The foundation for student success begins at home. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the annual OCDSB Family Conference, held at Ottawa Technical Secondary School, convened over 200 parents, caregivers, staff, and community leaders, including the Director of Education Stacey Kay, Supervisor Robert Plamondon, and other senior staff who were present to meet directly with parents. Focused on the theme Building Together: Families, Schools, Communities, the event moved beyond discussion, providing hands-on learning and collaborative strategies to directly support student learning and well-being. The conference was co-hosted by the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Family and Community Engagement (FACE).
From Theory to Action: Key Takeaways from Expert-Led Workshops
The core of the conference was a series of diverse workshop sessions designed to provide parents with practical, everyday strategies:
- Academic Success (STEM & Literacy): Parents received physical toolkits and interactive games to make math and literacy engaging, helping to reduce 'homework stress' for the whole family.
- Health and Wellness: Experts shared guidance on nutrition and active living, alongside vital checklists to address youth vaping, substance use, and digital technology habits.
- Inclusion and Mental Health: Sessions provided resources for managing school-related anxiety and navigating special education, with several sessions offered in multiple languages to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging.
- Advocacy and Rights: Families gained insight into youth legal rights and received blueprints from school council members for building more inclusive, high-engagement school communities.
Emily Balla, OCDSB General Manager, Learning Support Services, emphasized the value of the collaboration, stating, "Strong partnership and collaboration between school and home is critical for student learning and well-being."
A One-Stop Shop for Community Support
A key feature was the Community Resource Fair, which transformed the school foyer into a central hub. By bringing together over 15 local partner organizations, the conference acted as a one-stop shop,' allowing parents to consult directly with experts on topics ranging from nutrition to local extracurricular programming. FACE Coordinator Samah Suliman noted, "By turning the foyer into a central hub, we were able to bridge the gap between families and the services available to them."
Equipping Families for the Future
The 2026 Family Conference successfully equipped participants with a strong network of support and a toolkit for success, preparing them to navigate their child's education through every stage. The OCDSB extends its gratitude to all participants, presenters, and community partners who made the day possible.
Did you miss the event? The OCDSB remains committed to ongoing support. Workshop resources and presentations are available now on the OCDSB Family Conference website.
