Weekly messages will be posted below!
Friday, September 27, 2024
Happy Faux Friday! While the rains came this week, Mother Nature showed some grace and we avoided indoor recesses! Big win for everyone! She did lead us astray with predictions of rain which led us to move our Terry Fox Run to next week, so fingers crossed the forecast for Thursday holds!
Thank you to all who were able to attend our Meet the Educator Night last night! The halls were busy for our first family event, which was wonderful! To top it off Mr. Perry was able to get his Guiness Record!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is a PD Day. Staff will be engaging in learning to support Literacy and Math instruction through the day. The agenda can be found here. AGENDA
On Monday, all schools in the OCDSB will be recognizing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Over this past week, students have been further developing their understanding of the important work we have to do in our country to honour the truth of our history and continue the work towards reconciliation. On Monday, we encourage students to wear orange. If students do not have something orange to wear, please do not worry! We will have ribbons for them to pin on!
The rescheduled date for our ALC Terry Fox Run is Thursday, October 3 from 12:30-1:30 pm. ALC families are welcome to join us to continue in Terry Fox's footsteps 44 years later.
There is still lots of time to visit our school's fundraising website!
The slogan for this year's Terry Fox t-shirt is, No Matter What. This message represents his determination to raise money for cancer research no matter the odds, no matter the distance and no matter the challenges. Students are invited to set a NO MATTER WHAT goal and share it on our poster board in the rotunda. Looking forward to seeing you next Thursday.
October is Islamic Heritage Month in Canada. For generations, Muslims have been contributing to all aspects of Canada's prosperity and diverse heritage. Islamic History Month Canada has selected the theme of “Health & Healing” for this year’s recognition and celebration Islamic heritage. In connection to this theme, this month offers us a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the profound contributions that Muslim scholars and scientists have made to the field of medicine, which continue to impact our lives today (IHMC). Islamic history and culture encompasses a broad range of individual and collective experiences, as well as important contributions to literature, math, science, art and history both locally and around the world.
HOT LUNCHES ARE BACK! The ALC lunch program is ready to take orders! Please help support school council's biggest fundraiser. All money raised goes back directly to supporting students. Plus there are some days that you don't have to make a lunch!
Register an account at alc.hotlunches.net. A reminder that you must register again at the start of every school year. The access code is ALCHL. Once logged in then add your student to their HOMEROOM class. After that you are able to place orders. For new families please note that the menu items are linked together. ie, What you choose for Jojo's Pizza remains the same order for the entire term. Orders must be placed and paid for on the site by Oct 1st. Please take the time to read all of the information on the log in page and on the landing page - all of the policies related to the lunch program are listed there, as well as all the menu details.
Last (but not least) - I NEED VOLUNTEERS! This program is run 100% by volunteers which is a great way to get involved in the school. I will assign people into lunch teams so the commitment is about once every 2 weeks. From 10:30am to around 12:00pm on your assigned lunch day. Please send me an email at [email protected] with your availability if you would like to help out. I'm also happy to answer any questions about the program. ~Lea
SEPTEMBER 30- NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
OCTOBER 3- ROSH HASHANA: Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה), (literally “head of the year”), is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur.
OCTOBER 11- YOM KIPPUR: yom Kippur (Hebrew: יוֹם כִּפּוּר or יום הכיפורים), Also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
NOVEMBER 1- DIWALI: Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance"
SEPTEMBER 27- PD DAY- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
OCTOBER 1- TERRY FOX RUN
OCTOBER 15- PHOTO RETAKE DAY AND CLASS PHOTOS
OCTOBER 16- SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, September, 20th, 2024
Creating a sense of community is a very important part of the work we do. Creating a learning space where students and staff feel connected and valued is essential for academic achievement. One of the tools some teachers are using is “The First Five”. This resource offers a daily assortment of activities and prompts teachers can use within the first 5 minutes of the day to connect with students and get a sense of how they are feeling and what they might need to have a successful day at school.
In this weeks message:
MEET THE EDUCATORS: Next Wednesday evening (Sept 25), we invite families to come to the school to meet your child’s teacher. Classrooms will be open from 4:30-5:30. Your children can show you around and introduce you to their teacher(s). Please remember that teachers are still getting to know their students, and this is not a formal interview time. There has not been enough time for teachers to be able to share progress on achievement at this time. Formal interviews will be set up following the Progress Reports going home in November.
Guinness World Record Attempt Back On! Mr Perry will once again be attempting the world record of fastest to change four tires on a vehicle by an individual on September 25 at the Meet the Teacher event. We will be doing the attempt in the playground near the main play structure at 530 and 545pm. This time, we will be hoping for cooperative weather. Hope to see everyone out there after they've had the opportunity to visit inside with their teachers! If you're interested in being a videographer for this event, reach out to [email protected]
HOT LUNCHES ARE BACK! The ALC lunch program is ready to take orders! Please help support school council's biggest fundraiser. All money raised goes back directly to supporting students. Plus there are some days that you don't have to make a lunch!
Register an account at alc.hotlunches.net. A reminder that you must register again at the start of every school year. The access code is ALCHL. Once logged in then add your student to their HOMEROOM class. After that you are able to place orders. For new families please note that the menu items are linked together. ie, What you choose for Jojo's Pizza remains the same order for the entire term. Orders must be placed and paid for on the site by Oct 1st. Please take the time to read all of the information on the log in page and on the landing page - all of the policies related to the lunch program are listed there, as well as all the menu details.
Last (but not least) - I NEED VOLUNTEERS! This program is run 100% by volunteers which is a great way to get involved in the school. I will assign people into lunch teams so the commitment is about once every 2 weeks. From 10:30am to around 12:00pm on your assigned lunch day. Please send me an email at [email protected] with your availability if you would like to help out. I'm also happy to answer any questions about the program. Lea (Hot Lunch Coordinator)
CROSS COUNTRY IS STARTING: Mme. Devine and a team of staff are getting Cross Country up and running! If you child is interested in participating, encourage them to listen to the announcement about the first meeting next week!
LABELS: While it might still feel like the middle of summer out there, inevitably Fall is on it’s way, which means jackets, mitts and hats will also be coming to school- and often left behind. Labeling your child’s clothes is the best way to ensure things get returned to the right student! Consider supporting our school by shopping at Mabel's Labels: mabelslabels.ca. Click "Support a Fundraiser"and enter "ALC Parent Council (Stittsville)" to contribute to great School Council initiatives such as additional library resources and our new play structure.
Morning Drop Off: Just a reminder that the bus loop is for OSTA buses and vans only.
A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School is getting ready for the 2024 Terry Fox School Run! Our run date is Thursday, September 26. We’re super excited to take part in this annual tradition that supports cancer research while building school spirit. Please support our student’s fundraising efforts and donate today at: https://schools.terryfox.ca/ALorneCassidyESStittsville #terryfoxschoolrun #nomatterwhat @theterryfoxfoundation
SEPTEMBER 30- NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
OCTOBER 3- ROSH HASHANA: Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה), (literally “head of the year”), is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur.
OCTOBER 11- YOM KIPPUR: yom Kippur (Hebrew: יוֹם כִּפּוּר or יום הכיפורים), Also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
NOVEMBER 1- DIWALI: Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance"
SEPTEMBER 25- MEET THE TEACHER
SEPTEMBER 26- TERRY FOX RUN
SEPTEMBER 26- FRIDAY SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 27- PD DAY- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
OCTOBER 15- PHOTO RETAKE DAY AND CLASS PHOTOS
NOTE: According to the OCDSB Policy Religious Holy Days, no major assessments or school events will be planned on these Holy Days. DATES TO BE AVOIDED, DATES OF OBSERVATION
ALC INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Attendance: if your child will be absent, please call the school at 613 831 3434 or email us at: [email protected]
A. LORNE CASSIDY WEBSITE
Arrival and Dismissal information can be found here.
Here is a list of questions to support conversations with your child.
Mental Health supports
Monday, September 16th.2024
Good morning ALC Families,
I wanted to inform you that, last Friday, the Ottawa Police arrested a man suspected of approaching young children in the Stittsville area.
I would like to reassure you that this isn’t related to our school or our students but as a precaution, I felt it was appropriate to provide you with some safety tips to help you speak to your child and prepare them in the event of any difficult encounters.
The Ottawa Police recommends parents frequently review tips for children with respect to safety rules. Parents should teach their children what to do when approached by a stranger. Where possible, avoid walking alone. However, the following tips are offered to students walking alone:
-
Ensure a family member or caregiver knows your route and arrival time;
-
Do not talk to strangers;
-
Do not accept rides from strangers;
-
If an unknown adult is seeking your attention, do not approach them or the vehicle;
-
If being followed, go to a public place, a known residence or shout for help.
-
Report concerns to a caring adult as soon as possible
Please note, should your child ever have any difficult or confusing encounters while walking to or from school, do remind them that they are encouraged to contact the school administration, a teacher, another trusted adult at school or the police in case of emergency.
We have compiled some tips provided by our partners, should you wish to read more safety and streetproofing information. (The tips are also given below.)
Trish
Friday, September 13th, 2024
Another fantastic week at ALC! Our Grade 6 Leadership Team has started announcements and next week they will be implementing Recess Games at first recesses. This group has really helped us with a positive start to our year and we are so excited to see their skills grow through the year!
We had our first of 3 Fall fire drills yesterday. All of our students did a great job moving through the school and on the field in a quiet and orderly fashion. We will try to get the other 2 drills completed while the nice weather holds over the next couple of weeks!
Laminator Help Wanted: Did you ever have a desire to use the laminator? Well, here is your chance. Mr. Hare ([email protected]) is our laminator guru and last year he put together a team of volunteers to help teachers get their laminating done. If you are able to help out, please send him an email and he will fill you in on the details! Thanks for considering!
A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School is getting ready for the 2024 Terry Fox School Run! Our run date is Thursday, September 26. We’re super excited to take part in this annual tradition that supports cancer research while building school spirit. Please support our student’s fundraising efforts and donate today at: https://schools.terryfox.ca/ALorneCassidyESStittsville #terryfoxschoolrun #nomatterwhat @theterryfoxfoundation
Walk A Block: Did you know that walking all or part way to school helps create safer school zones by reducing vehicle congestion? If you live too far away from school to walk the whole way, consider parking 5 to 10 minutes away from the school and walking the rest of the way. Take this small step to help make school zones safer for everyone! Download your Walk-a-Block map today!
For more information about OSTA's #GetYourWalkOn programs and resources please visit OSTA’s website!
Student Accident Insurance: Creating a caring and safe environment for our students is our top priority. Unfortunately, despite all reasonable precautions being taken, accidents can still happen. Some injuries may result in medical, dental or other expenses that are not covered by provincial health care or employer group plans and caregivers become responsible for these expenses.
The OCDSB does not provide student accident insurance. Caregivers are encouraged to consider purchasing accident insurance or student accident insurance for incidents that may not be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or any additional medical plans they have.
Student accident insurance is available for purchase on a voluntary basis. Caregivers may apply online at insuremykids.com or call 1-800-463-5437. The accident insurance coverage options range from $17.00/year to $33.00/year. All plans provide 24/7 coverage and a variety of important accident benefits (benefit limits differ based on plan selected). If you have any questions, please call Jones DesLauriers Ottawa (formerly Binks Insurance Brokers) directly at 613-226-1350.
COMMUNITY NEWS:
Eco West Enders Kids Clothing Swap: Help us support a circular economy by sharing your child's outgrown clothing (newborn to size 16) with your neighbours while shopping for what you need next. 1 donation = 1 received item - no restrictions, no cost! All items above donation will be $1.
Donation Days Only (no items accepted day of event) - Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th - 6pm to 9pm
Location: St. Andrews Church
2 Milkin Street
Donors are welcome to also bring one item in need of repair for donation to the swap. Ask questions of our sewers and start to learn a new skill and help support repair over new!
Thanks so much for your support!
POWLEY DAY: Métis communities celebrate Powley Day each year on September 19th, marking the anniversary of the landmark Métis rights victory at the Supreme Court of Canada. Powley Day commemorates the most important Métis Rights recognition since the days of Louis Riel. The OCDSB has more information about this date of significance on their website.
SEPTEMBER 30- NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
OCTOBER 3- ROSH HASHANA: Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה), (literally “head of the year”), is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur.
OCTOBER 11- YOM KIPPUR: yom Kippur (Hebrew: יוֹם כִּפּוּר or יום הכיפורים), Also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
NOVEMBER 1- DIWALI: Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance"
SEPTEMBER 17- SCHOOL PHOTOS
SEPTEMBER 18- SCHOOL COUNCIL- 7:00
SEPTEMBER 25- MEET THE TEACHER
SEPTEMBER 26- TERRY FOX RUN
SEPTEMBER 27- PD DAY- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Friday, Sept 6th, 2024
We have had a fantastic first week at ALC, and we hope your children are beginning to get back into familiar routines.
Lots of information in this weeks message:
-
4 Square Problem Solving
-
Duck Families
-
Late Arrival, Early Pick Up and Absences
-
Voluntary Student Fees, Media Release and Appropriate Use of Technology
-
Mental Health Supports
-
School Council
-
Meet the Teacher
-
School Photos
This year we are once again using our 4 Square Problem Solving Chart to help us navigate social interactions. We reviewed this with all students in Grades 1-6 at our First Day Assembly. We reminded students that we are here to help them navigate any situations that might arise. The key is to be able to intervene and support as early as possible. If your child is struggling with peer interactions, please do not hesitate to reach out to their homeroom teacher for support.
We will once again be starting up our Duck Families. This year we are focusing on creating a community that is kind and inclusive. At our first assembly we watched a video about a high school student who started a club called We Dine Together that is now in over 2000 school districts in the US. One student who realized the importance of ensuring everyone feels seen and included in their school community. We know we have a school full of kind and empathetic students. We want to inspire them to stand in that kindness and work to make sure everyone feels included.
Late arrivals and Early Pick Ups: We know that often students might be arriving late or need to leave early. If you are dropping them off late, you can bring them to the front door. When you buzz in our office team will ask for their name and buzz them in. We will get the littler ones to their classes and our older students are able to make their way to class.
For early pickups, we do ask that you try to avoid pickup between 3:30 and 3:45. The office gets very busy and it can be difficult to find students at this transition time.
Regardless if it is a late arrival or early pick up, or an absence, it really is helpful for us in the office if you can give us a heads up. You can call 613 831 3434, email: [email protected] or use the School Messenger App to enter your child’s absence. This helps us in the office, but it also allows us to support by having your child in the office ready for pick up when you arrive.
VOLUNTARY STUDENT FEES: Historically, ALC has not collected voluntary student fees, but with the changes in funding, we are asking families to consider sending in the $20 voluntary fee to help us continue to provide learning experiences that we have covered in the past. This includes presentations, supporting with buses for field trips, and class workshops. You can access School Cash Online here. Sending in cash or cheques is also an option if you prefer.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY: In order to access and use technology at school, students will need to have a completed Appropriate Use of Technology form on file. That form can be found here.
MEDIA RELEASE: All students will need to have a completed Media Release form on file. That form can be found here.
Maintaining our Mental Health should be a priority for everyone. Back to school can often bring on many emotions. The OCDSB Mental Health Team has developed some strategies and tools that might help with some of the Back to School emotions. We are here to support our students with their mental health in many ways. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or Ms. Trish and Ms. Doxsee if your child is struggling. The OCDSB also has a webpage that has a variety of community resources that might also be helpful.
School Council: Our ALC School Council will be having their first meeting on September 18th, 2024 at 7:00 in the library. We invite all parents and guardians who would like to join us! We do have some Council Executive positions open that will be voted on at our first meeting. We will send some more information about that closer to the meeting date.
Meet the Teacher: Our Meet the Teacher evening is coming up on September 25 from 4:45-6:15. We invite all families to join us to meet your child’s teachers and learn about their classroom for this year!
School Photos: Students will be having their school photos taken on Tuesday September 17th.
SEPTEMBER 30- NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
OCTOBER 3- ROSH HASHANA: Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה), (literally “head of the year”), is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur.
OCTOBER 11- YOM KIPPUR: yom Kippur (Hebrew: יוֹם כִּפּוּר or יום הכיפורים), Also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
NOVEMBER 1- DIWALI: Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance"
SEPTEMBER 17- SCHOOL PHOTOS
SEPTEMBER 18- SCHOOL COUNCIL- 7:00
SEPTEMBER 25- MEET THE TEACHER
SEPTEMBER 27- PD DAY- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
NOTE: According to the OCDSB Policy Religious Holy Days, no major assessments or school events will be planned on these Holy Days. DATES TO BE AVOIDED, DATES OF OBSERVATION
ALC INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Attendance: if your child will be absent, please call the school at 613 831 3434 or email us at: [email protected]
A. LORNE CASSIDY WEBSITE
Arrival and Dismissal information can be found here.
Here is a list of questions to support conversations with your child.
Mental Health supports
Tuesday, Sept 3rd, 2024
Well, day 1 is in the books! We hope everyone had a great first day back! There really is nothing like the first day of school each year. The energy and excitement is always contagious, and seeing familiar smiles is always amazing, while meeting new students is exciting! We know getting back into the routines often takes time, and you will likely have some sleepy children at the dinner table tonight.
It is often difficult to learn about what your child did at school each day. Asking them that question often leads to one word answers. Here is a list of questions that you can ask that might help spur more conversations about their day.
Tomorrow morning, we ask parents to start with our usual arrival procedures. students will line up at their doors. There will be chairs set out like there were today at recess times, so they will be able to find their lines. Arrival and Dismissal information can be found here.
On Friday we will send our first Friday Message. We send the weekly update on the last afternoon of the week. It can also be found on the school website each Monday morning as well.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your child at school!
Tuesday, August 27th, 2024
Welcome back to school! We are excited to be having everyone back and can’t wait to see the faces of our students!
This message contains a lot of information to help prepare families for the first day of school.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL: When students in Grades 1-6 arrive on Tuesday, September 3, there will be signs with class/teacher names on the field. Students are asked to line up behind the sign for their class. If your child forgets their class number OR teacher, not to worry. There will be lots of staff and our Grade 6 ambassadors outside to support. On Tuesday morning, adults are welcome to come onto the field to help students find their line. Kinder students can be dropped off at the Kinder Yard. The Kinder Team will be outside as of 9:00 to begin greeting students.
Our arrival and dismissal procedures will remain the same as in previous years (students are dropped off at the fence on Hobin (Grades 1-6), and Kinder students can be dropped off and picked up at the Kinder Yard. Please take a look at this attached document for more details.Please see this attached document for specific details on dismissal. We do ask that parents not gather around the bus loop. Bus arrivals and departures are a busy time, and keeping that area clear helps us to ensure students are safe.
PLEASE NOTE: Students are not to be dropped off or picked up at the front door at arrival and dismissal times. We also ask that parents picking up their children not park in the school parking lot at drop off and pick up times.
If you are picking your child up early, we ask you to please let the office know beforehand so we can arrange to have your child at the office when you arrive. We also ask that if you are picking up early, please try to arrange for that to happen prior to 3:15. The office gets very busy at the end of the day, and pick ups close to dismissal are difficult to navigate.
WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS:
- We have 2 nutrition breaks, so your child needs lunch and snacks to get them through the day. Please keep in mind that over the next few days, they will likely be running and playing more with their friends, and they might find themselves a little hungrier than you might expect. Packing a couple extra snacks might be a good idea.
- Refillable water bottle
- Indoor shoes
- School supplies (voluntary, but helpful)
- 12 sharpened pencils
- 3 erasers
- 2 boxes of crayons (K-2)
- 2 boxes of pencil crayons (3-8)
- 1 box of markers (K-8)
VOLUNTARY STUDENT FEES: Historically, ALC has not collected voluntary student fees, but with the changes in funding, we are asking families to consider sending in the $20 voluntary fee to help us continue to provide learning experiences that we have covered in the past. This includes presentations, supporting with buses for field trips, class workshops.
What other School Fees might be requested throughout the year?
Over the course of the year you can expect requests for money for other reasons:
- Field trips to enhance the curriculum. The fees requested are to pay for transportation and admission. Some field trips may be subsidized by the school to keep costs down through the use of voluntary student fees.
- Competitive school sports teams: If your child makes a school team a small fee is requested to cover costs associated with attending sports competitions, including transportation in some cases.
- Fundraising activities – throughout the school year there are various fundraising activities for good causes – this is always optional.
- School Council Fundraising – to raise money school council organizes various fundraising activities, including hot lunch programs. The money raised helps support school programs.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY: In order to access and use technology at school, students will need to have a completed Appropriate Use of Technology form on file. That form can be found here.
MEDIA RELEASE: All students will need to have a completed Media Release form on file. That form can be found here
TRANSPORTATION: Parent Portal is Open
OSTA’s Parent Portal is now open. Parents/guardians can login and review their child(ren)’s 2024- 2025 transportation information. Parents/guardians are reminded to check the Parent Portal regularly to confirm the route’s status, keeping in mind that OSTA continues to make route adjustments for efficiency and coverage. For help using the Parent Portal, please direct families to OSTA’s Parent Portal guide.
Those who create an account in the Parent Portal are automatically subscribed to OSTA’s email list.
This is a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening with student transportation.
You will need your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) to add a student to your Parent Portal (BusPlanner) account.
The OEN can be found on your child’s report card. If your child is new to the Ontario education system you may not yet have an OEN. You can contact the school office for this information if you do not already have it.
Carpooling, walking or biking to school
Where possible, families are encouraged to connect with one another to carpool, walk or bike to school if it’s safe to do so. OSTA has prepared walking route maps you may find helpful.
If you are able to arrange carpooling, please let the teachers of all the students know the plan, and set up a meeting place for all of the children that will be travelling together. This will help us ensure everyone is going with who they are supposed to be going with.
BIKERS: If students are biking to school, please make sure they have a lock to lock up their bike and are wearing a helmet.
Please remember that all bikes must be walked on school property- this includes parents who might be biking.
Student safety
All drivers are asked to slow down and be extra cautious for students who may be walking or biking to school. Students should also be reminded about traffic safety when heading to school.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Homeroom teachers will be connecting with families between 2:00 and 3:45 on Friday August 30, 2024. If you have not heard from your child’s teacher by 4:30, please email Trish at [email protected]. Please wait until 4:30 to reach out, giving teachers and email services time to send those messages to you.
CLASS CHANGES: While teachers spend a lot of time trying to create balanced classes in the Spring, inevitably there are some students who are not happy with their class placement once school starts. There are several considerations that are required when classes are made, and this year most of our junior classes are very large. Moving students from one class to another is a very complex process, and while we do not want to see students unhappy, our flexibility to make moves is very limited. We ask that you give students a chance to settle in over the next couple of weeks before trying to advocate for a class change. Very often, the class they have been placed in really is the one that will be best for them, they just might not see it on the first day. While peer groups might be the primary element of importance for them, their teachers from last year have thought long and hard about where they have been placed, and it will likely work out for the best for them.
We know the first few days bring on a lot of anxiety and stress. We are here to help, so if there is something we can do to ease the transition into the new year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.