Volunteers play an important role in our children’s education today. Not only do they facilitate connections between the school and wider community for the benefit of all students; their life experiences, knowledge, and expertise can have a tremendous impact in the classroom and beyond! This year our volunteers have continued to enrich student learning, provide leadership in our School Councils, support our staff and programming, and so much more. It is our pleasure to recognize the valuable contributions of our community members, parents, caregivers, and businesses by recognizing this year's nominees for the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards.
Chair’s Award
Diana Mills
Parent Involvement Committee
From her very first Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) meeting in November 2015, Diana Mills has advocated consistently for improvements in our approach to parental engagement in their children’s education. Her comments have always been thoughtful and constructive, whether directed towards improving communications between home and school or providing advice from a parent perspective on significant board policies and initiatives. Diana was chosen as Vice-Chair of PIC in January 2021. A year later, at a difficult time for PIC, she stepped up to take on the role of Chair. Her calm demeanour and solid understanding of what a Parent Involvement Committee can achieve have helped the committee refocus on its mandate to become a well-functioning diverse team representative of many different kinds of parental experience with our schools. She has consistently gone above and beyond, with grace and good will, to find ways to empower the parent community to be involved in their children's education.
Community Award
Cheryl Parrott
Devonshire Community Public School
Cheryl Parrott, from the Hintonburg Community Association, has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of the Devonshire Community Public School community during major construction at a nearby intersection where students walk to school. Cheryl worked with Trustee Suzanne Nash, communicating with the construction company, the school's Principal Andrea White, and representatives from various levels of government, including Councillor Jeff Leiper, MP Yasir Naqvi, MPP Joel Harden, and the Ministry of Labour. They connected with City Traffic Management, who observed the construction and changed the construction company's encroachment permit, prohibiting the narrowing of Breezehill Avenue during the times when children walk to and from the school. This has allowed traffic to flow more easily, prevented cars from being trapped in the pedestrian crosswalk, and resulted in fewer big trucks near the sidewalk.
Community Partnership Award
Centre for Resilience and Social Development
The Centre for Resilience and Social Development aligns with the OCDSB's values of compassion and inclusivity by providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. They recognize the impact of trauma on individuals and families, promoting healing and resilience. The RAJO Project exemplifies their holistic approach, offering comprehensive support for traumatized youth by addressing individual and social needs. This initiative fosters healing and resilience within the community, reflecting the OCDSB's commitment to inclusive learning environments.
Distinguished School Council Service Award
Mark Warriner
Severn Avenue Public School
Mark Warriner's dedication to the School Council spans many years. As a founding member, he has played a major role in building a dynamic School Council and enthusiastically participated in many initiatives, bringing fresh ideas and a diverse skill set. In response to the pandemic, he led the start of hybrid Council meetings, creating greater inclusivity and accessibility. While serving in various executive roles, Mark mentored new members to ensure the Council would be well positioned for the future. Thanks to his efforts, the Council has financed workshops, field trips, new library books, sleds for Kindergarten students, new sports equipment, and much more. This will be Mark’s last year on the School Council. His efforts have ensured that school staff are supported, students receive enriching opportunities, and parents have a chance to feel a part of the community.
Excellence in Equity Award
Dr. Aisha Sherazi and Rabbi Menachem Blum
Dr. Aisha Sherazi and Rabbi Menachem Blum’s 14-year collaboration in conducting groundbreaking workshops has fostered unity between Muslim and Jewish communities. Dr. Sherazi's leadership in professional development and cultural accommodation within the OCDSB, alongside Rabbi Blum's commitment to enriching Jewish student life and promoting interfaith dialogue, exemplify unparalleled dedication to inclusivity. Together, they transcend barriers, educate, and empower.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Dianne Borg
Fielding Drive Public School
Dianne Borg had been volunteering in OCDSB classrooms through the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) since 2018. She shares her love of mathematics by supporting students at the intermediate level who need further support. Every week, she engages the students in learning with a patient and positive approach. Students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and explaining their understanding. Dianne’s passion and commitment to helping youth build a foundational knowledge of mathematics has a lasting positive effect on students. She often goes above and beyond: when teachers have a special experiential project, she comes to school for additional volunteer time. Dianne is described as a kind, supportive, and thoughtful individual, whose care shines through in her smiles and calm demeanour.