Ottawa Carleton District School Board

To our 2020 Continuing Education Grads,

Continuing Education offers a variety of programs that support lifelong learning for students of all ages. All of our graduates, many of you who are new to the country, have been able to achieve this while juggling the demands of work, family life, as well as a global pandemic. You have proven yourselves to be courageous, hardworking, and highly motivated individuals.

Students in the Adaptive Learning program engaged in a range of employment-related learning and literacy activities. They participate in on-site work settings to gain job skills, in addition to transferable essential skills. Through this program they prepare themselves for independence, competitive employment or volunteer work in the community.

Students in the Literacy and Basic Skills program come to this program to gain experience and skills to prepare them for the workplace or future education. Graduates from our Literacy and Basic Skills Program have worked to complete a variety of different courses, including the Child Care Assistant course, Certificates for Employment course, and the PSW/Healthcare Preparation course. Our students in these courses will move on to continue their education, and to gain employment in their respective fields with a competitive advantage.

Our secondary graduates have worked hard to receive their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or the Secondary School Graduation Diploma. They have written PLAR assessments, earned equivalency credits and completed a minimum of 4 additional credits. They work in a variety of careers, earning COOP credits and taking Night School courses. For many graduates this diploma will lead to a new career, apprenticeship, promotion, or the opportunity to pursue a new direction in education or at work.

A Message from our Director of Education, Camille Williams-Taylor

As you move forward to new and exciting opportunities, I wish all the graduates the greatest of successes. You have worked hard to get here, and you deserve to be celebrated.  I am proud of each and every one of you.

May your journey ahead be filled with many joys.

Congratulations and very best wishes!

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

A message from our Superintendent, Shannon Smith

Dear Graduates,

 First of all, congratulations  to all the graduates within Continuing Education! This is a moment to savour and celebrate as it represents the culmination of a significant amount of work and dedication on your part. I have no doubt that these past few months do not represent what you thought your final moments of school would look like or feel like and your perseverance is to be commended. As you head into the next chapter of your life, whatever that may be, it is my hope that you feel well prepared for any challenge that comes your way. I hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy and enjoy the summer. All the very best,

Shannon Smith

Superintendent of Instruction

A message from the Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson

I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of the students graduating from OCDSB this year. It certainly has been a difficult period, particularly at a time when your accomplishments as students should be celebrated in person. I commend you all for continuing to do your very best in school. Although this is a unique year, I hope it is memorable and fulfilling. To everyone graduating in 2020, I wish you a fun-filled, safe summer and success in your future endeavours. 

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Je tiens à féliciter sincèrement tous les étudiants diplômés de l'OCDSB cette année. Il a certainement été une période difficile, surtout à une époque où vos réalisations en tant qu’étudiants devraient être célébrées en personne. Je vous félicite tous de continuer à faire de votre mieux à l'école. Bien que ce soit une année unique, j'espère que c'est mémorable et épanouissant. À tous ceux qui obtiendront leur diplôme en 2020, je vous souhaite un été amusant et sain, et j’offre mes meilleurs vœux dans vos projets futurs.
Jim Watson

Celebrate Online

Here are some additional opportunities for us to celebrate together virtually:

1) Take a photo/video of yourself in front of the newly installed graduation sign at 440 Albert St. (Albert Street side of the building).

• Post the photo on your social media and tag @OCDSB_ContEd on Twitter and/or @OCDSBContEd on Facebook
• Email your photos to cont.ed@ocdsb.ca with GRAD 2020 in the subject line

2) Take a photo/video of yourself at home celebrating your graduation if you can’t travel to the graduation sign.

• Post the photo on your social media and tag @OCDSB_ContEd on Twitter and/or @OCDSBContE on Facebook
• Email your photos to cont.ed@ocdsb.ca with GRAD 2020 in the subject line

3) Email a grad message or short paragraph describing your hopes for the future to cont.ed@ocdsb.ca with GRAD 2020 in the subject line.