On November 28th, the Board of Trustees approved the New Fernbank High School Temporary Accommodation Plan that will take effect in September 2024.

Here is a brief summary of the recommendations:

Beginning in September 2024, students living in the St. Bernadette and St. Martin de Porres attendance boundaries will be directed to All Saints High School until the planned new secondary school is opened in Fernbank.

Current Holy Trinity or Sacred Heart students in grades 7-11 who live within the St. Bernadette and St. Martin de Porres attendance boundaries will be provided with a one-time option to remain at those schools. Students choosing this option will remain designated to attend those schools and eligible for transportation, subject to meeting OSTA criteria.

For more details, please see the map containing the approved revised secondary school boundaries and the Board report containing the recommendations.

June 17, 2023 

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

The end of the school year is almost here.  There is still lots on the go, however.  We have a few updates / reminders to share with you today.

Exams

We are about to enter the June exam period.  For a full summary of the exam schedule refer to: June 2023 Final Exam Schedule.  Please take special note of the start times for exams, as they may begin at 8:05am or at 8:30am, depending on the day.  Gr 12 exams begin Monday, June 19th.  Grade 10 and 11 exams begin on Wednesday, June 21st. 

The Semester 2 Exam Procedures for Students document outlines student expectations for exams, as well as a schedule for the Grade 9 classes that will be continuing into the exam period.

OCSB Mental Health & Well-Being Summer Workshop Series

A Mental Health & Well-Being Summer Workshop Series will be offered this summer. The poster above describes the various themes offered by our Mental Health Workers throughout the summer months. Through this registration poster and associated links, students and parents are able to register.  Please complete the registration form before the end of the school year if you or your child are interested in participating.

Ottawa Public Health - Party Safer Course

On June 12th, 2023, Ottawa Public Health launched a bilingual no-cost online Party Safer course with helpful information designed specifically for youth. 

The Party Safer course is available on Olearn (ottawa.ca), the City of Ottawa’s public online learning platform. Several other courses are also available for parents and youth. Once an Olearn account is activated, the user can enroll in the “Party Safer” course found on the Olearn homepage under “Courses”.

The content presented in the course will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis and may change overtime.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the course, please contact Ottawa Public Health's Addictions and Substance Use Health Team by email at substancehealthsante@ottawa.ca.

Upcoming Events

Mon. June 19        Gr 12 Period 3 exams (8:05 start)

Tues. June 20      Gr 12 Period 4 exams (8:05 start), Last day of regular classes for Gr 10 & 11 courses

June 21-26      Grade 9 Class Extension/Summative Completion (8:30-10:30)

Wed. June 21          Gr 10, 11 and 12 Period 1 exams (8:30 start)

Thurs. June 22         Gr 10, 11 and 12 Period 2 exams (8:30 start)

Fri. June 23              Gr 10 & 11 Period 3 exams (8:30 start), Gr 7 Trip to Calypso

Mon. June 26           Gr 10 & 11 Period 4 exams (8:30 start), Last day of gr 9 classes

Tues.  June 27   Grade 7&8 Awards, Gr 7&8 Final Report Cards Posted to Parent Portal

Wed. June 28 Gr 12 Commencement, Credit Recovery Day, Last day of school for gr 7&8

Thurs. June 29         PD Day

Tues. July 4 HS (Gr 9-12) Semester 2 Report Cards Posted to Parent Portal

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

May 29, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We’re only days away from June!  The school year is flying by.  We have a few updates to share with you today.

Exams

Last Friday, high school students received an email which included the June 2023 Final Exam Schedule. Please take special note of the start times for exams, as they may begin at 8:05am or at 8:30am, depending on the day.

We also shared the Semester 2 Exam Procedures for Students document which outlines student expectations for exams, as well as a schedule for the Grade 9 classes that will be continuing into the exam period.

All students with IEPs are asked to please log in to my.studentinfo.ca and click on the Resource Exams icon to select their exam preferences by 5pm on Thursday, June 1.

The Empty Seat Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 school year

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) is pleased to announce the launch of its Empty Seat (Courtesy Seating) Program. 

Students who are in the walk zone due to distance to the school, attending a cross-boundary school or any other logistical reason can apply for an empty seat through OSTA. Parents and guardians are asked to complete the online application form and only submit one empty seat application per student in your household. OSTA is responsible for managing all applications, approvals and assignments for empty seats (courtesy seating) for OCDSB and OCSB students.

While empty seat applications are accepted throughout the school year, parents/guardians applying for transportation during the annual October review must submit their applications no later than Friday, September 22, 2023.

For more information about the Empty Seat (Courtesy Seating) Program or to submit an application, visit the OSTA website: www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/empty-seat/.

June 2nd PD Day

A reminder that this Friday is a PD Day for all OCSB schools.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

May 19, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

We have several updates to share with you.

June New Fernbank HS Accommodation Public Meeting

As previously indicated, the OCSB is reviewing plans to change high school attendance boundaries in the west end.  The high schools impacted are Holy Trinity, All Saints and Sacred Heart.  The Board has announced that a public meeting will be held on Thursday, June 22nd at 7 pm at All Saints HS.

To attend the public meeting, please register beforehand so that they can effectively plan for numbers and obtain contact information for follow-up communication. Register before noon on Thursday, June 22, using this form:  New Fernbank HS Temporary Accommodation Consultation Public Meeting.

For a full summary of the proposed changes please visit:  New Fernbank Catholic High School Temporary Accommodation Plan

2024 Grad Apparel

2024 SHHS Grad Apparel is now available to order. Please visit 2024 Grad Apparel to view available items and place orders. Orders placed by May 28th will be available for pick at the school by June 16th (barring any backordered items). If you have any questions, please email randy.baird@ocsb.ca.

Rugby Canada - Free Tickets

Rugby Canada is offering every school-aged child the opportunity to receive a free ticket to a Team Canada women’s rugby vs. New Zealand being hosted at TD Place on July 8th.  For details, including, how to secure a ticket please visit:  Team Canada Ticket Offer. 

Relay for Life Fundraiser - Maverick’s Donuts

A portion of every donut purchase made between May 14th and 22nd at the Maverick’s Donuts (1408 Stittsville Main Street) will be contributed to the school’s Relay for Life campaign in support of cancer research.  Don’t forget to use the codeword "SACREDRELAY" when checking out - RFL - Maverick’s fundraiser poster

Enjoy the long weekend!

Brent Hopkins

Principal

May 16, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

Our annual Cake Auction, held on Friday, May 12th, was a great success.  Thank you for supporting the event.  Over $40,000 was raised for 21 different charities.  To say the cakes created were impressive would be an understatement.  The funds raised will make a significant difference in the lives of many.  Thank you!

We have several additional updates to share with you.

Extension of Gr 9 classes - June 21-26

An important note for grade 9 students regarding a change announced by the Board. As was the case in semester 1, grade 9 courses do not have final exams.  However, unlike the semester 1 exam period, grade 9 classes will take place through the June exam period.  These days will serve as an extension of the learning and assessment period.  Classes will be 2 hrs in length and will be scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, June 21st - 8:30-10:30 (Period 1)

Thursday, June 22, 2023 - 8:30-10:30 (Period 2)

Friday, June 23, 2023 - 8:30-10:30 (Period 3)

Monday, June 26, 2023 - 8:30-10:30 (Period 4)

This extension of the grade 9 program to June 26th will take place in all OCSB high schools.  

Exams

Students in grades 9-11 will follow their regular four periods per day schedule up to and including Tuesday, June 20th.  The last day of regular classes for grade 12 students is Friday, June 16th.

Gr 12 students will begin exams on Monday, June 19th and end of Thursday, June 22nd.  Students in grades 10 and 11 will begin exams on Wednesday, June 21st and end of Monday, June 26th.

Please note that not all courses have an exam.  For a full listing of exams please see:  Sacred Heart HS June 2023 Exam Schedule.

Final Report Cards

Grade 7&8 report cards are scheduled to be posted to the Parent Portal on the evening of Tuesday, June 27th. The last day of scheduled classes for students in grades 7&8 is Wednesday, June 28th.  

High school (grades 9-12) report cards will be posted to the Parent Portal on July 4, 2023.

Creating A Community of Allies For Racialized Students - Parent Presentation

The All Saints Catholic School Council will be hosting a candid conversation geared towards creating a community of allies for racialized students for parents of high school students. Parents are welcome to learn from speaker Aubrey Noronha as he leads a presentation titled "Why being 'Not Racist' isn't enough anymore". All Saints has extended the invitation to any SHH parents interested in joining.  

Tuesday May 23

6:30pm

All Saints Catholic High School

Learning Commons

Click HERE to RSVP and please consider bringing a friend.

Click HERE for more information.  

OSTA Joint Custody Application and Renewal Forms for 2023/24 are now online

Important Deadline! NEW Joint Custody applications are due June 1st.

Each address must meet eligibility requirements to apply.

For Joint Custody RENEWALS, the deadline is June 30th. Remember, J/C renewals must be done every year. Our convenient fillable renewal form is to be completed by one parent, providing there are no changes to the existing schedule.

Find out more about Variable Transportation to two homes here: https://bit.ly/3pzkO2J

May 22nd  Holiday and June 2 PD Day

A reminder that Monday, May 22nd (Victoria Day) is a holiday.  Friday, June 2nd  is a PD Day for all OCSB schools.  

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

May 1, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

It’s May already!  It is a busy time of the year at school.  We have a few updates to share regarding upcoming events.

Climate Survey

The OCSB Climate Survey window opens today.  Sacred Heart parents are invited to participate in the survey using the following link:  Sacred Heart Climate Survey - Parent Survey and Information.

Students and staff will be receiving separate survey links.  The deadline for submissions is May 15th, 2023.

Open House - May 3, 2023

As part of Education Week we will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday - Sacred Heart Open House.  In addition to the events listed in our brochure.  Our 7&8 Girls Basketball team will be hosting a semi-final game match-up beginning at 3pm on Wednesday.  

School Production - Annie

Our school production of Annie opens this Thursday!   Annie performances will take place on May 4th and 5th at 7 pm and on May 6th at 2pm and 7 pm.  For additional details please see: Annie poster.  Tickets can be purchased at the door - $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors.  A special family rate of $60 for 2 adults and 2 students/seniors) is also available.  We hope you can join us!   

Mental Health Awareness Week

In addition to being Education Week, May 1-5 is also Mental Health Awareness Week.  OCSB Mental Health and Wellness Lead, Dr Richard Bolduc, has shared the following article and resources for parents:  Sharing Our Stories Builds Community and Spreads Joy – Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 May 1 to 7.

Cake Auction - May 12th

A reminder that our Cake Auction will take place on May 12th.  Preparations are well underway!  For more information please review:  2023 Cake Auction - Parent Information Letter.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

April 26, 2023

Our Annual Cake Auction, originally scheduled for May 5th, has been moved to Friday, May 12th.

For additional information please see:  Cake Auction - Updated Parent Information Letter

April 25, 2023 Update

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have several updates to share with you today.

High School Midterm Report Cards

High school midterm report cards are scheduled to be posted to the Parent Portal this evening.  We will share a message with parents once we can confirm they are available for viewing. 

Education Week 

May 1st-5th is Catholic Education Week (OCSB Catholic Education Week).

There are several activities taking place next week.  We will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, May 3rd from 3:30-5:30. We hope you can join us. For full details please review: Sacred Heart Open House.  

Cake Auction - May 5th 12th, 2023

Our annual Cake Auction takes place on Friday, May 5th 12th  Cake Auction is one of the largest events in our school year calendar.  After a 3 year pause due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were able to host the fundraising event again in 2022.  Preparations are well underway for this year’s auction. 

For additional information:  2023 Cake Auction - Parent Information Letter. (updated April 26, 2023)

School Production - Annie

We are a little over a week away from opening night!  Annie performances will take place on May 4th and 5th at 7 pm and on May 6th at 2pm and 7 pm (Annie poster).  Tickets can be purchased at the door - $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors.  A special family rate of $60 for 2 adults and 2 students/seniors) is also available.  We hope you can join us!   

Climate Survey

Yesterday the school board shared a message with all OCSB parents outlining the roll out of this year’s Climate Survey (April 24 OCSB Climate Survey Message).  Staff, students and parents will have the opportunity to participate.  

Signing-in & signing-out

Grade 7&8 students arriving after 8:05 am should sign-in in the main office.  High school students (gr 9-12) should sign-in in the main office if arriving after 8:20 am.  

Prior to leaving school for a planned appointment or parent approved activity students should sign-out in the office. 

Please note that students are to be in their school-assigned location when present in the building.  If a student is signed out of class they are expected to leave school property.  

Mental Health Awareness and Resources Parent Presentation

All Saints Catholic High School will host an evening event focused on Mental Health Awareness and Resources for Parents. On Thursday, May 4 (5:30-7:30), Christine Gilliard, Mental Health Planner with YouthNet will share tips and tools for understanding and supporting youth through anxiety, stress and other mental health issues.  

All Saints has graciously extended an invitation to Sacred Heart and Holy Trinity parents to attend.  For additional information, including how to RSVP, please visit:  

Mental Health Awareness & Resources for Parents

New Fernbank Catholic High School - Temporary Accommodation Plan - Consultation Process

On April 14th we shared information with parents regarding the consultation process underway. The OCSB is reviewing plans to change attendance boundaries in the west end.  The high schools impacted are Holy Trinity, All Saints and Sacred Heart (April 14th Message to Parents). 

 The Board has also made the following website available for school communities:  New Fernbank Catholic High School Temporary Accommodation Plan.

OCSB Job Fair

On May 1st, 2023 the OCSB will be hosting a job fair. The event will focus on casual and permanent opportunities for educational assistants, caretakers, office administrators, registered early childhood educators, before and after school staff members and more.  For additional information please visit:  OCSB May 1 Job Fair.

Preparation for School Bus Driver Training Program

The OCSB is overing a Preparation for School Bus Driver Training program.  To learn more about this opportunity please visit:  OCSB Prep for School Bus Training Program.

PD Day - April 28, 2023

This Friday, April 28th is a PD Day for all OCSB schools.  

A reminder that daily student announcements can be found on our school website landing page (shh.ocsb.ca). We’re also on Twitter @SacredHeartHS.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

April 12, 2023.

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

We have a few updates / reminders to share with you today.

Administrative Changes for 2023-24

Last night principal and vice-principal appointments for the 2023-24 school year were brought forward to the Board of Trustees.  There are several appointments that impact Sacred Heart High School.

It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve as Sacred Heart’s principal these last 6 years.  Next fall I will be joining a new school community as the principal of All Saints High School in Kanata.  All Saints’ current principal, Mr Ryan Larose, will become Sacred Heart’s sixth principal.  So, in effect we’ll be exchanging positions.

Ms. Alanna Vandewint, vice-principal, will also be moving.  She will begin a new role as vice-principal of Safe, Accepting & Inclusive Schools.  Similar to the exchange of positions taking place between Mr. Larose and I, Ms. Wanda Symes will be exchanging roles with Ms. Vandewint, and will be joining Sacred Heart’s administrative team next fall.

In addition, two members of our teaching staff, Ms. Patrica Pilon and Ms. Diana Malenica have been appointed to vice-principal positions.  Ms. Pilon will be moving to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton elementary and Ms Malenica to Immaculata High School. 

All of the above changes will take place next September.   

New Fernbank High School Temporary Accommodation Plan

The opening of a New Fernbank High School has been a capital priority of the Board for a number of years.  Both Holy Trinity High School and Sacred Heart High School serve this area, and are currently operating well above capacity and experiencing significant enrolment pressures.  Should funding for a new school be secured at some point, it would still be several years before the school would be available for use.

As a result the Board will be conducting a consultation regarding proposed changes to existing school boundaries to address the current enrollment stresses.  The high schools impacted would be Sacred Heart High School, All Saints High School and Holy Trinity High School.

A public consultation meeting is planned for October 5th, 2023 at Holy Trinity High School.  A feedback form will be made available which we will share with teh school community. A recommendation is expected to be brought forward to the Board in November 2023.   

For a full summary and outline please review:  Fernbank High School Temporary Accommodation -Plan Consultation Document.

OSTA - Declining Transportation

Is your child eligible for transportation but not planning to use it? Complete OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form to notify OSTA of your decision to decline transportation. Whether you decline transportation for the current school year, and/or next, it’s important to keep OSTA informed.

For more information, refer to OSTA’s website.

OCSB 2023 Summer School

OCSB Summer school registration is open. Parents are asked to sign their students up through the OCSB website: Summer school. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and enrollment will be verified by school staff.

For grade 9-12 students, the school board is offering both reach ahead courses for those who want to work ahead and credit recovery for those who need to recover a course in which they were not initially successful. Additionally, there is a grade 9 math upgrade course for those who earned between 50% and 60% in MTH1W. 

Grade 7 and 8 students are able to sign up for a non-credit Skills Builder program. The two options are either English Literacy and Numeracy support or Core French Literacy support. 

There are two types of reach ahead courses offered including blended in-person and online e-learning. Blended courses will be taught through a combination of both synchronous (in-person teacher) and online synchronous instruction. E-learning courses will be taught in an asynchronous format (flexible independent online learning) instruction. 

April 28th PD Day

A reminder that Friday, April 28th is a PD Day for all OCSB schools.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins, Principal

April 6, 2023

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians, 

Due to yesterday's inclement and the impact of on-going power outages the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has canceled buses for all OCSB schools.  

The school is open today.  However, due to the bus cancelation and the large number of areas impacted by power outages, we do know many students will be unable to attend.  By 9 am this morning work instructions for the day will be posted by teachers in Hapara Workspaces and/or emailed to students.  

All student events scheduled for today will be canceled or rescheduled. This includes the Talent Show planned for today which will be rescheduled to a later date.

Sacred Heart High School

April 5, 2023

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians, 

Due to today's inclement weather forecast the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has canceled buses for all OCSB schools.  

The school is open today.  However, due to the bus cancelation we do know many students will be unable to attend.  By 9 am this morning work instructions for the day will be posted by teachers in Hapara Workspaces and/or emailed to students.  

All student events scheduled for today will be canceled or rescheduled. This includes the Husky Cup Hockey Tournament at the Cardel Rec Centre.

The Talent Show scheduled for today has been moved to tomorrow - Thursday, April 6th, 2023.  

Sacred Heart High School 

April 1, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,, 

We have two announcements to share with you.

OCSB 2023 Summer School

OCSB Summer school registration is now open. Parents are asked to sign their students up through the OCSB website: Summer school. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and enrollment will be verified by school staff.

For grade 9-12 students, the school board is offering both reach ahead courses for those who want to work ahead and credit recovery for those who need to recover a course in which they were not initially successful. Additionally, there is a grade 9 math upgrade course for those who earned between 50% and 60% in MTH1W. 

Grade 7 and 8 students are able to sign up for a non-credit Skills Builder program. The two options are either English Literacy and Numeracy support or Core French Literacy support. 

There are two types of reach ahead courses offered including blended in-person and online e-learning. Blended courses will be taught through a combination of both synchronous (in-person teacher) and online synchronous instruction. E-learning courses will be taught in an asynchronous format (flexible independent online learning) instruction. 

eLearning Graduation Requirement 

As has been previously shared, an eLearn graduation requirement has been introduced by the Ministry of Education.  The requirement does not apply to current grade 12 students who graduate this year.  Students graduating in June 2024 are required to complete one eLearn credit.  Students who are part of any graduating class after June 2024 are required to complete two eLearn courses.  To meet the eLearn requirement classes must be delivered in a fully asynchronous format (i.e. not in-person or synchronously delivered online).

The Ministry of Education has included a provision allowing students to opt-out of the eLearn requirement.  

What if I can’t complete two e-learning courses?

• We are hopeful that throughout their high school experience, students will have a chance to participate in the benefits of e-learning. Students in their graduating year who are not able to complete TWO e-learning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma will be opted out of this graduation requirement.

What If I want to opt out of e-learning for my child?

• If your child is in grade 12 and has not yet been able to schedule e-learning courses in their schedule, this graduation requirement will be removed. This will be completed through a form submission process that will take place during the second semester of your child’s graduating year.  

Will opting out affect university or college acceptance?

• No, this will have no impact on university or college acceptance.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

March 21, 2023 Update

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have a few updates we would like to share with you today.

Stittsville Youth Homework Club 

As part of the Stittsville Youth Initiative, the Stittsville Youth Homework Club will have its opening day on Wednesday, March 22.  The initiative is a Kiwanis Club of Kanata-Stittsville venture.

Program details:

Youth:             Grades 9 - 12

Location:         Stittsville Legion, 1481 Stittsville Main St.

Hours:             Mondays, 3:00 -7:00 p.m & Wednesdays, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Start Day:       Wednesday, March 22.

There will be 2-3 Adult Volunteers (including several retired teachers) present at all times- all have had vulnerable sector checks.

March 23rd Parent-Teacher Interviews / Early Dismissal

High school (gr 9-12) parent-teacher interviews will be taking place this Thursday from 1:40-7:10 pm.  Booking information was shared with parents by email on March 16th and 17th.  

Thursday will be an early dismissal day for all students in grades 7-12 (1:15 pm).  We will follow an accelerated schedule.  OSTA buses and vans will be onsite for pick-up at 1:15 pm.

March 24th Vaccine Catch-Up Clinic

This Friday, March 24, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will once again be hosting a catch-up clinic at Sacred Heart for students who, due to pandemic restrictions, missed the opportunity to receive their school vaccines that are typically administered to students in Grades 7/8. This third date will prioritize students in Grade 9 who require the vaccines for Meningococcal conjugate ACYW-135, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus and/or Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap). At the end of the day, any students in grades 9-12 who have their completed consent forms, but missed the earlier dates will be called down (time permitting). Grade 7/8 students will have another vaccination date scheduled later in the Spring. 

Students must bring the completed and signed consent form with them in order to receive the vaccine(s). If you are unsure whether your child has had these vaccines, you can access their record at OPH using the online tool: Immunizations Connect Ontario (ICON). Students should keep the signed consent form with them throughout the day and wait to be called (alphabetically, by grade) to the multipurpose room to receive their vaccines. 

If you have any questions, please call OPH at 613-580-6744.

Easter Weekend

A reminder that the school will be closed on Friday, April 7th and Monday, April 10th (Easter Weekend).  

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

March 8, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have a few updates to share with you.

Letters of Intervention & March 23 Parent-Teacher Interviews / Early Dismissal

High school Letters of Intervention will be sent by email to parents on Thursday, March 9th.  Letters of Intervention are provided by teachers when there is an early concern regarding a student’s progress. 

Semester 2 High School Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, March 23rd. March 23rd will be an early dismissal day for all students in gr 7-12 (1:15 pm dismissal).  Yellow school buses will be onsite for pick-up at 1:15 on March 23rd.  The booking window for Parent-Teacher Interviews will open this Thursday, March 9th.  Specific booking information will be provided by email tomorrow. 

Gr 9 Vaccination Catch-Up Clinic

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) was onsite to host catch-up immunization clinics on February 24th (grade 11 and 12 students) and March 7th (grade 9 & 10 students).  Due to the larger than expected levels of participation, only a small number of grade 9 students were able to be seen by OPH on March 7th.  OPH will be returning for a third high school vaccination clinic.  We will share the date once it has been confirmed.  

These high school clinics are taking place because many students missed the opportunity to receive the vaccines that are typically administered to students in grades 7&8 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The vaccines available are Meningococcal conjugate ACYW-135, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus and/or Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap).  

Students must bring the completed and signed consent form in order to receive the vaccine(s). If you are unsure whether your child has had these vaccines, you can access their record at OPH using the online tool: Immunizations Connect Ontario (ICON). 

You can also call Ottawa Public Health (OPH) to request a copy of your child's record. Please note that it will take a minimum of 5 business days to process your request and OPH cannot release immunization records by email.

Additionally, OPH does not release immunization records to a parent/guardian of any individuals 16 years of age and older. Students 16 years of age and older must call to request their own record or access ICON themself.

If you have any questions, please call OPH at 613-580-6744.

Tutoring Program Update

Beginning in the spring of 2022, the Ministry of Education has provided funding to school boards in Ontario for tutoring programs in schools.  Originally, the provision of this funding was to come to an end on December 31, 2022.  An extension in funding was granted to March 2023 in the fall.  The Ministry recently confirmed the funding deadline.  As a result the tutoring programs currently supported through this funding will end on March 10th. At Sacred Heart, we were providing after-school math and literacy tutoring, as well as in-school support for math, literacy and French. 

If your child is looking for a tutor, or they would like to be a peer tutor, please consult the Student Services Tutoring webpage or see Mr. Brisson in Student Services.

TVO Learn Mathify

If your child is interested in additional math help, consider TVO Learn Mathify.  The program offers free 1:1 math tutoring with Ontario certified teachers for students in grades 4-12.  Tutors are available online from 9 am - 9 pm Monday to Friday and from 3 pm - 9 pm on weekends.  

SHHS Grad Wear and Spirit Wear

Spirit Apparel is once again available for purchase. Visit  https://www.tuckgear.ca/collections/sacred-heart-spirit-wear by Friday March 10th, 2023 to place your order. Orders will be delivered to the school for pick up by the student in the first week or two of April. 

Grad Apparel (gr 12s)  is also again available for purchase. Visit https://www.tuckgear.ca/collections/sacred-heart by Friday March 10th, 2023 to place your order. Orders will be delivered to the school for pick up by the student in the first week or two of April. 

Please contact email randy.baird@ocsb.ca if you have any questions.

March Break

March Break takes place next week (March 13-17).  Classes will resume on Monday, March 20th.

Wishing students and families a relaxing and enjoyable March Break.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

February 27th, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

This afternoon the school held a lockdown drill. Students and staff responded quickly.  As is the case with fire drills, we practice lockdown and secure school drills so that the school community is prepared should an emergency situation occur.  

A secure school situation is initiated when there is no immediate threat to students or staff, but it is determined that an emergency measure is necessary. During a secure school situation students continue their routines within a locked classroom. 

If the threat to student safety is active and more imminent the protective action of a school lockdown is required. This enables administrators to best protect occupants by isolating the maximum number of students, staff and visitors from danger.  During a lockdown students remain in their current classroom. School staff follow preset instructions to lock doors, turn out lights and move students out of the line of sight of doors and windows. Students in hallways move to the nearest classroom. All activities cease and the school remains in lockdown mode until it is determined it is safe to release classes from the lockdown. The school cannot release students to parents during a lockdown.

The lockdown is a proven police and emergency response to protect students and staff from harm by creating safe places quickly. Should you have any questions relating to today’s drill please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

Sacred Heart H.S.

February 23, 2023

Re: Change in format of Grade 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

The following update is being provided for parents who have parent-teacher interviews booked for this afternoon and/or this evening. 

In light of today’s inclement weather the OCSB has made the decision to modify the format of this evening’s 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews.

All virtual/phone interviews booked between 1:40 pm and 3:50 pm will proceed as planned.  Parents who indicated a preference for a virtual meeting during this period of time will receive a google meet link by email from their child’s teacher. Those who indicated a preference for a phone interview will be contacted at the number provided at the time of booking.

In-person bookings (interviews between 4:00 pm and 7:10 pm) will take place by phone.  Your child’s teacher will contact you at your reserved interview time at the phone number you provided at the time of booking.  

This decision was made with the safety of staff and parents in mind, as the weather forecast calls for continued mixed precipitation throughout the day.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

Sacred Heart High School

February 23rd, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Due to today's inclement weather the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has again canceled buses for all OCSB schools.  

The school is open today.  However, due to the bus cancelation we do know many students will be unable to attend.  By 9 am this morning work instructions for the day will be posted by teachers in Hapara Workspaces and/or emailed to students.  

All student events scheduled for today will be canceled or rescheduled. This includes after school tutoring and extracurricular activities.  

An update regarding today's grade 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews will be provided later this morning.

Sacred Heart High School 

February 13th, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

We have several updates to share with you.  

Parent Program Information Nights / Course Selection Deadline

A reminder that our High School Program Information Night was rescheduled to Wednesday, February 15th due to last week’s inclement weather.  A presentation focused on students entering grade 9 or 10 next fall will begin at 6:30 pm.  A second presentation, focused on students entering grade 11 or 12, will begin at 7:45 pm.  Both will take place in the school theatre.  Department Heads will also be available from 7-8 pm in the atrium to answer questions.

The deadline for 2023-24 high school (grade 9-12) course selection is February 24th, 2023.  Course selection submission can be completed through students’ myBlueprint accounts.  

On Thursday, March 2nd we will host a Grade 7 Program Information Night that will begin at 6:30 pm in the theatre.  

Report Cards

Both 7&8 Term 1 and High School Semester 1 Report Cards are scheduled to be released on Thursday, February 16th. Report cards are typically posted to the Parent Portal late in the day (or possibly even the next morning). We will notify parents by email when we are able to confirm report cards are fully accessible. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews / Early Dismissal

Grade 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place between 1:40 and 7:10 on Thursday, February 23rd.  We will again be following a hybrid format. Virtual/phone interviews will take place from 1:40-3:50 pm.  In-person interviews will take place from 4:00-7:10 pm.  The booking window will open this Thursday.  Additional booking information will be provided later this week.

All students (gr 7-12) will be dismissed early on Thursday, February 23rd due to interviews.  Students will be dismissed at 1:15 pm.  Yellow buses will be on-site to pick students up at 1:15 pm.

High school Letters of Intervention will be shared by email on Thursday, March 9th.  High school parent-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday, March 23rd and will also follow the same hybrid schedule outlined above.

Skilled Trades Presentation

The OCSB invites Parents and guardians to join a dynamic presentation by Skills Ontario on Skilled Trades –February 28 at 7pm (Virtual)

Join Skills Ontario to learn more about fantastic career opportunities in the Skilled Trades and Technologies. The Skilled Trades and Technologies offer ESSENTIAL and IN-DEMAND career opportunities with excellent earning potential. This session is open to parents, educators and high school students!  Register and mark your calendars!

OCSB STEAM Week - February 27-March 3

The third annual OCSB STEAM Week for students in Kindergarten to grade 12 will take place February 27th-March 3rd, 2023.  This week is designed to celebrate what is already taking place at OCSB schools and to provide students with additional opportunities to explore STEAM in all subject areas and to participate in live events. Each day will focus on a different letter of STEAM ie. Monday will be Science, Tuesday will be Trades & Technology, Wednesday will be Engineering, Thursday will be Arts and Friday will be Math.  

There will be many board wide events such as:

• Keynote Speaker Brian Aspinall

• Young Black Author Talk with Sasha Ariel Aiston 

• STEAM Career Panel for students in grades 9-12 sponsored by the Ottawa Network for Education 

•  K-12 STEAM challenges

• Skills Ontario Presentations for all grades - STEAM in Skilled Trades 

• Hands-on science activities for students in all grades with Let’s Talk Science

• Indigenous STEM Speaker/App Creator- Diego Bear

• Coding sessions 

There will be a daily blog on the ocsb.ca website during #ocsbSTEAM Week that will provide information on what is happening that day as well as suggestions for parents and guardians on how they can support their children in exploring these skills.

Grade 11&12 Catch-Up Vaccination Clinic

On Friday, February 24, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) will be hosting a catch-up clinic at Sacred Heart for students who, due to pandemic restrictions, missed the opportunity to receive their school vaccines that are typically administered to students in Grades 7/8. On this first day, we are inviting any students in Grade 11 or 12 who require the vaccines for Meningococcal conjugate ACYW-135, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus and/or Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) to participate. We are planning a second date for Grade 9 and 10 students on Tuesday, March 7. Grade 7/8 students will have another vaccination date scheduled later in June. 

Students must bring the completed and signed consent form in order to receive the vaccine(s). If you are unsure whether your child has had these vaccines, you can access their record at OPH using the online tool: Immunizations Connect Ontario (ICON). 

You can also call Ottawa Public Health (OPH) to request a copy of your child's record. Please note that it will take a minimum of 5 business days to process your request and OPH cannot release immunization records by email.

Additionally, OPH does not release immunization records to a parent/guardian of any individuals 16 years of age and older. Students 16 years of age and older must call to request their own record or access ICON themself.

If you have any questions, please call OPH at 613-580-6744.

Family Day & March Break 

A reminder that Monday, February 20th is Family Day.  Schools will be closed.  March Break takes place from Monday, March 13th - Friday, March 17th.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

February 10th, 2023

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians, 

Due to today's icy conditions the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has again canceled buses for all OCSB schools.  

The school is open today.  However, due to the bus cancelation we do know many students will be unable to attend.  By 9 am this morning work instructions for the day will be posted by teachers in Hapara Workspaces and/or emailed to students.  

All events scheduled for today will be canceled or rescheduled. This includes after school tutoring and extracurricular activities.

Sacred Heart High School 

February 9th, 2023

Good Morning Students, Parents and Guardians, 

Due to impending inclement weather the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has canceled buses for all OCSB schools.  

The school is open today.  However, due to the bus cancellation we do know many students will be unable to attend.  By 9 am this morning work instructions for the day will be posted by teachers in Hapara Workspaces and/or emailed to students.  

Please note that all events scheduled for today will be canceled or rescheduled. This includes after school tutoring and extracurricular activities. 

In light of the fact that the forecast is particularly concerning late in the day, the High School Parent Information Night scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled to next Wednesday, February 15th (Grade 9/10 presentation at 6:30 pm, Grade 11/12 presentation at 7;45).

Sacred Heart HS

Our parent information nights for students registering for Fall 2023 will be held on:

February 15, 2023 at 6:30 pm for students entering Grades 9-10

February 15, 2023 at 7:45 pm for students entering Grades 11-12

March 2, 2023 at 6:30 pm for students entering Grade 7-8

Everyone welcome - hope to see you there!

January 26th, 2023

Good Morning Students, Parents and Guardians,

Due to today's inclement weather the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) has canceled buses for all OCSB schools. 

Period 3 high school exams have been moved to tomorrow (Friday, January 27th).  All period 4 exams will now be written on Monday, January 30th.

The school is open today for grade 7&8 students.  However, due to the bus cancellation we do know many students will be unable to attend.  By 9 am this morning work instructions for the day will be posted by 7&8 teachers in Hapara Workspaces and/or emailed to students. 

Sacred Heart HS

January 25, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have a few updates to share with you today.

Vice-Principal Change

At the conclusion of semester 1 Shawn MacEachern will be retiring. We’ve been blessed to have had Mr. MacEachern serve as a vice-principal at Sacred Heart for 4 and a half years.  We wish him all the best as he enters this next phase of his life.  

Lester MacFarlane has been appointed as the newest member of our administration team.  Mr. MacFarlane will be assuming responsibility for the students Mr. MacEachern had previously been assigned to (students in grades 9-12 with last names beginning with A-G).  He will be joining us effective February 1st.   Welcome Mr. MacFarlane!

Summer Experiential Credit Opportunities - NBE3U/3C/3E & CHV/GLC2O

This summer, through a joint partnership between EduTravel and the OCSB, students have the opportunity to earn a grade 11 English credit (Indigenous Voices in Canada-NBE 3E/3C/3U) while traveling to Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan or a gr 10 Civics & Careers credit (in English or French) while traveling Toronto, Niagara Falls, and New York City.

For details, including timelines, cost, and registration information, please review the following information:

Introductory Letter from EduTravel

Information Brochure

OCSB Civic/Careers - Information and Itinerary

OCSB NBE3U/3C/3E - Information and Itinerary

Exam - Inclement Weather

A reminder that should buses be canceled during our the exam period the following will apply:  In the event of an "inclement weather day” during the high school exam period where yellow school bus transportation is canceled, exam schedules at all OCSB schools for all students will be affected (not just for school bus riders). The missed exam will be written the following school day. All other exams will be bumped by one day. For example, if Thursday, January 26th were declared an inclement weather day, then all period 3 exams would be written on Friday, January 27th and all period 4 exams would move to Monday, January 30th.  During a snow day, the school will be open, but exams will not be written.

Semester 2 begins Thursday, February 2nd

Wednesday, February 1st is a PD Day for all students in grade 7-12.  Semester 2 high school classes will begin on Thursday, February 2nd.  Students are reminded to log into their my.studentinfo.ca accounts to verify their semester 2 schedule. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

January 16th, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

As we approach the midpoint of the school year we have a few updates to share with you.  

Exam, RST & Credit Recovery Information

A reminder that the last day of semester 1 high school classes is Monday, January 23rd.   High school exams (gr 9-12) begin on Tuesday, January 24th.  For detailed exam information please refer to the January 11th Exam, RST & Credit Intervention update previously shared.

Unless otherwise directed, high school students do not need to attend school on days they do not have an exam.  The exam period does not impact the grade 7&8 schedule.  Classes at the 7&8 level continue as usual.  

2023-24 Parent Information Nights

In preparation for next school year we will be hosting parent information nights in February.  Our high school presentation will take place on Thursday, February 9th.  It will be broken into two parts as follows:

6:30 pm - Information for parents of students going from Grade 8 into 9 or Grade 9 into 10.  

7:45 pm - Information for parents of students going from Grade 10 into 11 or Grade 11 into 12.  

Both sessions will be hosted in our theatre.

We will also be hosting a parent information night on Thursday, March 2nd for the parents of students who will be entering grade 7 next fall (moving from Grade 6 into Grade 7).  This information session will begin at 6:30 and will also be hosted in the theatre.

2023-24 Course Selection and Registration

Our Student Services department will begin sharing information with students regarding 2023-24 course selection in the coming weeks.  Grade level assemblies will be held for students currently in grade 9, 10 and 11 during the week of February 6th. Counselors will be visiting grade 8 homerooms to provide students with course selection information.  

We will also soon begin the transition process for students who will be joining us from our feeder schools next fall (Guardian Angels, St. Stephen, Holy Spirit and St. Philip).  Families wishing to register from non-feeder schools can begin the process by visiting:  ocsb.ca/our-schools/register/.

Report Cards and Gr 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Both Semester 1 high school final report cards and grade 7&8 term 1 report cards are scheduled to be released on Thursday, February 16th.   

Grade 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, February 23rd.  All students in grade 7-12 will be dismissed early on that day (1:10 pm).  Additional information regarding interviews, including how to book, will be provided in advance of the booking window opening. 

PD Day 

Please note that Wednesday, February 1st is a PD Day for all students in grade 7-12.  Semester 2 high school classes will begin on Thursday, February 2nd.  

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

Wednesday, January 11th, 2023

Dear Students, Parent & Guardians, 

We are nearing the end of semester 1.  Final course assessments are underway.  

It is important that students are present and prepared on the day Rich Summative Tasks (RSTs) take place in classes.  RST dates are communicated to students by their teacher and differ by course. The last day of semester 1 classes for students in grades 9-12 is Monday, January 23rd.

Final course marks are determined as follows:  

70% Term Work

30 % Summative Assessments - RST and/or an exam.

Please note that grade 9 courses do not have final exams.  In addition, there are no final exams in Open-level courses at any grade level.  During the exam period, students in high school do not need to attend school on days they are not scheduled to write an exam unless otherwise directed.

See Semester 1 Exams for a complete exam schedule, including dates, times and locations.  Exams are generally written in students’ regular classrooms (highlighted room numbers indicate an exception).  For a complete summary of exam procedures please see:  Exam Procedures for Students - January 2023.

High school semester 1 exams will occur over a period of four days, from Tuesday, January 24 to Friday, January 27. All exams begin at 8:30am.

Tuesday, January 24 - All Period 1 exams

Wednesday, January 25 - All Period 2 exams

Thursday, January 26 - All Period 3 exams

Friday, January 27 - All Period 4 exams

Monday, January 30 - Inclement Weather Day (if needed)

Students are to stay in the classroom for a minimum of one hour. As they complete their exam, students may be dismissed by the supervising teacher. Students are able to leave the building once they have finished their exam. Yellow bus arrival and departure times at the end of the day will remain the same.

Vacation and work arrangements are expected to be made around the examination timetable (Student Handbook, pg 10).

In the event of an "inclement weather day” during the high school exam period where yellow school bus transportation is canceled, exam schedules at all OCSB schools for all students will be affected (not just for school bus riders). The missed exam will be written the following school day. All other exams will be bumped by one day. For example, if Friday, January 27th were declared an inclement weather day, then all period 4 exams would be written on Monday, January 30th.  During a snow day, the school will be open, but exams will not be written.

Tuesday, January 31st has been designated as a Credit Intervention Day for students in grade 10-12 with outstanding work. We will also host Credit Intervention Days for grade 9 students with outstanding assignments on January 24th and 25th.  These appointments will be scheduled by teachers when necessary.  

Wednesday, February 1st will be a PD Day for all students in grade 7-12.  Semester 2 courses will begin on Thursday, February 2nd.

Sacred Heart High School

Dec 22, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Earlier today a message was sent by the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) to all OCSB families announcing that all schools will be closed tomorrow due to the pending inclement weather (Dec 22 School Closure Notice from OCSB). All buses have also been canceled.  At the end of the school day today students were encouraged to bring everything they need for the holidays home with them at the end of the day.  Classes will resume on Monday, January 9th.

As we enter the Christmas break I would like to share our deepest thanks for your generous support of the school’s Christmas fundraising campaign.  Families from four different OCSB schools, including Sacred Heart, were provided support. In addition, contributions were also directed to both the Stittsville and Richmond Food banks.  Funds raised from during our Tree LIghting ceremony were shared with Shepherds of Good Hope.  All totalled, 203 boxes of food and $13,277 in financial contributions and gift cards were collected and distributed.  Thank you for making a difference for so many others this Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.  We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to the building in 2023!

Brent Hopkins

Principal

Dec 5, 2022

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

There may not be snow on the ground, but it is certainly beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas at Sacred Heart.  There are a number of activities underway.  We have just under 3 weeks until we reach the Christmas break.  Our last day of classes will be Friday, December 23rd.  Staff and students will return to school on Monday, January 9th.   

We have several updates to share with you.

Christmas Basket/Hamper Campaign

With your support, our Sacred Heart community provides families with food items and holiday gifts each year at Christmas.  We’re hoping to support 40 families and our local food banks this year. 

Homeroom classes have chosen to support families and have been given family profiles. We are asking that you help your Sacred Heart Husky, if you are able, by donating either through School Cash Online or by supporting the designated family in their homeroom with canned goods and gift cards.  Donations can be made through School Cash Online up to and including December 12th. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony

For the first time in several years we are pleased to be hosting our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This liturgical event preserves and shares the sacred symbolism of Advent. It prepares Sacred Heart’s family and the surrounding community to explore the true meaning of Christmas together. 

When: Thursday December 8th, 2022 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where: Sacred Heart Atrium

Schedule:

6:00 pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony including a liturgical service accompanied by the ⅞ Christmas Choir, a re-enactment of the Nativity story and presentation of the Christmas symbols.

6:30 - 8:00 pm: Fellowship and Family Activities including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, reading with Rudolph and Reindeer games.  Hot apple cider/hot chocolate and treats will also be served.  Special guest appearances from Elsa, Belle and Cinderella.

Please consider donating to one of our sponsored charities: Shepherds of Good Hope, Relay for Life (bake sale and gift basket raffle) and the Stittsville Food Bank.  Donation bins will be available on site.

We hope that you and your family will join us to celebrate the advent season as a community.

Late Bus

A late bus is now available for students seeking transportation home from an after-school activity. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm, students can meet the yellow school bus in the bus loop at the rear of the school. There is no sign-up required.  The late bus will follow a route that stops at the following locations:

Abbott St. 

Granite Ridge Dr.

Fringewood Dr.

Hazeldean Rd.

Jackson Trails, Stittsville Main (St. Stephen's Catholic School)

Kimpton Dr

Carp Rd.

Kittiwake Dr.

West Ridge Dr.

Snowberry Way

Cherry Dr.

Sunnyside Dr. 

Brightside (Guardian Angels School)

Hartsmere (Westwind School)

Huntley Rd. to Richmond

Richmond Arena

Fortune St.

Christopher Hamilton St.

McBean St. (South Carleton High School)

Perth St.

Munster Rd.

Munster Side Rd & Bleeks Rd.

Flewellyn Rd.

Shea Rd

Fernbank Rd. 

Robert Grant Dr.

Cope Dr.

Information from OCSB Indigenous Education Lead

Any family wishing to receive communications from the Indigenous Education team (quarterly newsletters, as well as updates on opportunities for Indigenous students and families), please review THIS PARENT LETTER.

OCSB United in Black

OCSB United In Black (formerly known as Black Shirt Day) is coming on Monday, January 16th, 2023. Staff, parents & students can purchase a t-shirt and/or a button to show their support to #ocsbUnitedInBlackDay. Orders can be placed through your School Cash Online account - click here Youth t-shirt order (deadline DEC. 8th) Adult t-shirt order (deadline: DEC. 15th).

Rich Summative Tasks (RSTs) and Exam Dates

Preparation for final course assessments is approaching as we near the end of semester 1 course.  It is important that students are present and prepared on the day RSTs take place in classes.  RST dates are communicated to students by their teacher and differ by course. 

High school semester 1 exams will occur over a period of four days, from Tuesday, January 24 to Friday, January 27. All exams begin at 8:30am.

Tuesday, January 24 - All Period 1 exams

Wednesday, January 25 - All Period 2 exams

Thursday, January 26 - All Period 3 exams

Friday, January 27 - All Period 4 exams

Students are to stay in the classroom for a minimum of one hour. As they complete their exam, students may be dismissed by the supervising teacher. Students are able to leave the building once they have finished their exam. The yellow bus arrival and departure times at the end of the day will remain the same.

Vacation and work arrangements are expected to be made around the examination timetable (Student Handbook, pg 10).

In the event of an "inclement weather day” during the high school exam period where yellow school bus transportation is canceled, exam schedules at all OCSB schools for all students will be affected (not just for school bus riders). The missed exam will be written the following school day. All other exams will be bumped by one day. For example, if Friday, January 27th were declared an inclement weather day, then all period 4 exams would be written on Monday, January 30th.  During a snow day, the school will be open, but exams will not be written. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

November 18th, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have a few important updates to share with you.  

HS Report Cards / 7&8 Progress Reports

High school report cards and 7&8 Progress Reports are now available for viewing through the OCSB Parent Portal.

Potential Strike

On Wednesday the school board shared a message with all OCSB parents advising that CUPE had provided strike notice to the Province (November 16th Message from OCSB).  Should the strike proceed we would again transition to remote learning.  Unlike the transition that took place recently, we will move directly to synchronous remote learning on the first day of school closure.  

This transition could take place as early as Monday, November 21st if strike action begins that day. We continue to hope that an agreement can be reached.   An update will be provided by Sunday night regarding whether a school closure will be necessary or not.

If a transition to remote learning does take place, the following plans are in place:

7&8

By 8:00am on Monday morning students and parents will receive an email message from their respective homeroom teachers.  The message will include a link to a document that contains the schedule and Google Meet links for each of their teachers.

We will be adhering to our grade 7/8 Online Schedule.

High School (Grade 9-12)

By 8:00am on Monday students should receive a message from each of their subject teachers that contains directions and a Google Meet link.

HS students will follow their regular schedule HS 2022 Online Schedule. 

It will continue to be necessary for students to be present and engaged in synchronous learning opportunities, as it is important to their continued success. Students will be connected synchronously with their teachers approximately 75% of the period they are regularly scheduled to be in class. Teachers will continue to provide various learning experiences, not all of which will require online computer-related instruction.

Device Pick-Up

Students who do not have access to a device at home can be provided one by the school. Chromebooks can be picked-up in the main office on Monday, November 21st from 7am to 2pm. Devices that are loaned to students can be returned once we return to in-person instruction. Parents are welcome to pick up a device on their child’s behalf as well. No appointment or sign-up is required.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken each period and will be reflected on students’ report cards. Automated messages will continue to be sent to parents when attendance discrepancies exist. Parents are asked to continue to report absences to the school when students are unable to participate virtually. The school attendance line is 613-831-0543.

Your continued support throughout this challenging time is very much appreciated. 

Brent Hopkins

Principal

November 15th, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have a few updates to share with you today.

HS Report Cards and 7&8 Progress Reports

Both High School (gr 9-12) Midterm Report Cards and 7&8 Progress Reports are scheduled to be posted to the OCSB Parent Portal on Thursday, November 17th.  Reports typically become accessible late in the day.  We will notify parents by email when they are available for viewing. 

November 24th 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews / Gr 7-12 Early Dismissal

Grade 7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place between 1:40 and 7:10 on Thursday, November 24th.  As was the case for High School Parent-Teacher Interviews, we will be following a hybrid format. Virtual/phone interviews will take place from 1:40-3:50 pm.  In-person interviews will take place from 4:00-7:10 pm.  The booking window will open on Thursday, November 17th.  Additional booking information will be provided later this week.

All students (gr 7-12) will be dismissed early on Thursday, November 24th due to interviews.  Students will be dismissed at 1:15 pm.  Yellow buses will be on-site to pick students up at 1:15 pm.

Student Services Update

Grade 12s are reminded that the full disclosure date is Nov. 25, 2022. Any courses dropped after that date will appear on a transcript. Students can make changes by booking an appointment with their guidance counselor through my.studentinfo.ca . As well, grade 12 students are reminded that the Grad Resume is open to them and can be found in the Grad Award Workspace. The Grad Resume needs to be completed in order to be considered for any school based awards that will be given out at graduation. The due date is January 9, 2023. As well, Grade 12s and parents should continue to check the Key Dates document in the Grade 12 Student Services Workspace.

All high school students are reminded to check the written announcements for volunteer opportunities in the community. The same opportunities can be found in their Student Services Workspace which is shared with them in Hapara.

November 18th PD Day

A reminder that this Friday, November 18th is a PD Day for all OCSB students.  There will be no classes on Friday and yellow school buses will not be running.

As we move into winter weather, please continue to encourage your child(ren) to dress for the weather.  It is starting to get pretty cold outside.  Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

November 7, 2022

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

We are happy to report that we will be returning to regular in-person learning tomorrow (November 8th).  The Province and CUPE have agreed to return to the bargaining table.

Earlier today the OCSB provided the following update to parents: OCSB Update.

We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to the building tomorrow. 

Brent Hopkins

Principal

November 6, 2022

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Last Sunday, all parents and guardians received information from OCSB Director of Education Tom D'Amico communicating that learning would shift to a remote model if a strike was to occur (October 30th OCSB Update) .  Friday, November 4th was an asynchronous learning day due to the strike.  Beginning tomorrow (Monday, November 7th) we will move to a synchronous remote learning model that mirrors the format we used last year during periods of school closure.  Please see: Remote Learning Checklist for Families for general information regarding online learning transitions.

The school will remain closed and we will continue to follow a synchronous remote learning model until otherwise notified.  Only a communication from the OCSB would signal a change in the learning model and a return to in-person instruction.

As was the case last year, it is necessary for students to be present and engaged in synchronous learning opportunities, as it is important to their continued success.  As we continue through this period of uncertainty, your support in encouraging they remain engaged is appreciated.

In general, students will be connected synchronously with their teachers approximately 75% of the period they are regularly scheduled to be in class.   Teachers will continue to provide various learning experiences, not all of which will require online computer-related instruction.

7&8

By 8:00am on Monday morning students and parents will receive an email message from their respective homeroom teachers.  The message will include a link to a document that contains the schedule and Google Meet links for each of their teachers.

We will be adhering to our grade 7/8 Online Schedule.

High School (Grade 9-12)

By 8:00am on Monday students should receive a message from each of their subject teachers that contains directions and a Google Meet link.

HS students will follow their regular schedule HS 2022 Online Schedule. 

Device Pick-Up

Students who do not have access to a device at home can be provided one by the school.  Chromebooks can be picked-up in the main office on Monday, November 7th from 7am to 2pm.  Devices that are loaned to students can be returned once we return to in-person instruction.  Parents are welcome to pick up a device on their child’s behalf as well.  No appointment or sign-up is required.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken each period and will be reflected on students’ report cards. Automated messages will continue to be sent to parents when attendance discrepancies exist.  Parents are asked to continue to report absences to the school when students are unable to participate virtually.  The school attendance line is 613-831-0543.

We remain hopeful that a return to regular in-person learning will soon be possible. We will continue to provide updates to the school community. 

Brent Hopkins

Principal

November 2, 2022

Dear Parents & Guardians,

On Sunday, October 30th the OCSB shared an email with parents indicating that CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) had announced the potential commencement of a strike beginning Friday, November 4th (October 30th, 2022 OCSB Message to Parents).  We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached in advance of Friday.  However, we feel it is important to share information regarding the transition to remote learning should it be necessary.   At this point, there is a strong likelihood that a province-wide CUPE strike could proceed on Friday.

Plan for Friday (if necessary)

As indicated by the Board in their October 30th message, schools will transition to remote learning if a strike occurs.  Friday, November 4th would be an asynchronous day.  Teachers will provide students with asynchronous work for Friday in advance or will share instructions with students by email. 

Plan for Monday (if necessary)

If the strike continues, Monday, November 7th will be our first day of synchronous learning.  Please see: Remote Learning Checklist for Families for general information regarding online learning transitions.  Attendance will be taken each period.

7&8

By 8:00am on Monday morning students and parents will receive an email message from their respective homeroom teachers.  The message will include a link to a document that contains the schedule and Google Meet links for each of their teachers.

We will be adhering to our grade 7/8 Online Schedule.

High School (Grade 9-12)

By 8:00am on Monday students should receive a message from each of their subject teachers that contains directions and a Google Meet link.

HS students will follow their regular schedule HS 2022 Online Schedule. 

Device Pick-Up

Students who do not have access to a device at home can be provided one by the school.  We have arranged for Chromebooks to be available for pick-up in the main office on Friday, November 4th from 7am to 2pm.  Devices that are loaned to students on Friday can be returned once we return to in-person instruction.  Parents are welcome to pick up a device on their child’s behalf as well.  No appointment or sign-up is required.

7&8 Vaccinations

School vaccinations (Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)) have been taking place throughout the week.  The clinic scheduled for Friday, November 4th will be rescheduled (date tbd) if schools are closed on Friday.

We know the news of a possible transition to remote learning and the unknown of what is to come is stressful for many in our school community.  As we have throughout the challenges of the last several years, we will continue to work to support one another through this period. 

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.  Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

October 25th, 2022

Dear Parents & Guardians,

We have several updates, reminders and announcements to share with you.

7&8 Progress Reports & HS Midterm Report Cards

7&8 Progress Reports and Grade 9-12 Midterm Report Cards are scheduled to be released on Thursday, November 17th.  Both will be posted to the Parent Portal.

7&8 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent teacher interviews for 7&8 will take place on Thursday, November 24th.  Booking for will open on Thursday, November 17th.  As was the case for HS Parent-Teacher Interviews, we will be using a hybrid schedule - phone/virtual interviews from 1:40-3:50 pm and in-person interviews from 4:00-7:10 pm.  November 24th will be an early dismissal day for all students - grade 7-12 (1:15 pm).  Buses will be on-site at 1:15 to pick students up early that day.   Additional information will be shared when the booking window opens. 

Grade 9 TYKTW Day - November 2nd

Wednesday, November 2nd is Take Your Kid To Work Day for grade 9 students.  A permission form will be sent home on Tuesday, October 26th.  Please complete the form provided if your child will be opting to spend the day in a workplace on November 2nd.  Completed permission forms should be returned by your child to their homeroom teacher by Tuesday, November 1st. 

The remaining students will participate in career exploration activities in class and/or consolidate their learning in their subject area(s).

Remembrance Day

We will be holding several Remembrance Day ceremonies on Friday, November 11th in our theatre.  Parents are welcome to join us for our Gr 11 & 12 assembly (begins at 8:30 am) or our Gr 9 & 10 assembly (9:40 am).  Unfortunately, space will not be available for our Gr 7 & 8 assembly due to our already large group size. 

Intermediate Vaccination Clinics

Ottawa Public Health nurses will be on-site October 31, Nov 1, 2 and 4th for regular school-based vaccination clinics (Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)).  Information letters, including parent permission forms, will be distributed in Homeroom on Wednesday, October 26th.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

All Gr. 10 students will be writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) between Monday, November 21 to Friday, November 25, 2022 during period 1 (the test will not take place on Thursday, November 24th because it is an early dismissal day.) It is very important that all Gr. 10 students are on time and present for their period 1 class for the two days that week that they are writing this test. Successful completion of this test is a Ministry of Education requirement for graduation.

Students who are in Gr. 11 and 12 who have not yet been successful on the OSSLT or have not earned the Ontario Literacy Course credit will write the OSSLT during the week of Nov. 14-18, 2022.

Gr. 10 students are welcome to sign up for the after-school Literacy Test Support session running from 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tues. Oct. 25th and ending on Thursday Nov. 17th, 2022. An email was sent last week to invite all recommended Gr. 10 students for these after-school support sessions..

Students in Gr. 11 and 12 and invited to attend Literacy Test Support sessions on Wed. and Thurs. after-school from 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. beginning Wed. Oct. 26 and ending on Thurs. Nov. 10, 2022.

Please contact Allison Camilucci (Student Success Teacher) at Allison.Camilucci@ocsb.ca if you have any questions or concerns.   If for some reason your child in Gr. 10 will not be at school the week of Nov. 21-Nov. 25, 2022, please contact Allison Camilucci as soon as possible.

Can Food Drive

We are hosting our annual Can Food Drive in support of the Richmond and Stittsville Food Banks from October 24th - November 4th.  Non-perishable food (such as pasta, rice, canned fruit and vegetables, soup, etc.) and toiletries (such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, kleenex, etc) are being collected in Homeroom each day.  Donations can also be made through SchoolCash Online

After-School Math Tutoring Available

FREE after school tutoring sessions are available. Grade 10-12 students looking for extra support with their math studies are invited to drop in. We will review previous knowledge to support current learning - room 326, Monday-Thursday, 2:25-3:25pm.

FREE after school peer tutoring sessions are also available for students in grades 7-9. Students interested in extra support with their math studies are invited to drop in. We will review previous knowledge to support current learning - room 328, Monday-Thursday, 2:25-3:25pm.

Continuing Education - Classroom Supervisor Training Program

The OCSB’s Continuing & Community Education Department is offering a new program. Classroom Supervisors provide safe and secure supervision to students in elementary or secondary classes in the event the teacher is absent.

COURSE DATES & LOCATION

October 24 - December 23, 2022, Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 12:00pm

St. Nicholas Adult High School, 893 Admiral Ave., Ottawa

For additional information please see: Classroom Supervisor Training Program.

Halloween Costumes

Halloween is just around the corner. It is important to consider a thoughtful approach about whether halloween costumes are culturally sensitive and appropriate. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, cultural appropriation is, “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect the culture”. Students are encouraged to consider this when putting their costume together to avoid uncomfortable situations at school or in the community. This will help ensure that Halloween is a fun event where all students feel safe and honoured. Students are also reminded that halloween masks are not permitted.

Daily Announcements

Daily written announcements are reviewed in Homeroom.  They are also posted on our website for students and parents to access - Daily Announcements.  A link can also be found on our school website landing page, shh.ocsb.ca .

November 18th PD Day

A reminder that Friday, November 18th is a PD Day.  There will therefore be no classes on that day. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

September 20, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’ve had a great start to the school year.  Staff and students have settled back into our school routines.  Thank you to everyone who was able to join us on September 14th and/or 15th for our Meet the Teacher evenings.

We have a few updates to share with you.

Sports, Clubs and Activities

During our opening assemblies we encouraged students to get involved in some of the many teams, clubs and activities available.  For a full list of what is available throughout the year please refer to: 7&8 Sports, Clubs & Activities , Gr 9-12 Sports Clubs & Activities. 

To stay informed you are welcome to follow our Daily Announcements which can be found on the landing page of our school website.

Parent Portal Electronic Forms

It is very important that we have accurate student and family information, especially in cases of an emergency. Please take time to complete/confirm the following forms for each of your children:

• Media Consent Link

• Technology Consent Link

• OCSB Student Verification

This can be done through the Parent Portal, using the following instructions: Instructions for Accessing Forms in the Parent Portal

Terry Fox Run/Walk

On Tuesday, September 27th (September 28th rain date). Students in grades 7-12 will be participating in the Terry Fox walk.  For more information please review: 2022 SHH Terry Fox Walk. We’re looking forward to supporting Terry’s mission. 

Sens Fundraiser

Our annual Sens Fundraiser is back!  Our campaign launches on September 23rd.  Proceeds support school clubs, teams, activities and learning opportunities.   We have some great games available this year.  Further information will be shared on Friday by email.

High School Letters of Intervention

High school Letters of Intervention will be emailed to parents on Thursday, October 6th. These serve as an early intervention tool should your child’s teacher be concerned about their progress to date. High School Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, October 13th. Additional booking information will be shared in advance of the booking window opening.

Student Fees

Thank you to those that have already accessed SchoolCash Online to submit Student Fee payments.  Student Fees payments ($25) can be made up to, and including, September 30th.  Student fee funds are used to supplement the cost of student id cards, student council activities, spirit building events, field trips, awards, school clubs, learning activities, teams and other activities.

Truth and Reconciliation Week

Next week (Sept 26-Sept 30) is Truth and Reconciliation Week.  The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation will be observed on Friday, Sept 30th.  As is the case for Remembrance Day, September 30th is a federal statutory holiday but not a provincial holiday, so school will remain open on Thursday. 

Please encourage your child to wear an orange shirt on September 30 to show solidarity with the survivors of residential schools, to acknowledge our individual need to learn more about our shared history and how each of us can work to support reconciliation. For more information on Orange Shirt Day, please visit the official website: orangeshirtday.org

This year orange shirts are being sold for $20 in the atrium during 7&8 an high school lunch.  This year’s shirt was designed by a very talented SHH First Nations student.  All proceeds will be donated to the Legacy of Hope Foundation.

Attendance / Signing-Out

Parents are free to leave a message reporting a child’s absence 24hrs a day on our dedicated attendance line - 613-831-0543.  Each day the school receives a high volume of calls.  We appreciate your patience as we work through messages left each day. 

If you will be signing your child out before the end of the day it is recommended you provide them with a note that they can share with their classroom teacher and then present to the office when they are signing out of the building.

OSTA

Please ensure that you have confirmed your child's transportation information in the OSTA Parent Portal. Bus routes and student eligibility for transportation can change from year to year, so it's important to have the most up-to-date information. Students can only ride the bus they have been assigned to, and may not bring friends on the bus.

Holy Spirit Parish Update

A Sacramental Preparation information and registration meeting will be taking place at Holy Spirit Parish on Thursday, September 22nd, from 6:30-7:30pm for parents interested in either First Communion or Confirmation.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brent Hopkins

Principal

September 2, 2022

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

We hope that you and your family have been able to enjoy the summer months.  We are excited to be welcoming students back for the 2022-23 school year.  Staff have been preparing for the start of the school year.  

We have several information items we’d like to share with you.

Student Schedules

A significant amount of scheduling work has been taking place over the last several weeks.  

Prior to Monday students in grade 7&8 and their parents will receive an email message advising them of their homeroom assignment.  The location of the classroom will also be provided.  Staff will be available on Tuesday morning to help direct students to their classes.

High school students (gr 9-12) are able to view their schedule by logging into my.studentinfo.ca .  Students are asked to verify their schedules in mystudentinfo.ca on Monday to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

Any student who does not have a schedule should report to Student Services on Tuesday morning to meet with a guidance counselor.  

Course change requests should be made through mystudentinfo.ca .

Cafeteria Open - Servery Closed

As was the case at the end of last year, our cafeteria will be open for students during both 7&8 and HS lunch.  Our servery, however, is not yet open.  Our provider, Chartwells, has not yet been able to secure staffing (School Cafeteria Job Posting).   We hope to provide food service again as soon as possible.  

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) Screening Tool

The Province has updated the School Screening Tool.  The tool can be accessed by visiting:covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ .  

Anyone who is feeling sick or has any symptoms of illness should stay home.  Specific information about when to return to school, masking, etc can be secured through the use of the screening tool.

For your reference, we’re also sharing Dr. Etches’ September 1st Update.

Notifying School of Illness - School Attendance Line

Please inform the school at 613-831-6643 (main line) or 613-831-0543 (attendance line) if your child is away from school.  

If your child is home sick, they can access their school work via Hapara and/or their teacher's website. 

Main Office Procedures

Grade 7 and 8 students who arrive after 8:05 am are to sign-in in the main office.  

Grade 9-12 students who arrive late (after 8:05) should go directly to their homeroom from 8:05-8:20.   After 8:20 high school (gr 9-12) students arriving late need to check into the main office.  

If you need to pick up your son/daughter before the end of the school day we ask that you do so before 1:45 pm.  

If your child will be signing-in or signing-out parents are asked to contact the main office to notify the school.  Alternatively, you can provide your child with a note.

Beginning and End-Of-Day Pick-Up and Drop-Off

The beginning and end of the school day are busy periods in the area around Sacred Heart. We are asking that consideration be made to dropping off and/or picking up your child(ren) in the proximity of the school. The Walk-a-Block model is being encouraged in order to help alleviate traffic congestion.  Alternatively, pick-ups can also be made after the peak period (2:10-2:30 pm).  This helps alleviate some of the parking lot congestion - particularly at the end of the day when yellow school buses and Special Transportation vans are attempting to make their way off property.  Please note that construction currently taking place on Shea Rd may also cause delays.

OSTA

OSTA’s Parent Portal is now open. Please review your child’s information on OSTA’s Parent Portal by visiting then check the posted list on the website to confirm the route’s status regularly. If you need help accessing your child's busing info, please review our online Parent Portal Guide under Helpful Resources.  For additional information OSTA’s website (ottawaschoolbus.ca) is also available. 

Student Fees

Parents will receive a message via School Cash Online next week when Student Fee payment is made available ($25).  Student fee funds are used to supplement the cost of student id cards, student council activities, spirit building activities, field trips, awards, school clubs, teams and activities.  

Student Checklist

If you are wondering what items to prepare for your child this year, click here to access a list of recommended items. 

BYOD

We encourage a Bring Your Own Device model.  We would recommend any model of Chromebook as students will be using the Google Suites of Tools with the OCSB.   For further information please review the following:   BYOD Model.

Outstanding Textbooks

The majority of textbooks were returned in June.  We are asking students with outstanding items (textbooks, team uniforms, etc) that were not returned in the spring to bring those items with them on the first day.  We will have an outstanding textbook drop off table located in the atrium.   

Lockers

7&8

All students in grade 7&8 will be issued a locker.  Locker distribution for grade 7 & 8 students will take place on September 6th.  

9-12

A locker request form was sent by email to all students in grade 9-12 on August 29th.   Any student who completed the request by Thursday, September 1st will be issued a locker on Tuesday, September 6th.  Lockers will be issued to gr 9-12 students who indicate that they would like one. The request form remains open. Late requests will be assigned after September 6th.  All assigned lockers should be secured with a lock by the end of the day on Friday, September 9th.  Unsecured lockers may be re-assigned. 

2022-23 Bell Schedules

Grade 7 & 8

Warning Bell 8:00

Homeroom  8:05-8:15

Period 1 8:15-9:05

Period 2 9:05-9:55

Nutrition Break  9:55-10:00

Period 3  10:00-10:50 

Period 4 10:50-11:40

Lunch 11:40-12:30 

Period 5 12:30-1:20

Period 6 1:20-2:10 

End of Day 2:10

Grade 9-12

Warning Bell      8:00

Homeroom         8:05-8:15

Period 1              8:15-9:30

Period 2              9:35-10:50

Lunch                 10:50-11:35

Period 3              11:35-12:50

Period 4               2:55-2:10

Dismissal Bell     2:10

Meet the Teacher

We will be hosting Meet the Teacher Nights later this month.  Please mark your calendars.  More details to follow.

Grade 7&8:      Wednesday, September 14th from 4-6 pm

Grade 9-12:     Thursday, September 15th from 4- 6 pm 

School Council

Any parents interested in joining our School Council are invited to return the following completed form by Tuesday, September 27th: Candidate Nomination Form. Completed forms can be scanned and emailed to SacredHeart.High@ocsb.ca or can be dropped off in the main office.  All parents are welcome.  

School Cash Online

We are continuing to offer on-line payment for activities and goods at Sacred Heart.   For convenience, safety and efficiency reasons, we want to reduce the amount of cash and cheques coming into our school. We are asking parents to please take 5 minutes to register, by following the steps below. Once you are registered online, you will begin receiving emails about upcoming events

Register Online

Step 1: Please click on this link:     ocsb.schoolcashonline.com

Step 2: Register by selecting the “Get Started Now” and following the steps.

Step 3: After you receive the confirmation email, please select the ‘click here’ option, login in and add each of your children to your household account.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions during the registration process or while shopping online, please contact the school or the friendly Parent Help Desk by calling 1-866-961-1803 or by e-mailing parenthelp@schoolcashonline.com

Addressing Your Questions and Concerns

From time to time throughout the year, you may have a question about something related to your child’s education. To avoid frustration, we suggest the following pathways to assist you in resolving issues or finding answers:

Classroom teacher: available to answer questions related to homework, assignments, behaviour, classroom rules and consequences. This should be your first step in dealing with any classroom related issue.

Resource Teacher: available to discuss supports outlined in student’s Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s).  In addition to serving as a support for students, Resource teachers also consult with classroom teachers regarding educational accommodations and/or modifications.

Guidance Counselor: available to answer questions related to timetables, career planning, personal and social issues, special educational needs, and to suggest possible referrals to appropriate school personnel and outside agencies.

Vice-Principal: available to help you resolve issues related to student progress once you have discussed the issue with the teacher. VP’s also deal with student registrations outside of the “normal” intake times, student suspensions and issues related to conduct, attendance and truancy, report card concerns, conflict resolution, and safety and security issues.

Principal: available to assist you in resolving issues related to student progress if you have been unable to resolve those issues through discussions with the teacher and Vice Principal. Also, available to discuss issues related to safety and security, fundraising, School Council, teacher conduct and school policies.

Office Administrators: available to assist you in answering questions related to day to day functioning of the school, attendance, and referrals to appropriate personnel for various services.

We hope this helps you in determining the best pathway to getting the answers you are seeking.

Zone 1 Trustee

Our OCSB Zone 1 trustee is Mardi de-Kemp. 

Mardi de Kemp, OCSB Zone 1Trustee

Phone: 343 961 2998

Email: mardi.dekemp@ocsb.ca

Twitter: @MardiDeKempOCSB

Upcoming Events

September 6 First Day of Classes

September 8 Grade 9 Assembly (period 1)

      Grade 10 Assembly (period 2)

September 9 Grade 11 Assembly (period 1)

        Grade 12 Assembly (period 2)

September 12 Grade 7 Assembly (period 1)

        Grade 8 Assembly (period 2)

September 14 7&8 Meet the Teacher Night (4-6 pm)

September 15         School Photos (Gr 7-9)

        HS Meet the Teacher Night (4-6 pm)

September 16 School Photos (Gr 10-12)

                                 Last day for HS Course Changes

Staying Connected

SchoolMessenger

As new information is available, we will continue to communicate with you. If you did not receive this by email, please take a moment to sign-up for a SchoolMessenger account. 

The Parent Portal

The Parent Portal allows parents to view their child’s report card. Parents who have not yet registered may do so by visiting: ocsb.ca/our-schools/calendar/parent-portal/.  

Please also continue to visit our school website shh.ocsb.ca. Daily announcements for students are posted on our landing page (click on the Daily Announcements tab).  We’re also on Twitter @SacredHeartHS. 

Thank you for your continued support.  Have a great weekend!

Brent Hopkins, Principal

Alanna Vandewint, Vice-Principal (7&8 students)

Shawn MacEachern, Vice-Principal  (HS student last names A-G)

Angelina Glynn, Vice-Principal (HS student last names H-M)

Mary-Jane Gillier-Symes, Vice-Principal (HS student last names N-Z)

June 28, 2022

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

As we enter the final days of the school year we would like to again thank you for your continued support.  It has been quite the year!  We hope that the summer will provide some time for rest and relaxation with family and friends.  We are looking forward to the 2022-23 school year. 

Report Card Release

Grade 7&8 Final Report Cards were released yesterday.  They are available for viewing through the Parent Portal.  High School Final Report cards are scheduled to be released via the Parent Portal on July 6th.  We will share a message with parents when marks are posted.    

Lockers

A reminder for students that lockers should be emptied by the end of the day on Wednesday, June 29th.   Locks will need to be cut after that date so that summer cleaning can be completed.  New locker assignments will be shared in September.  

Yearbooks

Any students who have yet to pick up their 2021-22 yearbook are welcome to do so between 8 and 2 pm.  They are available in the main office.

BUY Information

Information Accuracy Affects OSTA’s Planning

Are you moving or changing daycare providers? Or considering Extended Day Program part-time or 5 days a week? Your decisions, and school data, affect OSTA’s accuracy when we plan routes. During these complex times, it is critical that parents give their school the most accurate information AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to avoid extended waiting for a transportation change in the fall. 

Joint Custody and Transportation to Two Homes – Renewals

Don’t forget that the renewal process must be done every year! The renewal form for existing variable transportation arrangements (Joint Custody) is available online. Only one parent needs to complete the renewal form, providing no changes to the existing schedule are required, including access days and stop locations. If there are any changes to your child(ren)’s information, then both TRA-T22A and TRA-T22B forms will have to be submitted with the new changes and signed by both parents. Renewal Joint Custody Forms must be submitted NO LATER THAN June 30th

Empty Seats/Courtesy Seating – Possible Suspension

If there continues to be COVID protocols in place for the start of the 2022-2023 school year, the Empty seat/Courtesy seating program will be suspended once again. If there are no COVID protocols, the Empty Seat program may be reinstated, however, some new limitations may be required to address the operational pressures due to the ongoing driver shortage. This decision will be made at the end of August.  

We encourage parents to plan ahead and practice walking their children to school over the summer. Please check our active transportation section for information on Pedestrian Safety, Walking Routes and Walk-A-Block.

OSTA Parent Web Portal Closed

OSTA’s Parent Web Portal (Bus Stop Finder) will be closed from the end of June until mid-August. Please check our website and social media pages regularly for important transportation announcements, deadlines and other vital information. The portal will reopen mid-August with next year’s transportation information.

Choosing to Drive? Let OSTA Know

Some parents may choose to drive their children to school in the fall rather than letting them take the bus or may not be sending their children to school at all. If you are not planning on using student transportation, please update your intentions by completing the Transportation Confirmation form. You will be helping give those who really need transportation space on the bus. 

School Zone Safety and Walk-A-Block

As parents decide how to get their children to school, we anticipate an increase in car traffic around the school. We encourage students to walk to school as much as possible, but if walking isn’t an option, we urge parents who drive their children to school and add Walk-A-Block to their routine. Try parking away from the school and walking the last block or two. This summer, take some time to plan your route by finding the five-minute walk radius around your school using google maps or download your school’s Walk-A-Block Map. By planning ahead, you’ll get a jump start on your back-to-school planning!

Pedestrian Safety – Walk to Your School Initiative

This summer, families in the Walk Zone are encouraged to safely spend time outside while familiarizing themselves with their route to school and learning more about the benefits of active transportation. Walking to school is an excellent way for children to get their daily quota of physical exercise. It also helps improve student behaviour, and students come to school prepared to learn. Visit OSTA’s Walk and Roll Zone to find information on Walking Routes and Pedestrian Safety. Learn and practice pedestrian safety skills and discover routes to school before classes are back in session! #getyourwalkon #ottwalk2school.

Virtual School Bus and Pedestrian Safety Day

OSTA’s Annual School Bus and Pedestrian Safety Day will be a virtual experience this year. We will share safety materials throughout the summer to prepare new riders and remind experienced riders how to stay safe on the bus. OSTA will also share materials relating to physical distancing on the bus and hygiene and germ safety while traveling. 

DriveYellow.ca - Driver Recruitment Website

Looking for a satisfying part-time job that fits your work-life balance? Take the wheel and drive yellow! Yellow school bus drivers are impactful workers who are highly valued by our communities for getting kids safely to school.

Old ocsbstudent accounts

Last September, all students were assigned a new student account ending in stu.ocsb.ca.  The Board allowed students to keep access to their old student accounts ending in ocsbstudent.ca. They are now in the process of shutting down the old ocsbstudent.ca domain. As of July 14, 2022, accounts ending in ocsbstudent.ca will be deleted. 

If there are Google Drive files in an ocsbstudent.ca account that your child would like to keep, please have them transfer them to their new account before the end of June.

New Student Orientation - Save the Date

From 11:00 to 1:30 on the Wednesday , August 31st there will be a welcome lunch, tour, and activities for all students that are new to Sacred Heart HS.

A reminder email with more detailed information will be sent to parents in mid August.

Kids for Kids Talent Showcase

The Kiwanis Club of Kanata-Stittsville will once be running their annual live Kids for Kids (K4K) Talent Showcase.  This is not a Talent Contest, rather, Kids donate their talent and time to raise funds to help other children in their community who are in need or at risk.  Some of the funds raised go towards the Kiwanis Computers for Kids Project.  The showcase is open to children ages 8 through 18 and this year will take place on October 21st at the  Stittsville United Pentecostal Church Auditorium.   Interested youth are invited to submit video auditions between now and September 16th, 2022.  For additional information please see:  Information Letter, K4K Information Poster. 

Wishing you and your family a wonderful July and August.

Brent Hopkins

Principal