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Home My WebLink AboutKeeping you Connected - May/2019 Keeping you Connected May 2019 Flood Update There is a finally a break in what is being described as one of the worst floods in Ottawa’s history. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, which controls and monitors the river, is reporting water levels have peaked in Ottawa- Gatineau. Some of the emergency measures put in place are being lifted as water levels slowly start to drop in most areas. Mayor, Jim Watson is asking volunteers to take a much-needed rest as their efforts will be needed in the coming days to help with clean operations. OCDSB students and staff are being praised for their commitment to the community. Students and staff from several schools answered the call for help and some formed human chains to help with packing and passing sandbags to soldiers and neighbours to help stop the raging river. Cairine Wilson Secondary School students were on the front-lines on the first day of the flood waters. Meanwhile, West Carleton High School students demonstrated their commitment to building citizenship by packing in excess of 11,000 sandbags in one day. Hillcrest High School sent over 100 students (of which 17 students were from the Canadian International School of Egypt) to help in flood prevention activities. The Egyptian students are part of their friendship partnership with the school. Local and National Media highlighted some of the community outreach that happened in OCDSB schools: https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/extraordinary-efforts-by-volunteers-to-help- with-flood-relief-1.4400387 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/flood-cumberland-students- cairine-wilson-1.5115403 https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/west-carleton-students- pitch-in-on-sandbag-efforts-1399914 Our hearts are with those directly affected by flooding and our sincere gratitude to all who have volunteered to assist with flooding or flood prevention. OCDSB School Website Survey - Tell us what you think! We're looking for input on our school websites - tell us your thoughts and help us see where we can improve. Take survey Education Week 2019 Education Week takes place during the first full week in May. It's an annual event celebrated by school boards and schools across the province. This is a time for students, teachers and parents to celebrate teaching excellence and student achievement. Th is year’s theme is “Education that works for you". Our schools have many activities planned to celebrate student learning. These include class discussions, assemblies, guest speakers, and more. Parents should check school websites and/or newsletters for more information about events at their child's school. These events are wonderful opportunities to interact with school staff and other parents. Mental Health Week 2019 May 6th to 12th is Mental Health Week . This is an annual event that encourages people to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on issues related to mental health. Mental health is about having a sense of purpose, strong relationships, feeling connected to our communities, knowing who we are, coping with stress, and enjoying life. At the OCDSB we recognize the important relationship between mental health & academic performance. We work together to promote mental health and well-being in our students and our staff. This week we encourage everyone to #GetLoud and #haveTHATtalk about what mental health really is - a state of well-being in which we flourish and thrive. Let's think about what we are thankful for and what brings us joy. Let's spend meaningful time with friends and family. Let's practice being mindful and managing our moods. Let's recognize times of stress and use healthy coping. And, let's reach out for help when we need it. More information can be found on the OCDSB website . Later this year, the OCDSB will be releasing its new 3 year mental health strategy. OCDSB Strategic Plan - Feedback on Draft Earlier this year we asked for your input on our 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, and were delighted by the amount of responses we received. Our Strategic Plan consultation process has four stages: 1. Pre-consultation (COMPLETE) 2. Idea Exchange (COMPLETE) 3. Developing Strategies and Action (COMPLETE) 4. Feedback on Draft Plan Thanks to your comments and ideas we are now at the fourth stage. We are working on a draft plan and are looking forward to sharing it with you. Watch for an email from us asking for your feedback Learn more Date with Diversity- May 14, 2019 Date with Diversity 2019 will be taking place on Tuesday, May 14th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Canterbury High School. The theme for the evening is "Journeying from Diversity to Equity". A Date with Diversity is a conversation that expands learning and understanding around diversity, equity and inclusive education with a focus on how to value, strengthen and leverage the connections between communities and schools to foster student success and well-being. To this end, A Date with Diversity provides employees, students and other attendees the opportunity to ask colleagues, classmates and community guests representing different aspects or dimensions of diversity any questions they may have about their experiences and insights into our ongoing conversation: what are the conditions necessary to foster a more equitable and inclusive culture to support learning, well-being and a sense of belonging for the OCDSB community? OCDSB Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Community Recognition Awards June 13th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. 1645 Woodroffe Avenue Please join us as we celebrate the valuable contributions of all our volunteers and celebrate our 2019 Community Recognition Award winners and nominees at our annual appreciation event. This is our chance to show our appreciation for the contributions our volunteers make every day in supporting students, staff and our schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with our community and show our appreciation for the significant and valued work that our volunteers do in our schools for our students. Register Now School Climate Survey 2019 for Students - April 23rd to May 10th, 2019 The OCDSB is committed to creating inclusive, safe and caring environments. As part of this commitment, along with direction from the Ministry, our schools administer school climate surveys to students at least once every two years. The purpose of a school climate survey is to better understand students’ perceptions about bullying, safety at school, and student engagement. Students who are in grades four to twelve will complete the OurSCHOOL Survey online at school between April 23rd and May 10th, 2019. Parents can advise the school if they prefer their child not to participate. Please visit our School Climate Survey webpage for more information and frequently asked questions. Dates to Remember View our Elementary and Secondary School Year Calendars on our website. Victoria Day - May 20th, 2019 All OCDSB Elementary and Secondary Schools will be closed on Monday, May 20th, for Victoria Day. EQAO Assessments - May 23rd to June 3rd Grade 3 and 6 Students will be participating in EQAO Assessments from May 21st to June 3rd. Boardroom Highlights Purchase of New Portable Classrooms Approved Trustees approved the purchase of up to 20 new portable classrooms, at a total cost of $3,129,200 (excluding HST). The purchase will provide the District with sufficient flexibility to accommodate student needs throughout the system. Support for Mental Health through an Equity Lens The Board directed staff to explore and report on funding to support mental health through an equity lens, especially for students who self- identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit and for male students of African descent. Visit our website for further information. Stay Connected Follow Us Contact Us 133 Greenbank Road Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 6L3 613-721-1820 communications@ocdsb.ca Visit our website