Prayer 

Dear Father, As we prepare our hearts for December, we ask that You bring to our minds the blessings You have given us over the past year. Let us not forget Your tender care over our lives. We ask You to strengthen our faith to look ahead to December with hope.

Amen.

Looking for donations for our Christmas Store

We are still accepting gently used items for our Christmas store.  We are looking for gift wrap, gift bags, ribbons, picture frames, unused candles and bath products, mugs and much more.  Donations will be accepted until December 12th, and students will shop on Monday, December 15th!

Advent Project

As was shared earlier, we are collecting funds to support families in need this Christmas season.  Grocery gift cards or online cash donations via school cash online are now being accepted.  Thank you in advance for your generosity. 

Dressing for the Weather

With the colder weather here, we kindly remind all parents and guardians to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Layering is key, and warm coats, hats, gloves or mittens, and waterproof footwear will help keep our students comfortable and healthy throughout the school day.

The Importance of school attendance

Consistent attendance is vital for your child's success, as each school day builds their academic foundation and develops essential social skills. Regular presence ensures they benefit from continuous learning and engagement with peers and teachers. Even minor disruptions like frequent late arrivals or early departures can hinder their grasp of concepts. Let's work together to provide every child with the full advantages of an uninterrupted school day.

 Picking up your child early

If you need to pick your child up before the regular dismissal time of 3:45 p.m., please notify the school office by 3:00 p.m. This allows us to have your child waiting for you upon arrival. For a smooth transition, early pick-ups are best facilitated before 3:15 p.m. This allows our teachers to wrap up the school day with fewer disruptions. 

If you are unable to arrange for an early pick-up of your child by 3:15 p.m., please plan to pick them up at the regular dismissal time of 3:45 p.m.

If you are dropping off your child for the regular start time, we encourage you to use the Vista park parking.  We have noticed that there are lots of parking spots and this would greatly reduce the amount of vehicle traffic in the roundabout at the opposite end of the yard.

If you wish to pick up your child during the lunch outdoor recess, please be aware that it can be difficult to find your child in the yard unless we are made aware before 11:50.

Reporting your child’s absence

Please be sure to inform the office of your child’s absence, either by calling the school at 613-424-3760 or by email at dominic@ocsb.ca.   Informing of us of your child’s absence is extremely helpful and also avoids an unnecessary attendance call from our automated service.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Student Illness

Please do your part to help prevent the spread of common illnesses by following Ottawa Public Health guidelines if your child is sick. Students can return to school when they are fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) AND their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours. If they are experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis (vomiting/diarrhea), they should stay home until they are 48 hours symptom-free.

OPH Respiratory Fact Sheet

Please also see this information from Ottawa Public Health regarding when to keep your child home. 

Spirit Week

We will host a Spirit Week coming up the week of December 15th. Our themes will be: 

Monday Dec 15: Christmas Sweater Day

Tuesday Dec 16: Sparkling Snow Day (wear sparkles or something white, get dressed up for Mass)

Wednesday Dec 17: Holiday Hats & Headbands (the more Christmas accessories, the better!)

Thursday Dec 18: Festive Flannel (wear your best, or comfiest, plaid)

Friday Dec 19: PJ Day

School Council News

• Annual Cookies and Christmas Carol night will be Thursday December 11th , 6:30-7:30 

• Pizza Day: The next pizza day is Thursday, December 11 2025. This is for those who have already ordered for this session.

Upcoming Important Dates

PD Day: December 5th

Advent Mass: December 16th, 11am

Last day before Christmas Break: December 19

First day back after Christmas Break: January 5, 2026

Be sure to visit our school website regularly! 

Here is a link to this year’s school board calendar. 

“We are Called to Build Bridges”

“May we work together for unity in our communities, opening doors and building bridges in place of walls.”

Pope Leo

Please use these links to learn more about this year's Sacraments:

First Reconciliation and First Communion

Confirmation