2024-11-02 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
OCDSB Family Conference

This year’s theme is Supporting Education Through Change, focusing on strengthening our school community’s resilience and fostering meaningful connections.

How to Actively Engage in Your Child’s Learning and Why It Matters(English with Somali Interpretation)Parents For DiversityDiscover effective strategies to participate in your child’s educational journey and understand the profound impact it has on their development. Engaging in your child’s learning not only boosts their academic performance but also strengthens your bond and fosters a love of learning. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips for involvement, the benefits of being an active participant, and how your support can empower your child to thrive both in school and beyond.

2024-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | VISCOUNT ALEXANDER PUBLIC SCHOOL, 55 Mann Avenue, Ottawa, Canada
Individualized Education Plans

Join us for an informative workshop on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in Ontario, where you’ll discover the ins and outs of the IEP process and how to effectively advocate for your child’s unique needs. Connect with other parents and learn about the valuable supports available through your school board, empowering you to navigate this journey with confidence. Together, we can ensure every child receives the education they deserve!

Uthabiti Dialogues on Resilience and Justice
2025-01-21 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for the Uthabiti Dialogues on Resilience and Justice—a virtual event dedicated to reimagining anti-racist education in Québec.

This is more than just a discussion. It’s a powerful gathering featuring experts like:

Dr. Dorothy W. Williams – Renowned author, researcher, and President of BlacBiblio

Alix Adrien – President of the Québec Board of Black Educators and former principal

Allison Saunders – Vice-Chair of the Lester B. Pearson School Board

Tya Collins– Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa

Together, they’ll explore the history, current challenges, and forward-thinking solutions for creating an inclusive and equitable education system for all.

Let’s work toward an education free from discrimination—because every child deserves better.

P4D About Town!
2025-04-06 14:30 - 16:30
Come join P4D on Sunday, April 6, 2025 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM for a bit of fun for the kids and relaxation for parents. We’ll be reading a couple of children’s books, giving away bookmarks, playing together and making new friends!

Grab a coffee and some bagels for the family on sale at the Bagel Shop. Our Parent Advocate and parent volunteers will be there to chat and answer questions.

Please register so that we know to expect you. See you then!

IEP 2.0
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Viscount Alexander PS, 55 Mann Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6Y7, Canada
Individualized Education Plans- How do they work? What is your role as a parent?

Join us for the second interactive workshop on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in Ontario, where you’ll discover the ins and outs of the IEP process and how to effectively advocate for your child’s unique needs. Connect with other parents and learn about the valuable supports available through your school board, empowering you to navigate this journey with confidence. Together, we can ensure every child receives the education they deserve!

P4D @ BEN 2025
2025-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Catholic Education Centre, 570 W. Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON, K2G 3R4, Canada
Join two of our star volunteers, Chantel Smith and Sharan Samagh at the OCSB’s Black Employee Network Conference as they tackle this year’s theme: Affirming Black Voices through Opening Doors, Building Bridges, and Nourishing New Beginnings to Foster Collective Strength. They will be facilitating a workshop titled Fostering Black Student Agency and Excellence in the Classroom.

This workshop invites K–12 educators to reflect on a vital question: How can we ensure Black students feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered to academically thrive in the classroom?

This engaging 30-minute session will equip educators with practical, evidence-based strategies to cultivate student agency and independence. Participants will explore the critical link between culturally responsive teaching and the academic success of Black students. The workshop focuses on how educators can intentionally design learning environments that empower all students, especially Black learners.

Individualized Education Plans
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Charles H. Hulse Public School, 2605 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1V 7T3
Join us at Charles H. Hulse Public School for an informative session on how these personalized plans can benefit students with diverse learning needs. Learn about the process of creating, implementing, and monitoring these plans to ensure each student receives the support they need to succeed. We’ll address:

What are IEPs?

What is the process to obtain one?

How do I know if my child needs one?

How do I advocate for what my child needs?

Bring your own questions to ask our panel of experts with lived experience in the process, including OCSDB staff, previous advisory board members and parents!

Beyond Performance: Being an Effective Ally
2026-02-28 09:00 - 14:00
Join us for the kick off event of the 10th Anniversary year for P4D focused on Allyship. We’ll explore how the need for effective allies helped launch P4D and how to play that role in our communities & schools.The day will feature keynote speaker, participatory workshops, a community market and free lunch! Childminding is available, register below:

Ottawa Black Mental Health Week Connecting Caregivers Expo
2026-03-02 09:00 - 17:00 | Ottawa Event and Convention Centre, 200 Coventry Road Ottawa, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Black Mental Health Week: This year we explore two important topics that impact families in our communities. We invite you to help us break the silence surrounding substance-use, suicide, and mental health. We encourage everyone to learn more about how these issues impact individuals and their families, look for signs that someone needs help and lean on the community supports that are available.

P4D Will be at the main exhibition hall with other community organizations. Join us to learn more about resources available in Ottawa for you and your family.

Public Education at a Crossroads: The Undermining of our Public Systems and Why it Matters
2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Public education is a great equalizer and its being systematically undermined is an equity issue. We need to lean into strategic reflection and to organize collective advocacy action. Featuring P4D co-founder Mante Malepo, CEO of Mante Malepo Consulting, this panel will highlight how public education is being eroded and the impact on students and their families.

More details coming soon…
