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Ottawa
Catholic School
Parents' Association
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Parents helping parents succeed! |
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Welcome!
Happy New Year! We wish you health and happiness in 2021.
We're pleased to introduce a new contributor to our newsletter this month: Dr. Richard Bolduc.
Dr. Bolduc was recently appointed as the Ottawa Catholic School Board's (OCSB) new Mental Health Lead. He brings nearly 20 years of work experience as a school and supervising psychologist providing assessments and counselling to youth and adolescents. He has also supported several families and schools in the Ottawa area and has, over the years, presented with CSPA. His interests are focused on reinforcing school, youth and family connections in our community. You'll find his first article regarding mental health strategies, in our Mental Health Spotlight. Welcome, Dr. Bolduc!
Also featured in this newsletter: your opportunity to celebrate educators and members of your community who are making a difference in our schools and neighbourhoods. Nominations are being accepted for the 2021 OCSB Director of Education awards and CBC Trailblazers. Check out the details below and help shine the spotlight on these deserving individuals. Nominations close THIS Friday!
As we head into 2021 once more in lockdown, please remember that the OCSB offers a host of well-being resources for our community. Please visit its website for more information or talk to your principal.
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Please note our next CSPA meeting will be held on January 27, 2021 @7pm. This month we will be speaking on the subject of school boundaries with speakers and attendees from our Board of Trustees, Superintendents and Corporate Affairs. Our Virtual Academy Spotlight starts at 8:15pm with our guest speakers, Virtual Academy Principals, David Nash and Michelle McGarry. We would like to welcome all the Virtual Academy Reps to their first meeting and look forward to you joining us.
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The next OCSB meeting will be held January 26, 2021 @7pm. OCSB Board meetings are now available live or at your convenience via the OCSB YouTube Channel! You can find the video links, agendas and minutes by visiting here: http://ocsb.ca/meetings/.
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Breaking news! Remote learning to continue!
Today, the provincial government announced that remote learning would be extended for Ottawa area students, including the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). Students will not be returning on Monday, January 25, as previously announced. The government made this decision in consultation with the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the community.
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Time to register for Kindergarten! |
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September may seem a long way off, but it's never too early to register your child for kindergarten. The OCSB welcomes families of all faiths and offers innovative programming, engaging learning spaces and dedicated educators.
Want to take a 3-D tour of your local kindergarten class? Now you can explore your child’s kindergarten classroom from the comfort of your home. You and your child can walk through their classroom as if they were actually at school. You can drop by the art and crafts table, the snack centre, the prayer table and the cubbies where they will hang their coats. You can even get a glimpse of the playground – all via any mobile device or laptop. |
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#DYK - #ocsbHowTo
Want to learn more about Google Meet? Not sure how to use Hapara (or even pronounce it?!) Be sure to stop by the OCSB's YouTube Channel! It has a wide variety of videos to help you and your child make the most of digital education. Check out the recently-held remote learning parent session - lots of helpful information!
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2021 Director of Education Awards - Call for Nominations
The OCSB is now accepting accepting nominations from OCSB employees for the 2021 Director of Education Commendation Awards. Nomination deadline is Friday, January 22, 2021. Please review the nomination criteria here.
The Director of Education Commendation Awards are awarded annually to employees who have introduced innovation and/or made an outstanding contribution to the Board. This contribution most significantly supports any or all of the Board’s Strategic Commitments and Goals.
The OCSB hopes to present the awards at a ceremony during the Board-wide Catholic Education Week Eucharistic Celebration at Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021. As well, all recipients will be featured in the Commendation Awards booklet, which presents their biographies and photographs. If an in-person ceremony isn't possible due to the pandemic, the awards will be presented virtually prior to the end of the school year.
Please contact Stephanie Dunne at 613-224-4455 ext. 2272 for more information.
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Calling all Trailblazers! The CBC wants to hear from you!
The CBC is looking to shine a spotlight on 10 inspiring individuals who make a difference in our neighbourhoods. According to the CBC, "a CBC Trailblazer is not defined by accolades or accomplishments, but by a positive impact — big or small — that they make in their community." Check out last year's winners for ideas and nominate someone - or yourself - today! Deadline for nominations is Sunday, January 24, 2021 11:59 p.m. EST.
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Welcome to our Mental Heath Spotlight! Each month the OCSB Mental Health department will be highlighting a different topic surrounding mental health to support parents, students and their families. |
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Mental health strategies for a safe and gentle return to school. |
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As we begin a new year, setting resolutions may feel like a “must do” to start the year on “the right path.” We often create our resolutions based on unaccomplished goals from the previous year and high expectations of ourselves on January 1st. Resolutions may eventually feel unattainable and perhaps even exaggerated at the best of times, but may have more power to disappoint during COVID-19.
This January again will be different for our students and families as remote learning will be in full effect as a result of the lockdown in Ontario. Based on what we know from 2020, patience, flexibility and resilience in starting this new year are keys to success for parents, educators and students. It will also be essential to establish step-by-step strategies and routines as well as a renewed sense of hope that we will get past these times as a community constrained by COVID-19. Recognizing the presence of mental health concerns and identifying these concerns at an early stage is the best intervention. Providing caring support and listening to one another can go a long way towards preventing and/or worsening difficulties.
Instead of focusing on resolutions, why don’t we use the start of a new year to prioritize time to model and promote self-care, bridging connections and relationships and empathy? Supporting mental health can begin by modelling behaviours and coping strategies. Several helpful stress management strategies that can be introduced at any age include:
- Distraction strategies (e.g., doing something enjoyable to take a break)
- Visualization strategies (e.g., taking a mini-vacation in your mind)
- Noticing strategies (e.g., paying attention to everyday heroes and good news)
- Thought-changing strategies (e.g., challenging negative unfounded thoughts and focus on positive thoughts)
- Breathing and Relaxation strategies (e.g., learning to focus breathing and promote awareness)
As was noted in a December OCSB memo, if you are concerned about your child’s mental health, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) offers various services to help those struggling with mental health concerns. To learn more about how to talk about mental health, check out have THAT talk.
Please visit OPH’s Parenting in Ottawa mental health page for information about child and or youth mental health agencies. If you have a youth in crisis, contact the Youth Services 24/7 Crisis Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-260-2360, if outside Ottawa toll-free 1-877-377-7775.
Students and families can also contact Kids Help Phone, which offers 24/7 counselling and referral services across the province. To use this free resource, children can call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
Also, as noted in the previous month’s newsletter you may wish to read further on what you are observing. It is always best to consult credible, evidence-based sources of information. Here are a few websites to consider:
If your child does not seem to be improving and you are still concerned about their well-being, it may be time to reach out for additional support. You can contact your school Principal to learn about school mental health services such as Counselling Connect or contact School Mental Health Ontario for free mental health services in our community. School Mental Health Ontario also has many great resources for students, parents and families.
Wishing you all a safe and gentle return at establishing healthy school routines in your homes in this new year.
Dr. Richard Bolduc, C.Psych.
OCSB Mental Health Lead
Special Education & Student Services Department
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Join us for one of our upcoming meetings!
SEAC would like to invite parents, guardians and caregivers to attend any of our upcoming virtual meetings. Our next meeting is February 17, 2021 @7pm. Meeting dates, agendas and minutes can be found on the OCSB Special Education webpage here: https://www.ocsb.ca/our-programs/special-education/.
Please email us at [email protected] if you you would like to attend a meeting or have any questions. We look forward to connecting with you!
*The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) advocates for children with special needs within the OCSB.
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Health Break - new year, new foods! |
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Introducing new foods or new ways of eating those foods helps keep healthy eating fun, enjoyable and sustainable. In addition, getting kids involved increases the chance that they will eat and enjoy that food.
Here are a few ways you can mix up your routine:
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New grains: Rice or pasta are common staples in many households. Switch it up by trying some bulgur, quinoa or farro. These whole grains make great rice substitutes in main or side dishes, soups, salads or puddings.
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The new “it” yogurt: Have you tried Skyr? If you like Greek yogurt, you will probably enjoy Skyr as well. Pronounced skee-er, it is an ultra-creamy dairy product that has been a nutritious part of the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years. A protein powerhouse, Skyr packs about 18 grams of protein per ¾ cup serving. Top with chia, hemp, ground flax seed or nut butter for additional fibre, healthy fats and protein. It also makes a great healthy base for dips and can be used as a sour cream substitute.
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New blend of trail mix: Popcorn is a great snack for more than just the movie theatre! Add it to DIY trail mix in an endless number of combinations. Combine popcorn with your favourite cereals, roasted chickpeas, dried fruits, semi-sweet chocolate chips, nuts, seeds and/or pretzels, and declare it your very own blend.
With a new year comes new possibilities. Trying new things can make the start of a year more exciting!
Looking to improve your family’s health through nutrition? Visit Loblaws dietician services to get in contact with your local Dietitian.
Provided by Sonia Du, RD
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Welcome to our Tech Update for Parents! Each month the OCSB Learning Technologies department will be bringing you information on educational programming, information technology and of course tips & tricks for parents and their children.
Help your child get reading!
Looking for some tips to support your child's reading adventures? SORA offers free ebooks and audiobooks to all OCSB students. Classics, fiction, non-fiction and more are available 24/7 right at your fingertips.
Your child can access their account via the student portal on all major computers or by connecting their @ocsbstudent .ca account via iOS and Android app, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets. SORA accounts can also be linked to their Ottawa Public Library account as well for seamless navigation.
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The OCSB Learning Technologies department is excited to support our parent community in navigating the digital landscape for their children. We look forward to offering other supports throughout this school year! |
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HST Rebates for School Councils
School councils can submit HST rebate claims on purchases made for their school. Complete the claim form and submit it to your principal with original receipts.
Haven't processed HST rebates in the past? You can submit rebates dating back 4 years. Learn more about the HST rebate and best practices for school council treasurers here. |
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Upcoming Virtual Meetings & Events |
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For more details on these and other events,
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Ottawa Catholic School Parents' Association (CSPA)
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