Justine Bell

#OCDSB Families: We recently shared a letter from Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public Health that provides vital information, resources, g...uidance and tips on the mental health and well-being of parents, guardians and children. Read our January 19 Parent Update: http://ow.ly/en1w50DeMRJ See more

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/stats-2

An important message from Ottawa Public Health Dear Partners in Health, Hello. Bonjour. Kwey....Continue reading

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"The time is always right to do what is right." Wishing our American friends and others around the world a day of reflection grounded in hope and optimism for the future. #MLKDAY

Get your final responses in folks, the survey will be closing TONIGHT. A big thank you to all those who’ve responded and given me genuine feedback . I hope to use it to serve all of you better. Here's the link for any more responses: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx

Tonight, on the board agenda: COVID-19 Update Approval of Draft 2019-2020 Consolidated Financial Statements Appointment of LDAO Alternate Representative to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Matters for Discussion... -Report, Annual Report on Student Suspensions (2019-2020) -Report, Tracking Implementation of the Strategic Action Plan Please don’t hesitate to ask if you ever wonder what some of these items actually are!

We made it through September (and almost through October)... Read my updates in this Kitchissippi Times column. https://kitchissippi.com//ocdsb-corner-the-first-month-ba/

Abdirahman Abdi. Standing in unity for justice. We all have to do better. https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5775768

A column I wrote for the Kitchissippi Times... The OCDSB Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Roadmap 2020-2023 There are some things that just can’t be put on hold during a pandemic. At the top of the list are human rights, like the right to education. We know that right is not an easy box to check off a list, even with your children in online, or in-person, school. Many steps have to be taken to identify and address the systemic and structural barriers that prevent everyo...ne from participating in school, excelling and feeling valued. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) acknowledges that oppression and discrimination still exist within our systems, structures, policies and practices. It shows up as racism and, more specifically, anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism; Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Sikhism; ableism; sexism, transphobia and homophobia. We know that we have disproportionate representation in our staffing and leadership structures; a curriculum that does not reflect the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of our student population; we have overrepresentation of Indigenous, Black, minoritized, 2SLGBTQ+ and special education students in discipline, including suspensions, expulsions, exclusions and interactions with the police. The list goes on. In my short time on the board, I am proud to say these steps to disrupt and address the systems, structures, policies and practices: this important work has not ceased. Rather, it has accelerated because the inequalities that exist have been magnified by the pandemic. We cannot pretend anymore that it doesn’t exist. It is in all of our backyards and people are rightfully feeling empowered to speak out and act. Through the OCDSB Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Roadmap 2020-2023, we commit to deliberate actions; explicit milestones and actively engaging in an anti-oppression, anti-racism and human rights-based approach at all levels of organization to ensure that every student’s right to education is respected and realized. What does this mean for your local school? Check out the Roadmap on the OCDSB website, and please reach out to me any time to discuss how we can work together and ensure that our rights are exercised. It takes a community. https://kitchissippi.com//ocdsb-corner-the-ocdsb-indigeno/

The allegations raised are serious and need to be properly investigated. I cannot respond to what may or may not have happened in terms of past complaints, but I can assure you that I have, as the area trustee, expressed the urgency for a fulsome investigation into these allegations. That investigation is underway and I think it is important that it be a fair and fulsome investigation. The school will make supports available to students and/or share information about community supports. https://www.cbc.ca//allegations-inappropriate-behaviour-te

Happy Sunday all! Here’s a friendly reminder that the Survey closes in THREE days! If you haven’t responded yet, please do, and if you have already then please share the link to any parents or guardians you know. Here’s the link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx

Hi parents and guardians! Wanted to let you know that the survey is only open till Wednesday next week! If you haven’t taken it yet , please do so here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx

What do Trustees actually do? If you've ever wondered, this will help start the conversation. Reach out to me anytime to learn more.

We are going live soon.

A message from Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB): 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. Mr. Abdi’s death and the subsequent trial have raised emotions and surfaced difficult conversations for our community. We will need to come together and find a path forward. Our schools and classrooms are an important part of that journey. Today, we... listen and learn from each other, from BIPOC communities, those with lived experiences with racism or violence, and mental health advocates. We reaffirm our commitment to the work that needs to be done to prioritize the dignity and well-being of students in inclusive and caring classrooms, to champion and nurture a safe, caring and respectful workplace, and to remove barriers to equity of access, opportunity and outcomes. This is best done in partnership with our network of community agencies. In response to today’s court decision we must remember to reach out and support each other. If you need help, please consider the following resources: Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650 https://blackyouth.ca/ Jaku Konbit: (Black youth support group) 613-567-0600 OCISO (staff working remotely) 613-725-5671x316 or email: [email protected] Somali Centre for Family Services: 613-526-2075 Youth Services Bureau (YSB) crisis line (available 24/7) 613-260-2360 or chat.ysb.ca KidsHelp phone (available 24/7) 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 Ottawa Distress Centre: 613-238-3311

Looking forward to attending the FREE Child Friendly Community Confrence over the next couple of days. Great to see so many from our community come together to explore these questions: After Covid, should we return to what was normal? How do parents create child friendly homes? How do educators create child friendly schools? How do we all create a child friendly community?... Are we the people we need to achieve what we want? https://fb.me/e/4HhKuxHvl See more

Abdirahman Abdi we will remember you with love. We must do better.

There has been a signifiant increase in COVID-19 cases in Ottawa, but for the most part the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has only had single cases at its schools, director Camille Williams-Taylor told trustees this week. As of Friday, the board had 69 active cases of COVID-19 at 55 of its 143 schools. Another 25 cases have been resolved. We are generally not seeing any in-school spread of the virus, which tells us that the safety measures that we put in place physical distancing, hand hygiene, wearing of masks and PPE as required, and the isolation of high-risk contacts in the event of a positive case, are helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 in schools, she said. https://ottawacitizen.com//nearly-half-of-ottawa-schools-h

Grateful for: Stories https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

So awesome to walk/dance by Cambridge Street Public School’s Terry Fox run/celebration/dance at lunch today!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The allegations raised are serious and need to be properly investigated. I cannot respond to what may or may not have happened in terms of past complaints, but I can assure you that I have, as the area trustee, expressed the urgency for a fulsome investigation into these allegations. That investigation is underway and I think it is important that it be a fair and fulsome investigation. The school will make supports available to students and/or share information about community supports. https://www.cbc.ca//allegations-inappropriate-behaviour-te

Board is live now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0DcqzT6xE

Even though I know that everyone is doing better than their best behind the scenes to ensure a safe return, its still a little scary. Wishing everyone great health, courage and creativity to make this year the best ever.

Grateful for: Perfect Books, a local bookstore on Elgin with an amazing children’s collection. Had a lovely chat with the owner Jim Sherman who was a teacher at the OCDSB for many years and continues to give back to our community. Ask about donating your points to schools when you pick up your next book: http://perfectbooks.ca/wp/points-program/

Grateful for: Being able to read the draft Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) INDIGENOUS, EQUITY, AND HUMAN RIGHTS ROADMAP and the Consultation Plan to Review Police Involvement in OCDSB Schools. These will be discussed on Tuesday at the Committee of the Whole Board meeting. I would also be grateful if you shared your thoughts with me and/or the Board. Available to the public here: https://pub-ocdsb.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx

Wishing you a healthy and smooth transition back to school! You never really know what youre capable of until you try.

Please fill out this survey we need to know what is working and what's not to course correct. #Ottawa

At the next OCDSB Committee of the Whole BOARD meeting on Tuesday, September 15th @7pm (live streamed on YouTube) the matter for action is... THE REVIEW OF POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS (motion below): WHEREAS there is significant public interest in both OCDSB relations with Ottawa Police Services (OPS) and the school systems role in the School-to-Prison pipeline;... WHEREAS the Board is committed to the dismantling of any internal systemic racism and to the urgent building of trust with impacted communities and students; WHEREAS the Board is committed to re-examining its practices, policies, and outcomes with an equity lens, and this equity focus is an important part of the Boards 2019-2023 Strategic Plan; WHEREAS none of (i) the nature nor the purpose of the Boards engagement with different sorts of School Resource Officers (SRO), (ii) Policy P.043.SCO Police Involvement in Schools, or (iii) the discretionary OCDSB commitments made in the multilateral Protocol governing all Board-Police relations, have been reviewed in several years; and WHEREAS a review of all of SRO programs, the Boards Policy, and discretionary OCDSB Protocol commitments, is timely given that a Board review of its Safe Schools-related policies is already in progress; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: A. THAT the Board review Policy P.043.SCO Police Involvement in Schools, including: (i) all varieties of School Resource Officer (SRO), and (ii) all OCDSB commitments identified as legally discretionary within the multilateral protocol governing area School District and Police relations. B. THAT staff bring forward a report with a plan for Board approval no later than the end of October 2020, which includes: (i) internal and external consultation plans, per Policy P.110.GOV, as well a plan for the overall review with milestones, and (ii) options for the inclusion of discussion with external academic or other experts and the creation of ad hoc or steering committees. Agenda and instructions on how to make a presentation or delegation can be found here: https://ocdsb.ca/cms/one.aspx Rob Campbell Lyra Evans Chris Ellis

Took some time away in the forest with my family this weekend. I’m back! Catching up on weekly updates/reading, emails, social media messages and the news - rising COVID cases! This Wednesday we have a Special Education Advisory Committee meeting. Will be discussing the draft Indigenous, Human Rights and Equity Roadmap 2020-2023. Read it, the agenda and all other supporting docs here: https://pub-ocdsb.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx

Such a great opportunity! We just signed up for after school and weekend Spanish classes, and you can too (at no cost if you are in Ontario @OCDSB)

Updated guidelines from the province. Your child no longer need a COVID-19 test for a runny nose or congestion. Your child does still have to be home and monitored until the symptom improves. https://covid-19.ontario.ca//Screening%20Children%20v1.0%2

Sometime when you start, its not easy and its scary...My message through all the falls, screams and tears...You can do it! With time and dedication it will get easier, until the next challenge arises. Note that protective gear is vital! #SafeSeptember

Although this school year looks different than usual, our staff and students are finding creative ways to safely learn, collaborate and connect with each other. Visit our website for highlights from our classrooms over the last few weeks: http://ow.ly/H5FE30rcD7R.

The most important news in Canada today is that it is #OrangeShirtDay - We remember. My non-biological grandpa John Sparrow did not speak much about his experience in residential school. He valued and sought to protect all children he came in contact with. I was so fortunate to be one of those children that felt his love. #reconciliation #EveryChildMatters Learn more here: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/about-us.html

Looking forward to hearing how these students progress over the year. Thanks CBC Ottawa for covering these important stories. https://www.cbc.ca//students-return-class-new-routines-cov

Staying COVID-WISE https://www.facebook.com/CHEOkids/videos/3433427710011634/

OPH provides the following clarity on recommendations for who needs to be tested for COVID-19 in a school setting. The current priority for testing at the Ottawa assessment centres includes: - Any person (adult or child) with COVID-19 like symptoms. ... - Any person that Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has identified as a high-risk contact. You would be notified that you are a high-risk contact by OPH through a phone call, email, or an automated message To be clear, COVID-19 testing is currently NOT recommended for: - Individuals without symptoms, unless you have been identified as a high risk contact as above - Family members without symptoms, who have other family members that have symptoms - Family members without symptoms, who have other family members that are identified as a high-risk contact - Students and staff members in schools who don’t have symptoms and who have not been notified by OPH that they are high-risk contacts. https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca//covid-19-and-schools.as

When I step back and look at what Canada is doing -particularly the capital of Canada - I take a sigh of relief because I know that we have the best experts and professionals that are working behind the scenes...For the complete Kitchissippi Times article: https://kitchissippi.com/read-the-digital-copy/

Has your child been diagnosed with asthma or allergies? If they are experiencing typical symptoms that are NOT new, they do not need a #COVID19 test. Get the attestation Form for your school here: https://bit.ly/339o2QY

This is my partner. He is an incredible teacher at the Ottawa School of Art. His excitement to get back into the class always fills our house for weeks in advance. Like so many, this year weve had different conversations, some hard and scary. This year will be different and we are doing our part and being COVID-WISE. Yes the mask matches your outfit honey!

Happy Labour Day!! Today, I am celebrating to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) educators, support staff, administrators, the provincial public service policy wonks, the workers in media that publish the stories...and especially those that stand up in leadership within their UNIONS. Thank you all for all you are doing to keep children safe during this pandemic. #SafeSepetmber

Ill say it again. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) staff are professionals and have been working non-stop all summer to make back to school as safe as possible and to ensure your child receives quality education under the current constraints. https://ottawacitizen.com//ottawas-largest-board-lowers-si

You asked us - We wanted to answer some of the questions you had about our academic staffing process taking place right now. Read our backgrounder here: http://ow.ly/uFt530r8bgy #OCDSB #ReturnToSchool

"We have a fantastic staff who have really worked together this week as a team getting the school prepared." #OCDSB principals on CTV today discussing how were getting ready for the year ahead: http://ow.ly/jvs030r8biG

Last night while I was on calls, Guillermo captured the moment. Home.

Looking forward to this.

OCDSB trustee Justine Bell, who is sending her child into senior kindergarten this year, empathizes with parents who feel like the ground is constantly shifting. Bell sat through hours of virtual school board meetings grappling with new information from the province, sometimes even as the meeting was taking place. She said she has been impressed with staffs work to make sure the right plan is in place, but she also continues to have questions, particularly about the new com...mitment to the more under-resourced schools in the city. "Im hopeful that that means smaller classes, especially for our most vulnerable," said Bell, "Im hopeful that that means traditionally marginalized communities get the resources they need so that they are not hurt further by the current situation we find ourselves in today." https://www.cbc.ca//parents-scramble-to-accomodate-delayed

What does collapse refer to? https://www.cbc.ca//covid-classrooms-collapse-trustees-ont

There are answers to many of the questions Ive received in this article.

This. GIVE HOPE. Thank you Camille Williams-Taylor and OCDSB staff for this messaging. https://www.youtube.com/watch

Elementary school students are not starting until at least September 14 (please check your email messages). This additional week out of school will be hard for many families. I still dont know what my family will do for my daughters care. We will find a way, others dont have many options.

When does school start?

The point of eduction in a democratic society is the greater good. The message from the OCDSB Executive Director to educators this morning exemplified the message: GIVE HOPE

As stress is high and certainty is out of reach for so many right now...I stopped last night for a moment, took a deep breath and sang Shanti to sleep. Two of m...y favourite songs to sing (every night) are: Three little birds every little thing is going to be alright and this little light of mine, Im going to let it shine. I bet most of you who know me are not surprised! See more

Speaking about equity in our pandemic planning on the 6pm CTV news last night.

At Tuesdays OCDSB meeting, trustee Justine Bell asked about class sizes and neighbourhood COVID stats. "Bottom line, increased class size equals increased risk to the population," she said. "What we also heard from OPH is that in Ottawa there are certain neighbourhoods that have been more prone to COVID cases. Can we look at increasing investments into those neighbourhoods and those schools, ensuring the class sizes in those neighbourhoods are smaller?" "The schools that are in the areas that are identified by OPH will be privileged with small class sizes, so that has been taken into our design," Towaij said.

To all the educators out there, I am listening and understand that this time is particularly hard. I hear that you would like more time to plan, more certainty. You continue to step up and I am so grateful for your efforts.

I am receiving so many questions about the latest update to the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) high school schedule. I get the frustration and am working to ensure that we communicate effectively on this. Safe and quality education are my priorities right now. We must build trust to make this work #Ottawa

Something that I hope will make you smile. Also some important messages in there. https://www.facebook.com/watch/

I highly recommend that you watch this.

This is a good overview of the risk analysis that I asked for repeatedly. There are still so many unknowns.. https://ottawacitizen.com//e553db75-bff1-451a-be66-f1dcfc/

We passed the budget last night for the upcoming year. I worked hard to create a greater understanding of our proposed expenditures in response to COVID-19, I pushed for a risk analysis, I asked multiple times if this budget does everything possible to reduce the risks to students and staff. Staff made it clear that safety is the #1 priority. I have confidence in the recommendations put forth by the professional administration, and there are still so many unknowns. We will stay vigilant and are prepared to course correct.

https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-releases-covid-19-managem

Happening right now.