March 28, 2024 - OCDSB Takes Legal Action Against Social Media Giants, Easter Weekend, Share Your Feedback: Advisory Committee on Equity Policy, and more.
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit Lady Evelyn Alternative School. My sincere thanks to the amazing Student Ambassadors, Alex and Caleb, who took the time to provide such a grand tour of the site. It was great to connect with students and staff as they engaged in their authentic learning tasks! I also had the pleasure, this week, of welcoming twenty educators from Munich, Germany at the Board Office. It is a privilege to have an international delegation visit our schools and central offices.
OCDSB Takes Legal Action Against Social Media Giants
The OCDSB has joined the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic School Board, and Peel District School Board to start legal action against tech giants Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook and Instagram), Snap Inc. (SnapChat), and ByteDance Ltd. (TikTok) for disrupting student learning and the education system. According to the lawsuit, social media products, negligently designed for compulsive use, have rewired the way children think, behave, and learn, leaving educators and schools to manage the fallout. These addictive properties have compromised students’ ability to learn, disrupted classrooms, and resulted in increasing mental health harms.
The fall out of compulsive use of social media amongst students is causing massive strains on the four school boards’ finite resources, including additional needs for in-school mental health programming and personnel, increased IT costs, and additional administrative resources. This legal action calls on social media giants to make their products safer, to compensate our board for the disruption to our work, and to support student safety and learning. Find out more information on our website.
This weekend, many in our community will observe Good Friday and Easter. A reminder that there is no school for elementary or secondary students on Friday, March 29th and Monday, April 1st. All OCDSB offices and schools will be closed. We wish a Happy Easter to those who are celebrating.
Share Your Feedback: Advisory Committee on Equity Policy
We are seeking feedback on the Advisory Committee on Equity (ACE) Policy. ACE’s main focus is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its commitment to provide an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. The Committee is currently reviewing its policy to better serve its needs and support the District's strategic goals. Learn more and share your input by April 22.
This month, on our School Council News page, we’ve shared information about the Community Recognition Awards, a grant opportunity for School Councils, tips for engaging families, and updates on surveys and consultations.
2024 Summer Language Classes and Camps (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Unlock language learning adventures this summer! Through interactive lessons and fun activities, your child will discover the joy of learning languages in a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters cultural appreciation. Learn more about the programs and register now.
April 24: Welcome to High School - Virtual Information Session for Afghan families
OCDSB is hosting a Welcome to High School virtual information session for Afghan families on April 24th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. This session, which will be held in English and Dari, will provide information about transitioning to high school, the exciting pathways available, graduation requirements and more. Register Now. For more information, visit our website.
April 27: Prepared & Positive - How Do I Recognize Mental Health Issues In My Child?
The Rotary Club of West Ottawa along with the OCDSB, Rideauwood, Parents Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO), United Way and Youth Services Bureau are hosting an information session on April 27, 2024, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Saint Paul University, focused on helping families deal with mental health issues in their children. The workshops are free, but you must register in advance as space is limited. For more information, visit this website (external link).
April 4: OCDSB Speaker Series - Autistically Thriving: An Evening with Judy Endow
Join us on Thursday, April 4th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., as author and autism consultant Judy Endow explores autistic strengths, thinking styles, information processing, and support. Register now. For more information, visit our website.
2023-2024 Community Recognition Awards: Deadline - April 5, 2024
2024 Valuing Voices - Identity Matters Student Survey
The 2024 Student Survey will be taking place from April 11 until May 10th. An email was sent last week with more information about the survey, including details about the consent process. Learn more about the survey at ocdsb.ca/studentsurvey
2020-2023 Roadmap: Progress Update
The OCDSB’s 2020-23 Indigenous, Human Rights and Equity Roadmap outlined a pathway to fulfill the District’s commitment to identify and address systemic barriers that affect students, staff and families’ well-being and success. During the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 2nd, a progress update will be provided on the Roadmap, its priorities and milestones, the initiatives completed, and the areas of focus for developing the 2024-2028 Roadmap.
Elementary Program Review
On Tuesday, April 2nd, the Board of Trustees will discuss the possibility of an elementary program review. The purpose of this review is to look at our elementary programs (English with Core French, Middle French Immersion, Early French Immersion, Alternative, and Ottawa-Carleton Virtual) along with special education and English as a Second Language supports and services and determine whether the current program model still serves the needs of the community. If the Board decides to proceed with the review, there will be an active community consultation this spring. You can read the report that is going to be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on April 2nd and stay tuned for more information.
Upcoming Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
April 2nd, 7:00 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
April 3rd, 7:00 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
April 4th, 5:30 p.m. - Ad Hoc Policy Review Committee
Calendars and Planning for Important Dates