Tonight, the Board of Trustees passed a motion requiring mask use in all OCDSB buildings. Staff are developing an implementation plan and will provide additional clarification shortly.
We have seen tweets circulating about protestors having the convoy drive past schools. This idea is unacceptable. Schools are places for learning, and the safety of students and staff should not be threatened.
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The motion requiring students and staff to mask did not pass. The Board of Trustees strongly encourages the community to follow the advice of Ottawa Public Health, including wearing masks in indoor public settings.
This weekend, flags and symbols of hatred have been on display in our community. We believe in freedom of speech, but words and symbols like Confederate flags and swastikas promote hate, instill fear and are intolerable.
It has come to our attention that an anti-transgender protester planned a small demonstration on Broadview Avenue today, near two OCDSB schools. Such acts of hatred are upsetting. We are actively monitoring the situation and ensuring there is no trespass on school grounds.
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We have reached out to the Ottawa Police Service and know that they are monitoring the situation. While we have no reports of concerning activity from schools, our staff are aware and will continue to make safety our first priority.
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Confidential details relating to student support group meetings were posted on Twitter. The public sharing of meeting links intended for students creates situations of risk, including attacks on individuals and cybersecurity threats.
ALERT: All
#OCDSB
schools, program and administrative buildings including the extended day program and infant/toddler programs will be closed tomorrow, Monday, September 24, 2018. Read more:
ALERT: With a major snowstorm headed to Ottawa, the OCDSB is shifting to remote learning for all students, including those in specialized education program classes, on Monday, January 17. There will be no in-person learning at OCDSB schools. Learn more:
Today we recognize and honour the bravery, the courage, the uniqueness, the resilience, the warmth, the creativity, and the fabulousness of Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse students, staff, family members, and neighbours.
Read our message:
All meeting details have been changed and updates will be shared directly with participants only. While discussions of policies are important, no student should ever be put at risk of harm.
As we head into the Spring Break, we want to recognize all
#OCDSB
staff for the incredible work you do every day to support students and families. Retweet or comment on this post to join us in saying "Thank you!"
IMPORTANT: All OCDSB Schools and Administration Buildings will be closed tomorrow, Friday, December 23rd. Students and staff should remain home. There will be no learning activities taking place on Friday, including virtual schools. Learn more:
All students, families & staff have the right to feel physically and emotionally safe, welcomed and accepted at school, without questioning of or reference to gender identity and/or expression.
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Congratulations to OCDSB Education Director Camille Williams-Taylor & Education Foundation of Ottawa Executive Director Clarissa Arthur, who have been recognized as part of the Top 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for 2022! Read more:
We apologize:
This year, the OCDSB has been reviewing practices through an equity, human rights and anti-oppression lens. One important part of this work was a review of police involvement in schools through both the School Resource Officer (SRO) program,
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The OCDSB will honour the lives of the 215 children whose bodies were found in a mass grave at a residential school in Kamloops, B.C.
#215Children
#EveryChildMatters
Coronavirus Update: We have just been advised the Ministry of Education has directed all publicly funded schools in Ontario to close for 2 weeks following March break. Once we have more information we will provide an update.
We are aware of increased police presence downtown. We have reached out to Ottawa Police who have confirmed schools are safe. We will maintain contact with police through the day. In the event of any changes to the current situation, we will activate our safe schools procedures.
All OCDSB Schools and Childcare Programs Closed Tomorrow - Tuesday, May 24th to all students & staff. Includes OC Virtual, Adult High School, McHugh Outdoor Ed Centre & Castor Valley ES. There will be NO remote learning tomorrow. Learn more:
Did you travel outside of the country on March Break? Current federal travel requirements state that those returning from international travel must wear a mask at all times in public spaces, including schools. Learn more:
A huge thank you to
#OCDSB
school & technology staff who were busy packaging over 7000 Chromebooks & 1700 internet hotspot devices for distribution to students so they can stay connected and keep learning!
#CultureofCaring
#OCDSBLearnAtHome
Our thoughts are with all those families impacted by yesterday's storm. Thank you to first responders, our staff and the community members who have been on the scene since yesterday.
The Board of Trustees has appointed Camille Williams-Taylor as the next
Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Ms. Williams-Taylor will officially assume the role in the New Year. Learn more:
#OCDSB
Our thoughts are with those affected by the bus crash today. Our appreciation to all first responders at this difficult time. A reminder of this resource to help parents wanting to talk to their children about tragic events:
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Abdirahman Abdi and the Black community who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one following today’s court decision.
The human rights and dignity of every person must be protected. The OCDSB continues to be committed to equity & inclusion, and we acknowledge the importance of addressing anti-Black racism. Please read our statement:
Today is International Trans Day of Visibility.
Each student, school & staff has a responsibility to ensure that transgender and gender diverse students have a safe learning environment. Learn more with our Gender Identity & Gender Expression Guide:
#TDOV
Paul Dewar was a passionate educator, union leader and politician. He was a person of great integrity and had an unwavering commitment to community, democracy and the empowerment of youth.
ALERT: All OCDSB elementary and secondary schools will be closed to students and all school bus transportation will be cancelled today. (Dec. 4, 2019).
Today is
#OrangeShirtDay
- an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, local governments, schools & communities to come together in the spirit of
#reconciliation
and hope for generations of children to come. Learn more:
#EveryChildMatters
Pride Month begins today! The OCDSB Pride Flag is flying high outside our schools and administrative offices as we learn and celebrate together. Learn more about Pride Month at the OCDSB:
OCDSB Chair of the Board, Shirley Seward, sends letter to the Minister of Education Lisa Thompson regarding the Health and Physical Education curriculum urging the government to clarify curriculum expectations for September 2018. Read more:
Beginning March 21st, masks are not required in
@OCDSB
schools, but wearing a mask is strongly encouraged for students and staff. Masks help to keep you and others safe from the spread of COVID-19.
It's
#PinkShirtDay
! Before you post anything online, stop and take a moment to T.H.I.N.K. Is what you're saying True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? Choose to make a difference in a positive way.
#BeKind
#PinkItForward
Students, families, and staff of all gender identities and expressions have the right to feel physically and emotionally safe, welcomed and accepted at school and in the wider community. Read our statement:
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Today is National Custodial Workers' Recognition Day. We are deeply grateful to our custodial staff for going above and beyond to care for our schools, buildings, and school communities. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to
#OCDSB
students and staff!
We're hiring! The OCDSB is currently looking to fill the position of Trans and Gender Diverse Student Support Coordinator. Interested? Applications will be accepted until November 30 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more and apply today:
ALERT: Due to significant combination of heavy snow and strong winds forecast for this evening and overnight, all OCDSB schools and administrative offices will be CLOSED Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
We are committed to ensuring that students of all gender expressions and identities feel safe, welcomed, and accepted in our schools. Learn more about our
#OCDSB
Gender Identity and Gender Expression Guide:
@OCDSB_Students
ALERT: Due to significant combination of heavy snow and strong winds forecast for this evening and overnight, all OCDSB schools and administrative offices will be CLOSED Wednesday, February 13, 2019.
Tonight's board meeting may have been difficult for some. If you feel you need support, please visit our mental health resources page for links to supports, including YSB-24/7 Crisis Line & Chat, LGBTQ Youthline, Youth Services Bureau and Distress Centre:
ALERT: Update - All OCDSB Schools open tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25, 2018 with the exception of Knoxdale Public School and West Carleton Secondary School. Read more:
Each June, for Pride Month, the OCDSB's new Progress Pride Flag will be flown outside all schools & administrative buildings. The OCDSB is committed to creating & sustaining a culture of caring where 2SLGBTQ+ students, families & staff matter and are welcome, seen & represented!
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Texas. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the community. Our sincere condolences go out to the loved ones of each victim and the communities grieving in the wake of this horrific act.
The Special Meeting of the Board has ended for this evening. No decision has been taken on the motion regarding mask mandates. Information about the possible continuation of this meeting will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
Just announced by Premier Ford that the school closure will be extended beyond April 5. No additional details at this time. We will share news as soon as we receive it. Thanks for your understanding and ongoing patience.
All
#OCDSB
schools will remain closed for the rest of this school year, per Ministerial order. This provincial decision was based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Staff, students and families will receive more information today.
Today is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The OCDSB benefits from and is enriched by the diversity of perspectives, experiences & lived realities of the students, staff & families that make up our community.
Our deepest sympathies to those affected by the horrible attack in London, Ont.
Islamophobia cannot ever be tolerated. We strongly condemn all forms of hate and discrimination.
We’re excited to welcome our students as they return to school. Our new Back to School Schedule provides a detailed explanation of our plans to safely transition students back to the classroom. Learn more:
#OCDSB
Today we recognize International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Let's continue to work together to build an inclusive, supportive environment for all OCDSB students, staff & families. Stopping harassment & discrimination is everyone’s responsibility.
#IDAHOTB
#OCDSB
Families: We've heard your questions on our Return to School Plan, and we are working on answers. Watch for updates on our website, social media sites, and email today and in the coming days.
Today is
#OrangeShirtDay
- an opportunity for Indigenous peoples, local governments, schools & communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Learn more:
#reconciliation
#EveryChildMatters
Today is the International Trans Day of Visibility. Each
#OCDSB
student, school and staff member has a responsibility to ensure that trans and gender diverse students have a safe learning environment. For more information and resources, visit:
#TDOV
New Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor officially assumes her new role as Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board today. Learn more:
#OCDSB
#Leadership
Every year, Grade 2 students from Maple Ridge Public School send ‘flat versions’ of themselves around the world to learn about different communities. This year one of our ‘flat’ students made it to the 2018 Winter Olympics!
#TeamCanada
#PyeongChang2018
#OCDSB
#GloballyAware
Important: We have just been advised that
#OCDSB
schools will reopen for in-person learning on Monday, February 1st. Learn more and read the latest Ontario news release:
On behalf of the entire OCDSB family, our thoughts are with all of those impacted by today’s events in Toronto. Our hearts are with those directly affected. The OCDSB will lower flags on all schools and admin buildings tomorrow in recognition of those affected by this tragedy.
On Wednesday, September 30th, we will be recognizing
#OrangeShirtDay
in our
#OCDSB
schools to commemorate history & honour the strength of Residential School Survivors. Learn more:
To all those celebrating
#Diwali
, may the beauty of the festival of lights fill your home with happiness and may the new year bring joy, peace, and prosperity in your life. Happy Diwali!
Today is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Let's continue working together to build an inclusive, supportive environment for all
#OCDSB
students, staff and families. Stopping harassment and discrimination is everyone’s responsibility.
#IDAHOTB
A pandemic project & 17 rolls of duct tape has become the opportunity of a lifetime! Woodroffe HS student Erika Avellaneda is a finalist in the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest, where her duct tape dress could win her a $10,000 USD scholarship (Photo by Michelle Valberg).
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The OCDSB is pleased to be leading the parade in Ottawa's Capital Pride Parade this Sun, August 25. Join us as we demonstrate our commitment to creating safer and more accepting spaces.
#CultureOfCare
#BuildingBrighterFutures
@OttCapitalPride
Our
#OCDSB
Gender Identity and Gender Expression Guide has been designed to raise awareness, and help protect against discrimination and harassment. Learn more:
@OCDSB_Students
The OCDSB joins with all Canadians in mourning those who were affected by the tragic accident in Saskatchewan. Our thoughts are with the Humboldt Broncos and the entire community as they deal with this loss.
#HumboldtStrong
The staff & students at Ridgemont signed beautiful messages of support for elementary teacher & former Ridgemont student Fatemeh Anvari who was reassigned from teaching in her Chelsea QC classroom for wearing her hijab. Spartans stand with you!
Students and staff are gathering virtually today to honor and remember those who have served, and continue to serve. Learn more:
#WeRemember
#RemembranceDay2020
We know this is a difficult time for everyone. We're trying to reach ALL
#OCDSB
families to make sure they are okay and ensure they have what they need to continue to learn at home and be well. Despite all our efforts, we still haven't reached everyone. We need your help. 1/3
The
@ottawacity
Council extends its strong appreciation and gratitude to all educators and school staff who did everything they could to provide a sense of stability, comfort and care to their students during this unforgettable school year.
#OCDSB
@JimWatsonOttawa
Next Wednesday, February 26th, is
#PinkShirtDay
. Let's wear pink and stand together against bullying in schools, in the workplace, and online. Learn more:
#BeKind
#PinkItForward