Welcome back

Shelley Lawrence
Ottawa Catholic School Board Trustee
613.978-2644
Shelley.Lawrence@ocsb.ca

It is hard to believe school year 2021–22 is just around the corner. Although we are still waiting for specifics from the government on what the new school year will look like, one thing is for certain: we can’t wait to welcome back our students, staff and families this September. We’ve missed you!

It’s not too late to register for bilingual kindergarten

For parents of kindergarten-aged children, it’s not too late to register for this September. If your child turns four by December 31, 2021, they can start school this September.

We also want to make the transition to school as easy as possible. To do this, the Ottawa Catholic School Board is offering parents flexible scheduling. The choice is yours – you can send your child for in-person school a few days a week or five days a week or register for our online school. Reach out to your child’s school’s principal for details. We are here to help develop a plan that works best for your family.

I know school tours were cancelled in the spring, but we have the next best thing! You can experience kindergarten at the Ottawa Catholic School Board in 3D! With the magic of technology, you can explore your child’s kindergarten classroom from the comfort of your home. Have fun moving around the school with your child as you both learn about the day-to-day kindergarten experience. ocsb.ca/our-programs/kindergarten/explore-kindergarten/

High school tours

For students new to our high schools we have 3D tours for you too! Find out where your classrooms are located before stepping in the door.ocsb.ca/our-programs/high-school/program-nights/explore-your-high-school/

New virtual schools

Our board also decided to create two new permanent virtual schools. The Grade 1 to 6 Elementary School will be called Blessed Carlo, and the Grade 7 to12 will be known as St. Josephine’s. These names will honour the spirit of a Catholic virtual learning environment and reflect an inclusive community as a whole. These schools will meet the needs of students who learn best in the virtual classroom.

We are a community – everyone is welcome

Our schools welcome families from all faiths. We offer distinctly Catholic education, but we embrace diversity, and promote equity and the well-being of all.

Safety first

Over the summer, the most asked question has been are our schools safe? The answer is yes! We have been and will continue to follow Ottawa Public Health’s advice and guidance and the Ministry of Education’s school safety measures.

We know what we are doing works. Less than 1 per cent of our students and staff contracted the virus, meaning that over 99 per cent of our students and staff did not contract the virus in our schools.

Our schools are safe and will continue to be safe! Add to that; our board has invested over $15 million in ventilation improvements this year across our schools.

Vaccinations

If you have any questions or are looking for detailed information regarding vaccinations for children aged 12–17, you can find up-to-date information on clinic locations, times and availability on Ottawa Public Health’s website at ottawapublichealth.ca.

Further updates

Boards hope to receive a government update in early to mid-August regarding various school topics, including the wearing of masks, the continued use of hand sanitizers, and any additional or continued measures that will be required to keep schools open for the coming school year.

Looking forward to seeing you in September

It seems I am ending this column where I started. I don’t have all the answers yet but I look forward to welcoming our whole school community back to school this September!

Take good care, God bless and see you in September.