Welcome to High School Information Sessions

OCDSB Secondary Schools will be hosting “Welcome to High School Virtual Information Sessions.” Join in our virtual sessions and learn about the different pathways available for your child. These information sessions will focus on Grade 8 students’ transition to high school, including the course selection process, in-school student supports, extracurricular activities and more.

Visit ocdsb.ca/highschool for the dates, times and links of the sessions for each school.

Secondary calendar update
All OCDSB secondary schools will continue to offer remote learning until the end of the quadmester/octomester on January 29th. We hope to return to in-person learning to start Quadmester 3 on February 1st, subject to provincial direction and health guidelines. A more detailed message has been sent to secondary parents and students.

We would also like to clarify that the correct start date for Quadmester 4 is April 16, 2021. It was mentioned as April 15 in the OCDSB calendar that was shared earlier. The updated calendar is available on the OCDSB Secondary Calendar webpage.

Special Education In-Person Learning

The OCDSB is currently offering in-person instruction to elementary and secondary students in specialized program classes whose needs cannot be met through remote learning. In consideration of the provincial stay-at-home order, school staff will be contacting the families of these students directly to discuss the student learning needs, allow families to reconsider their decision in light of the stay at home order, and to determine whether there are additional ways to meet student needs through remote learning. A separate and more detailed message will be sent directly to affected families.
YouthNet/ReseauAdo - Free Virtual Wellness Programs

Starting in February, YouthNet/ReseauAdo (YNRA) is offering two free virtual wellness programs for youth ages 13-20. The programs use activities such as art, yoga, mindfulness, and music to support mental health. Registration is now open, but spots are limited. Visit: http://ynra.ca/youth-mental-health-services/youth-programs/

OCDSB Speaker Series: Screen Time During COVID-19
On January 21st, the OCDSB will be hosting a virtual Speaker Series with Dr. Michael Cheng, child and family psychiatrist at CHEO, about the importance of balancing screen time during the COVID pandemic. Learn more.

Date: January 21, 2021, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Zoom link: Balancing Screen Time During COVID-19 (Zoom)
If Zoom reaches capacity, the session will also be streamed on YouTube: Balancing Screen Time During COVID-19 (YouTube)

The recording of the event will also be available on the OCDSB YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend.

OCDSB Indigenous Speaker Series: Autumn Peltier - January 19th, 2021
The OCDSB Indigenous Speakers Series will present a webinar with Autumn Peltier on January 19th at 11:30 a.m., for OCDSB staff and students in grades 7 to 12.

To access the livestream, click the YouTube link below before the event: https://youtu.be/46-wFwNQlu0
Ottawa Public Health COVID Information

The current province wide shut-down is challenging for everyone. It is also our best hope for ensuring that students and staff can return to school safely and as quickly as possible. Please stay home and follow the public health guidelines. It is important that we continue to monitor ourselves and our children for symptoms of COVID-19, even while school is remote.

If you or your child has COVID-19 symptoms, or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please have them tested. There are many appointments available at the testing and assessment centers. If anyone in the home has symptoms of COVID-19, everyone must stay home while waiting for COVID-19 test results.

Visit the OPH testing page for additional information on where to get tested in Ottawa. See also the COVID-19 screening tool for school and child care.
Ottawa Public Health - Parenting in Ottawa Session
This week on the Ottawa Public Health Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page, a Public Health Nurse will discuss nutrition, COVID-19 screening and misinformation.

Check out Facebook.com/ParentingInOttawa to learn more, or to check out one of the other daily posts moderated by a public health nurse.

Ottawa Public Health Family Support Resources

Ottawa Virtual Activity Guide

Looking for something fun to do at home? Ottawa Parks and Recreation released their new virtual program guide of arts and recreation programs. Learn more and register here.

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