, and members of the Ottawa School Breakfast
Program Team will be at the store from 5-7p.m.to explain more about this vitally important
program.
To learn more about the Ottawa School Breakfast Program, or to make an online donation,
please visit ottawaschoolbreakfast.ca.
Greenbank Middle School Closing Ceremony - May 25
Thursday, May 25 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Greenbank Middle School - 168 Greenbank Road
School Concert Bands and Garage Bands will be performing, a food truck will be on site, and
the school will host an open house with memorabilia displays.
Official Opening of Kanata Highlands Public School - May 25
Thursday, May 25 from 6:30 p.m.
Kanata Highlands PS - 425 Terry Fox Drive.
The Official Opening Ceremony for Kanata Highlands Public School takes place on Thursday,
May 25, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. The new school is located at 425 Terry Fox Drive.
Robert Hopkins Public School Annual Fun Fair - May 27
Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Robert Hopkins Public School - 2011 Glenfern Ave.
Join us for our fantastic annual Fun Fair - it's less than 2 weeks away! We have a few new
surprises including Princesses, professional face painters, and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, as
well as lots of old favourites. So mark Sat. May 27th from 10-2 on your calendar. You won't
want to miss it!!! This will be the last year for the beloved pony rides so come early and head
there first. Then enjoy our bouncy castle, activity tables, games, and BBQ. And be sure to
check out all the fabulous items we have up for Silent Auction! All proceeds from the fun fair &
silent auction are going to our Kinder yard improvement project. For more information, contact
us at roberthopkinsparentcouncil@gmail.com .
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School: 25 Year Anniversary and
Reunion - May 27
Saturday May 27 from 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School - 1515 Tenth Line Rd
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.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School: Thriving in High School:
Dealing with Anxiety, Stress and Depression - May 31
Wednesday, May 31 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School - 1515 Tenth Line Rd
A mental health seminar for parents/guardians and students will take place on Wednesday,
May 31st. The seminar is focused on teen anxiety and depression. Psychologist Dr. Jennifer
Karp will discuss understanding challenges faced by teens, including school avoidance,
bullying, and managing the demands of technology and social media. Please register for this
free seminar on Eventbrite at thrivinginhighschooltalk.eventbrite.ca
Summerside Summerfest - June 3
Saturday, June 3 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Summerside Public School - 2350 Portobello Boulevard, Orleans
In celebration of a successful first year of operation, the Summerside Public School Parent
Council is organizing a year-end community event. There will be various activities for the
community to enjoy at the event: magician, balloon artist, inflatable obs tacle course, bouncy
castle, video game truck, radical science, summer camp demonstrations, high school musical
bands, Sir Wilfred Laurier robotics, broadcasting and other program demonstrations, food truck
and dessert cart. There will also be basket raffles, photo booth and a fire truck visit. The entire
OCDSB and surrounding communities are invited to attend and help us celebrate the
achievements of the kids, school and community. We're looking forward to see you all there.
Goulbourn Middle School 50th Anniversary - June 14
Wednesday, June 14 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Goulbourn Middle School - 2176 Huntley Road.
We invite all former and current students, parents, staff, and volunteers of Goulbourn Middle
School to come out and celebrate with us. We look forward to opening the school and sharing
in your memories. Join for party games, school tours and cake and ice cream!
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/mhrnfym
D. Aubrey Moodie Intermediate School Closing Ceremony –
June 16
Friday, June 16 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
D.Aubrey Moodie Intermediate School - 595 Moodie Drive
Current and former parents/guardians, staff, students and community members are invited to
celebrate the amazing years of memories.
Elizabeth Park Public School Closing Ceremony
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Park Public School - 15 De Niverville Drive
Current and former parents/guardians, staff, students and community members are invited to
enjoy outdoor games and food.
Continuing Education Newsletter - May/June 2017
Check out the Continuing Education Newsletter for May/June 2017. We invite you to take a
look at what is coming up in our department for 2017! It is totally interactive, so please click
anywhere to be linked to our website for more information on all of our programs.
Summer Language Programs and Camps - Fun with Languages!
Give your child the opportunity to have an enriching and fun language learning experience this
summer! The OCDSB offers various International Language classes over the summer. These
language classes are free for students currently enrolled in Ontario schools.
Classes run from July 24-28th in the mornings (9:30 a.m. to 12 noon). Please call
613-239-2703 or check here for details on both of these programs.
Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) Mobile Eye Clinic program for
school children.
The CCB Mobile Eye Clinic program gives school children an opportunity to have a
comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist in school, eliminating the need
for parents to take time off work, and ensuring that all children receive appropriate vision care.
The CCB has operated successful clinics in a number of elementary schools in Ottawa,
Cornwall, Pembroke, and surrounding areas of Eastern Ontario. Eventually, it hopes to bring
Mobile Eye Clinics to schools across Canada. Watch the video at
https://youtu.be/d3Zvg2upaOI to better understand how the program works and how it has
helped children and their parents.
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.
Have a good weekend. GO SENS GO!!!
Thanks,
Michele
About this Newsletter
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Michele Giroux
Executive Officer, Corporate Services
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
613-596-8211 ext. 8607
michele.giroux@ocdsb.ca