OCSB Family Expo

Join the Ottawa Catholic School Board for our OCSB Family Expo, a morning designed to connect families with information, resources, and people who can support their children’s success at school, at home, and in the community.

Whether your family is new to Ottawa, navigating your child’s educational journey, exploring future pathways, or looking for practical strategies to support your child, the Family Expo offers something for everyone.

Start your morning by exploring community resource tables and connecting with organizations and partners who support OCSB families at our Community Resource Café. Throughout the morning, choose from a variety of engaging sessions covering topics relevant to families from elementary through secondary school.

Welcome to School: A Guide for Families New to Ottawa Learn about navigating the school system and accessing supports and resources for families new to Ottawa.

Nourishing New Beginnings: Home, School, and Parish as Partners in Education Explore how families, schools, and parishes can work together to create strong foundations for student success and well-being.

Positive Advocacy: Building Confidence, Connection, and Community Discover strategies to help children and families build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, and strengthen connections within their school community.

Where Did That Mark Come From? Assessment and Evaluation in Grades 7–12 Gain a better understanding of assessment and evaluation in secondary school, including how marks are determined and communicated.

Careers on the Rise: Exploring Pathways, Skilled Trades, and Future Opportunities Explore the many pathways available to students, including skilled trades, career opportunities, and options for life after high school.

From School Avoidance to Engagement: Tools to Support Your Child’s Return to School Learn practical approaches and strategies to help support your child in reconnecting with school and building a positive path toward engagement.

With three rounds of family-focused sessions, plenty of opportunities to explore community resources, and opportunities to connect with OCSB staff and community partners, the OCSB Family Expo is a chance to learn, ask questions, build connections, and discover resources to help your family thrive.

Doors open at 8:50 a.m. | Sessions run from 9:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Community Resource Café available throughout the morning.

We want the whole family to feel welcome at the OCSB Family Expo! Complimentary child minding will be available during the event, giving parents and caregivers the opportunity to participate in sessions, connect with community partners, and make the most of the morning while their children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment.

Space may be limited, so advance registration for child minding is required. Please indicate your child minding needs when registering for the Family Expo.

Please note: Children participating in child minding must be fully toilet trained. Child minding is intended for children who are able to independently use the washroom.

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Each workshop is scheduled for 50 minutes, with a 10-minute transition period between sessions. The timing breakdowns below are intended to provide presenters with a suggested framework while allowing flexibility for presentation style, audience participation, questions, and discussion.

Starting a new chapter in a new community can be overwhelming—whether you are new to Canada or have recently moved to Ontario from another country or province. Learning how the Ontario education system works and knowing where to find information and support can make all the difference. This workshop is designed for families who are navigating the Ontario education system for the first time.

Join us to learn about the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) and Ontario education, including what to expect throughout the school year and the many resources available to support your child's learning and well-being. This is also an opportunity to connect with other families who are new to Ottawa and the Ontario education system, ask questions, and build connections in a welcoming and supportive environment.

All participating families will receive a Welcome Kit that includes helpful information, resources, and materials to support your family's transition to the Ontario education system.

Whether you've recently arrived in Canada, moved to Ontario from another country or another province, or are supporting your child as they begin their education in Ontario for the first time, we're here to help you feel informed, supported, and connected.

Join us as we reflect on our Board’s spiritual theme, We are Called to Open Doors, Build Bridges, and Nourish New Beginnings, and explore how it comes to life within our school communities. Discover how our Religious & Family Life Education programs support each student’s holistic development, and how a strong partnership between home, school, and parish nurtures your child’s faith journey.

Join us for an empowering workshop designed to help parents actively support and participate in their child’s learning journey, focusing on student belonging, self-advocacy and positive engagement within the school community. Parents will build confidence in discussing with their child important social and community topics that may arise in school settings. Parents will gain practical tools and accessible language to foster meaningful dialogue at home and strengthen their connection to their child’s educational experience. By the end of the session, parents will feel more prepared to support their child in understanding their role in contributing to and upholding inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe learning environments.

Ever wonder how your teen’s grades are determined? This session demystifies grading by exploring triangulation of data, assessment for, as and of learning, and decoding report card comments. We will unpack provincial standards and various course types—including destreamed, locally developed, and college pathways—and see how these choices impact post-secondary opportunities.

Today’s students have more pathways to success than ever before. This engaging workshop will explore emerging and in-demand careers across Canada, with a special focus on skilled trades, dual credit opportunities, and hands-on learning pathways available to high school students.

Participants will learn about programs such as the OCSB Skilled Trades Academy and Algonquin College Dual Credit and Level 1 opportunities, which allow students to gain valuable certifications, college experience, and career-ready skills while still in high school. The session will also highlight future-focused career sectors, the subjects and skills students should be developing, and the importance of experiential learning opportunities such as co-op placements, and apprenticeships.

Parents and caregivers will leave with a better understanding of the wide range of educational and career pathways available, along with practical information to help support their child in exploring interests, planning for the future, and making informed decisions about post-secondary and career opportunities.

When a child struggles with school attendance, the impact often extends beyond the classroom—affecting the entire family. Join us for a supportive and informative workshop hosted by OCSB's Lead Social Worker.

Together, we'll explore strategies to help you navigate school refusal and avoidance while maintaining a strong, positive connection with your child.

Topics will include:

• The emotional toll of school refusal on families, and ways to create a supportive home environment
• Practical tools for managing school-related anxiety,
• How to work in partnership with your child’s school
• An overview of the supports available through schools and within the community

Whether you're just beginning to face these challenges or looking for new strategies, this session aims to offer guidance, reassurance, and a sense of community.