DISTRICT NEWS
Early Learning Program (ELP)
On 27 October 2009 the Premier announced a new Early Learning Program (ELP) for the Province of Ontario. According to the Ministry of Education website:
Ontario will provide a full day of learning to four- and five-year-olds as part of the province's plan to build a stronger school system and a well-educated workforce. The program will be phased-in over time, starting in September 2010.
Teachers and early childhood educators will work together to help children learn during the regular school day. Schools will also offer extended day programs - before and after regular school hours - led by registered early childhood educators. There will be a reasonable fee for these programs, but subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need.
The OCDSB is now developing an implementation strategy. A Special Committee of the Whole Public Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on 24 November 2009. Click here to learn more.
OCDSB adopts new Cross Boundary Transfer Policy
At a Special Meeting of the Board on 5 January 2010, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board adopted a new cross boundary transfer policy. This policy comes after months of policy review, public consultation, and committee deliberation.
The new policy moves away from a first come, first served approach to student transfers and towards a criteria based approval process for elementary and secondary student transfer applications. The applications require the approval of the principal at the receiving school, after consultation with the principal of the sending school. The receiving principal may request evidence and reasoning in support of the transfer application.
The new policy supports the OCDSB commitment to community schools, while still maintaining opportunities for student choice based on the particular learning needs or exceptional personal circumstances of the student. “This is an important part of our larger plan to focus on student achievement and ensures that every transfer application is based on the individual needs and personal circumstances of the student. We are committed to providing the best education for every student in every school across the District” says Cathy Curry, Chair of the Board.
The final version of the policy is available for download here (PDF). Related procedures and forms are available from all schools. For a summary of the policy highlights click here.
Parkwood Hills Public School Closure
At a meeting of the Board on 26 January 2010, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board voted to close Parkwood Hills Public School effective September 2010. This decision comes after months of review, public consultation, and committee deliberation. Students residing in the Parkwood Hills Public School attendance boundary will attend Sir Winston Churchill Public School for JK – 6 EFI excluding the area to be directed to Meadowlands Public School. Students residing in the Meadowlands Public School attendance boundary will attend Meadowlands Public School for EFI for SK – 5. A Grade 6 EFI will be added in 2011-2012. Read More...
McGregor Easson Public School Closure
At a meeting of the Board on 12 January 2010, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board voted to close McGregor Easson Public School effective September 2010. This decision comes after months of review, public consultation, and committee deliberation. Students residing in the McGregor Easson Public School attendance boundary will be redirected to the neighbouring Carleton Heights Public School for Junior Kindergarten through grade 6. A Middle French Immersion program will be established at Carleton Heights Public School beginning with students in grade 4 in the September 2010 school year and expanding to grade 8 in subsequent years. Current English program students residing east of the Rideau River in the Carleton Heights attendance boundary and Fielding Drive Public School attendance boundaries will be given a one-time option to remain at Carleton Heights Public School or to attend General Vanier Public School or Fielding Drive Public School. Read More...
Accommodation Reviews
On 15 June 2009, the Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) presented their final School Valuation Reports to a special Committee of the Whole meeting on
the Beacon Hill - Ottawa East Secondary Accommodation Study and the Merivale Area - South of Baseline Elementary Accommodation Study. The last meeting of the Committee of the Whole for Beacon Hill - Ottawa East Secondary Accommodation Study was held on Monday, December 7 at 7:30 pm for debate. Please note this meeting was for Beacon Hill - Ottawa East only. Debate on the Merivale Area - South of Baseline Elementary Accommodation Study is anticipated to commence on January 4, 2010 and continue on January 6, 2010 (if required). Click here to view the agenda for the December 7 meeting.
Free Math Tutoring For Students in Grades 7-10
Students in mathematics now have a new resource to help them improve and succeed in math – thanks to a Ministry of Education pilot project. Read more...
School News
 WOODROFFE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN CIVIC AWARD
On Wednesday, January 20, General Learning Program (GLP) and Dual Support Program (DSP) students from Woodroffe High School were recognized at Ottawa City Hall by Mayor Larry O’Brien and Councillor Maria McRae for their efforts in the 2009 “Cleaning the Capital Campaign”. Mayor O’Brien and Councillor McRae thanked the students for their contribution to the program and for their commitment to volunteerism and community service. Read More...
 Over 13 years, the Emily Carr community has raised over $80,000
Students and staff at Emily Carr Middle School were pleased to present a cheque for $7,548.21 to the United Way and the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre in December. The money was raised as a result of the Emily Carr Middle School 13th Annual Walkathon and month long effort to fundraise in support of these two great partners. Over 13 years, the Emily Carr community has raised over $80,000. In the photo, from left to right are Abby (top student fundraiser), Michael Allen (CEO - United Way Ottawa), Peter Symmonds (Principal - Emily Carr Middle School), Shannon Woolner and Laura Hewitt (Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre), and Chloe (top student fundraiser).
Free Schoolyard Greening Workshops for Parents and Educators
Schools across Ottawa will soon get some helpful advice on improving their outdoor spaces. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) works in partnership with the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program to offer a series of free workshops to help parents and educators make school environments more healthy and sustainable. Participation is open to all school boards. Read more...
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