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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKeeping you Connected March 2019Keeping you Connected March 2019 “Momo Challenge” – Cyberbullying threat and Internet Hoax Recent media coverage about the Internet hoax Momo is an important reminder about the importance of digital citizenship and online safety. The risks of cyberbullying are real and can lead to increased behavioural risks, anxiety and stress. Parents might want to use this an opportunity to have intentional conversations about online safety. The following strategies might be useful in these discussions:  Setting privacy settings for all social media and gaming applications;  Keeping video games and YouTube watching in shared family spaces;  Setting up video game restrictions to friends only;  Set up “restricted” mode on YouTube for your child’s account so inappropriate content is not available to them or stream YouTube content through a family-friendly site such as watchkin.com.  Look for digital citizenship safety tips – here’s an example: Online Safety Rules for Kids https://canadasafetycouncil.org/online-safety- rules-kids/  Other resources can be found at saferkidsonline.info, prevnet.ca and cybertip.ca There are a number of resources that parents can access to assist in these conversations, including the following:  Cyberbullying - How to Stay Safe  Am I Cyberbullying?  Internet Safety Resources (Children Under 11) or Internet Safety Resources (Children Over 11) If you have any questions or believe your child needs additional support, please contact your school. Stay Connected with your child's school with the OCDSB App Check out the new OCDSB mobile app . It makes staying connected with your children’s school(s) easy and accessible. 1. Download the app. 2. Choose the school(s) you want to follow and gain access to school calendars and school news. 3. As a bonus you get busing information, cancellations or delays, school directory, emergency alert notifications and other communications. But wait…there’s more…you can get two apps in one. The SchoolMessenger app is available within the OCDSB app and will give you access to your child’s attendance, school -to- parent communications and more. So download it now! Get the free OCDSB app at the App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store . OCDSB 2019 Community Member Recognition Awards The OCDSB values and appreciates the contribution of community members, including parents, volunteers, businesses and others, and wishes to recognize these contributions through a formal recognition awards program. If you would like to nominate someone for one of the awards, please complete the online Community Member Recognition Awards nomination form no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 29th, 2019. The 2019 awards will be presented at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Community Recognition Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 13th, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cafetorium at the Confederation Education Centre. Categories Community Award This Award is granted in recognition of outstanding efforts of a member of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board community in developing an initiative that directly supports the well-being of our students. Nominated by Trustees, school councils, the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), members of the public and OCDSB staff. Community Partnership Award Granted in recognition of 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. Nominated by Trustees, school councils, the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), members of the public and OCDSB staff. Distinguished School Council Service Award This Award is granted in recognition of 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. Nominated by Trustees, school councils, the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), members of the public and OCDSB staff. Excellence in Equity Award This award recognizes the contribution of a parent, volunteer, business community member of organization to support the alignment and integration of equity and inclusive educational principles and practice over an extended period of years or through a significant initiative that has directly benefited OCDSB students. Nominated by Trustees, school councils, the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), members of the public and OCDSB staff. Volunteer of the Year Award This Award is granted in recognition of 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. OCDSB employees or those who are paid for their services are not eligible to be nominated in this category. Nominated by Trustees, school councils, the Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils (OCASC), Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), members of the public and OCDSB staff. Chair’s Award The Chair’s Award is presented annually for the substantial contribution of an Ottawa-Carleton District School Board staff member and/or a community member to the achievement of the aims and objectives of the Board over an extended period of years. **Please note, nominations for the Chair’s Award are made by the Board of Trustees. International Women's Day - March 8th, 2019 International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - and a call to action for gender balance. Let’s join the conversation to celebrate, support and empower women everywhere! Learn more . Proposed 2019-2020 School Year Calendar - Subject to Ministry Approval For those looking to start planning for next year, the proposed calendar for the 2019-2020 school year is now available on our website . Dates to Remember View our Elementary and Secondary School Year Calendars on our website. Daylight Savings Time - March 10th, 2019 Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 10th. Don't forget to move your clocks forward! March Break - March 11th to 15th, 2019 During the March Break, Extended Day Programs operated by the district will be open for children enrolled in the extended day programs or eligible to attend PA day programs. Grade 10 OSSLT - March 27th, 2019 EQAO Assessments for Grade 10 OSSLT will take place on March 27th. For specific dates check with your OCDSB school. More info can be found here . Boardroom Highlights - February 26th, 2019 2019-2020 School Year Calendar: Key Dates The 2019-2020 School Year Calendars for the OCDSB will be sent to the Ministry of Education for approval. An ad hoc consultation committee composed of parent representatives, school principals, student representatives, various employee groups, the District’s Equity, and Diversity lead, and central departments provided feedback and guidance on the design of the calendar. Establishment of an Ad Hoc Code of Conduct Committee Trustees approved the establishment of an Ad Hoc Code of Conduct Committee . Their mandate shall be to:  Review the Board Member Code of Conduct and consider revisions;  Consider the role of an integrity commissioner with respect to the code of conduct;  Provide comments and recommendations to the Board no later than 26th April 2019; Appointment of Member and Alternate to the Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) Committee Trustee Boothby was appointed as the Member and Trustee Blackburn as the Alternative to the Supervised Alternative Learning Committee (SAL). The objective of SAL is to help students in returning to secondary school or going on to one of the five post-secondary options. The Committee meets with the students, parents/guardians, and others to consider: 1. If the application, including the Supervised Alternative Learning Plan (SALP), should be approved 2. If the application should be approved with modifications 3. If the application is not approved, in which case, the student is expected to return to regular attendance at school 4. If no SALP was submitted, the Committee may require the creation of a SALP to support the student’s participation in SAL Visit our website for additional information. Stay Connected Follow Us Contact Us 133 Greenbank Road Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 6L3 613-721-1820 communications@ocdsb.ca Visit our website