September 02, 2022 - Back to School Safety Information, Busing and Transportation Information, School Year Calendars, and more.
Dear Families,
Welcome
back! We are looking forward to seeing students back on Tuesday,
September 6th. Heading back to school is exciting, and it is also an
adjustment. Here are a few helpful strategies to help families prepare for a successful return to school. You can also watch the recording of Dr. Jean Clinton on “Love Builds Brains: Bringing Joy Back to Learning” which is full of practical tips to support the return to school with hope, optimism, and joy.
Back to School Safety Information
Whether your student will be walking, driving, or riding a bus to school, please review these safety tips from
the Ottawa Police Service. Active Transportation is a great way to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic in school zones - resources are available from OSTA if your child is interested in walking or biking to school.
Busing and Transportation Information
Busing information has been delayed and is subject to change, please check the Student Transportation on OSTA’s website regularly. Information on schedules and routes can be found in OSTA’s Parent Portal. If your child uses OC Transpo to get to school, please take a look at your route before
school starts as several route changes have been made. If you or
someone you know is interested in becoming a bus or van driver, please
visit https://driveyellow.ca/.
School Year Calendars
PA Days, holidays, and other important dates for the 2022-2023 school year can be found in the OCDSB’s Elementary and Secondary calendars.
COVID-19 Measures at School
We
are all excited to return to a school year with more regular routines
and activities. We know that in-person learning and extra-curricular
activities at school are important for student health and wellbeing. We
also know that COVID-19 is still present in our community, and we are
all working to navigate the change in public health guidance.
- Daily self-assessments for students and staff should be done each morning before school using the screening tool, which was updated August 31, 2022. Downloadable versions are also available.
- Our
schools are mask friendly and we respect the personal decisions of
students, families and staff. We must continue to work together to
foster a positive learning environment for all.
- Isolation requirements have changed in Ontario.
As per the Provincial guidance, staff and students should wear a mask
for 10 days from when symptoms started when returning to school after
illness.
- OCDSB
schools have enhanced ventilation measures in place, and masks, hand
sanitizer and rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available at school.
Learn more about the Ottawa Public Health guidance on COVID-19 in this statement from Dr. Etches.
Vaccines and Booster Shots
COVID-19
vaccinations are now available for all students. Anyone starting
kindergarten this fall or students who have not yet been vaccinated can
sign up to get their shot as a further protection. The Province of Ontario has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses for
children 5 and over; they can now receive a booster dose six months
after their primary series. Appointments at Ottawa Public Health clinics
can be booked via the provincial booking system.
We are very excited about getting back to learning, and welcoming students, families and volunteers into our schools. If you have any additional questions about the upcoming school year, please reach out to your child’s school to learn more.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education