DISTRICT NEWS

2010 OCDSB Student Survey – November 22 – December 10, 2010

The OCDSB will conduct a survey of its students to gather demographic information about the unique and diverse composition of our student population.

The 2010 OCDSB Student Survey will be used to ensure that our students feel welcome and accepted in their schools, and are more likely to succeed in their overall studies.

The survey is VOLUNTARY and CONFIDENTIAL.

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Click here to view Kindergarten to Grade 6 Student Survey

Click here to view Grade 7 to 12 Student Survey

Superintendent Walter Piovesan Named Educational Leader for Community Safety

Congratulations to Superintendent of Instruction Walter Piovesan who received a Crime Prevention Ottawa Community Safety Award. He was named the Education Leader for Community Safety on Monday November 8 at Ottawa City Hall. City officials state that he was the catalyst behind the implementation of “restorative practices” and “cross-cultural conflict resolution” strategies to help equip high school and middle school students with the tools they need to resolve conflict productively. With students foremost in mind, he partnered with community agencies and service providers to offer improved health and dental check-ups, counselling support, after-school programs, and youth gang prevention initiatives in schools. In addition, he championed cultural proficiency training for teachers, administrators and staff, as well as the Ottawa Police Service.

Making Innovation Happen Conference

Friday, November 5 | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Centurion Conference Centre | 170 Colonnade Drive, Ottawa

November 4, 2010, Ottawa, ON — Making Innovation Happen is the latest in a series of creative leadership initiatives developed by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Superintendent Peter Gamwell says the aim of the conference is to examine what it means, to know that you truly belong to an organization. He added that it is important to recognize that energetic engagement can increase, entrench, and expand a sense of connection and commitment through appreciative inquiry. Read More...

The Wood Manufacturing Council and The Ottawa Carleton District School Board Announce the Launch of the WoodLINKS Program in Ottawa

November 8, 2010 | 1 p.m. | Rideau High School | 815 St. Laurent Blvd

November 4, 2010, Ottawa, ON- A program of the Wood Manufacturing Council, WoodLINKS is an industry-education partnership that offers a high school curriculum for advanced wood manufacturing. Offered in both grades 11 and 12, WoodLINKS builds on the current woodworking curriculum by providing resources and experiential learning that pertains specifically to working in the advanced wood manufacturing industry (cabinets, furniture, windows & doors, pre-fabricated housing and millwork). Students who successfully complete the program are offered a certificate recognizing their skills that can be put to work directly in the industry, or applied to a post-secondary program. Read More...

Changes to Report Cards coming November 2010

The Ministry of Education has introduced a new policy document entitled Growing Success that directs the assessment, evaluation, and reporting of student achievement in Ontario schools.
 
One of the first changes that you will notice is in the reporting and communication of your child’s progress and achievement. In the past, elementary students in grades 1-8 received three report cards – November (Term 1), March (Term 2) and June (Term 3).
 
With the implementation of Growing Success, students in our district in grades 1-8 will now receive an Elementary Progress Report on November 4th, followed by two Elementary Provincial Report Cards, the first on February 2nd and the second on June 29th.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS IN OCDSB SCHOOLS On Tuesday, October 26th,  2010, the Advisory Committee on the Arts of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board presented the 2009-2010 Arts Recognition Awards. The awards were presented for distinguished and inspiring service in making the arts alive for students during the 2009-2010 academic year.  This year’s recipients include teachers, principals, volunteering artists, and parents. Read More...

Construction of the new elementary school for Stittsville launched! Chair Cathy Curry, Area Trustee Lynn Scott and Trustee Riley Brockington with special guests turn the sod to launch construction of the new elementary school for Stittsville. Read More...

21st Century Skills - Rethinking How Students Learn

Thursday, November 4 – 7:00 p.m. | Centurion Conference Centre | 170 Colonnade Road South

October 27, 2010, Ottawa, ON — Who is the 21st Century Learner and why should we care?  Dr. John Barell says we should care because we need to prepare our students for a rapidly evolving global and technological world. Read More...

Do you know special teachers who have made a difference? Nominate them for the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence!

Nominations are being now being accepted for the 2010 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Anyone can nominate an educator - including parents, students, educators and members of the general public. Read More...

A New Board Elected

On Monday, October 25 residents of the City of Ottawa elected a new board of trustees for a four-year term beginning December 1, 2010. The trustees elect include:

Zone 1 Lynn Scott
Zone 2 Cathy Curry
Zone 3 Donna Blackburn
Zone 4 Theresa Kavanagh
Zone 5 Pam FitzGerald
Zone 6 Bronwyn Funicello
Zone 7 Mark Fisher
Zone 8 John Shea
Zone 9 Rob Campbell
Zone 10 Jennifer McKenzie
Zone 11 Shirley Seward (acclaimed)
Zone 12 Katie Holtzhauer

These election results are unofficial and will be checked against the City of Ottawa's official results once available.

Director of Education, Barrie Hammond said "Our congratulations to the newly-elected board and to everyone who put forward their name for candidacy. Seeking elected office is a significant undertaking and a true demonstration of commitment to public education. I look forward to working with the new board of trustees in December."

On November 29, 2010 the Board will hold its final meeting of the term. That meeting will include an opportunity to recognize the excellent work of trustees who will not be returning to the Board; Riley Brockington, Doug Lloyd, Pamela Morse and David Moen.

SCHOOL GROUND GREENING WORKSHOPS

Join us for a FREE series of inspiring workshops designed to help you plan a successful and sustainable school ground greening project. Workshops are open to all Ottawa schools and daycares that want to engage their students in creating healthy, stimulating play and learning spaces. Teachers, administrators, parents, custodians, students and community volunteers are all welcome. Read More...

School Food and Beverage Policy - Ontario Nutrition Standards for Schools

The Ontario government has introduced its new School Food and Beverage Policy. The changes will take effect September 1, 2011. 

What that means for students, staff, and parents is that all food and beverage products sold in OCDSB schools and work sites must meet new ministry guidelines, this includes:

· all venues on school property such as cafeterias, vending machines and tuck shops;
· all programs, including catered lunch programs; and
· all events on school property, including bake sales and sporting events, sanctioned by the school.

However the nutrition standards do not apply to food and beverages that are brought from home to school.

We are working very closely with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and the Champlain District Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Network (CCPN) on the implementation of this new policy.  For additional information…

School News

Woodroffe High School Pumpkin Carving Contest In Support Of United Way

October 29, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lincoln Fields Walmart Location

October 25, 2010, Ottawa, ON — Do you want to have the most unique pumpkin in your neighbourhood; the one that makes the neighbours green with envy, but pumpkin carving is not your claim to fame – well not to worry - help is on the way! Read more...

— School News Archives —