Embedded Files
Progress Reports
I am pleased to inform you that your child’s Progress Report will soon be available via the Parent Portal. The Progress Report contains information about your child’s achievement thus far in a variety of areas. My signature on the Progress Report verifies that this is a recognized provincial report card that will be placed in your child’s Ontario Student Record.
The Progress Report includes information on academic progress to date and also progress on a variety of learning skills. Learning skills are an important measure of skills that will help your child throughout life, so I would ask that you please review these areas in addition to the academic assessment.
Attendance has been shown to be linked to academic success. Each day away from school results in a loss of opportunity to engage with the curriculum and places a challenge on your child to try and catch up when they return. Repeated late arrivals and early departures also impact students’ learning. Certainly if your child is ill, you should be keeping him or her home; however, wherever possible you are encouraged to schedule other appointments at a time that will minimize loss of classroom instruction.
Thank you for being involved in your child’s education. You can continue to support your child in a number of ways including:
Encouraging your child’s learning at home including time spent reading
Attending parent-teacher meetings and school events
Reviewing with your child their use of social media
Encouraging your child to get an appropriate amount of sleep and if they have a smartphone consider keeping the smartphone out of their bedroom when they go to sleep
Teachers are responsible for the specific comments and assessments on your child’s report card. If you have any questions related to the comments or assessments please contact the classroom teacher directly or book an interview using this link.
Sincerely,
Carrie-Anne Gravel
Principal
School Newsletter for November 10
Prayer
Dear God,
As we step into November and the days grow shorter and colder, thank You for the light that still shines around us and within us.
Help us to find warmth in kindness, joy in learning, and peace in the quiet moments of each day. May we care for one another and remember those who need extra comfort this season. Bless our school community with hope, health, and gratitude.
Amen.
Halloween
October 31st was a fantastic day at St. Dominic, brimming with excitement! Our youngest Dragons kicked off the festivities by parading through the school in their vibrant costumes. Following this, all students bravely ventured through the grade 6 haunted house. The day culminated in a lively Halloween dance party, and our entrepreneurial grade 6 students successfully raised over $300 through their cotton candy sales.
Remembrance Day
Poppies are available for sale in the office, with all proceeds supporting our local Legion. Donations to the Legion are also being collected at School Cash Online, until the evening of the 11th. Parents are warmly invited to attend our Remembrance Day Ceremony; please arrive by 10:35 a.m. as the ceremony will promptly begin at 10:45 a.m.
Dressing for the Weather
As the colder weather approaches, 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.
School Fee
It is still possible to contribute to your child’s activity fee. We kept the school fee amount to $30 per student to a maximum of $75 per family. School fees help offset the cost of guest speakers, special presentations (e.g. Scientist in School, music performance) and various crafts. Student fees can be paid via School Cash Online.
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.
** NEW POLICY** 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.
Office Snacks
Over the past few months, our office has been happy to provide snacks for students who occasionally forget or run out of their own. However, we’ve noticed that many students are now visiting the office regularly for snacks out of habit rather than need. We kindly ask families to ensure that students bring enough snacks from home each day. While we’ll always make sure no one goes hungry, we appreciate your support in helping students be prepared and responsible for their own daily snacks.
St. Dominic Clothing Order
We are offering a group order for the school Spirit Wear.
Please shop the collection here.
Orders received by November 20th will be eligible for free shipping to the school. There is an option on the order form to not have the clothing distributed to the student, in case you want to make it a gift or surprise.
If you have any questions, please contact dominic@ocsb.ca
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.
Lunch Box
If you would like to order from FB burrito (Tuesdays) and / or Subway (Wednesdays) please remember to complete your order before noon on Sunday. There is an option to order for a week at a time or to place an order for multiple weeks. If you would like to place an order please visit School Cash Online.
School Council News
Join us on Tuesday, November 25 , 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the school. All parents and guardians are welcome. We hope to see you there!•
Pizza Day: The next pizza day is Thursday, November 13 2025. This is for those who have already ordered for this session.
Annual cookies and Christmas Carol night will be Thursday December 11th , 6:30-7:30 .
Good Shepherd Parish News
Christmas Variety Show
Good Shepherd Parish
Followed by a reception with light refreshments
November 30th at 7pm
Doors open at 6:30pm with a sing-along at 6:45pm
A fundraiser for Food for Families, Coats for Kids, and local food banks
Monetary donations gratefully accepted:
by cheque to “Good Shepherd Parish”
by e-Transfer to finsec9005@gmail.com
(Please indicate in the memo field that the donation is for the Christmas Variety Show.)
Tax receipts will be issued by Good Shepherd Parish in 2026.
Confirmation: The first retreat for Confirmation is Saturday, November 8th from 1:00pm to 4:30pm. More information has been e-mailed to the parents about this upcoming event.
Refresh, Renew, Respond: Is your child preparing for First Communion and Reconciliation this year? If so, you are invited to participate in an interactive adult faith program that will be held on the same dates and times as the children’s preparation classes. Each session is one hour in length, beginning after the 11:15am mass. The 4 sessions include: Building the Relationship, Sacrament of Reconciliation, The Mass, The Eucharist. Please RSVP at cgsgoodshepherdottawa@gmail.com for the second session on November 30th. A light lunch will be provided.
First Reconciliation and First Communion: The second retreat for the children preparing for First Communion and Reconciliation will be held on Sunday, November 30th, starting with the 11:15am mass and finishing at 3:45pm. The theme for the retreat is “We are Forgiven”.
Good Shepherd Youth Group: Our parish youth group meetings are held on Fridays beginning at 7pm and ending at 8:30pm. Our weekly youth group gives students in grade 5 to grade 10 the opportunity to have a safe place to have fun, cultivate friendships and learn more about the Catholic faith. Our youth nights will consist of games, talks and snacks! We hope to see you soon!
Family Rosary: The Knights of Columbus Rosary Program, in association with the Pro-Life Group of Good
Shepherd Parish, aims to build faithful families and communities, as well as a culture of life, through rosary prayer and devotion to Mary. All parishioners are invited to pray the rosary starting at 7pm on Tuesday, November 18th on Zoom. The Zoom session can be joined by running the Zoom app on your tablet, computer, or smart phone and entering Meeting ID: 947 8467 9616 and Passcode: 469494. Alternatively, you may use the following link: Family Rosary November 18
St. Vincent de Paul: The St. Vincent de Paul truck will be at the church during and after each Mass on November 15th and 16th. They will be accepting all donations of gently used clothing and small household furnishings/ housewares. Thank you in advance for your loyal support to St Vincent de Paul Society at Good Shepherd Parish.
Upcoming Important Dates
Remembrance Day Ceremony: November 11th
Progress Reports available on the Parent Portal: November 13th
Parent-Teacher Interviews: November 26th
PD Day: December 5th
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
School Newsletter for October 24
Prayer
Loving God,
We thank You for the gift of working together as one community.
Bless our partnerships—with families, staff, and friends of our school—so that through cooperation and understanding, we may help every child grow in faith, knowledge, and kindness.
Guide us to listen with open hearts, support one another with patience, and celebrate the many gifts each person brings.
May our shared efforts reflect Your love and strengthen our St. Dominic family each day.
Haunted House
Get ready for a frightfully fun time! Our Grade 6 students are hard at work preparing a haunted house for the entire school to enjoy next Friday. This exciting fundraiser will feature thrills and chills tailored to be age-appropriate for all our students. They will also be selling delicious cotton candy ($2), so come on out and support our Grade 6 students!
Spirit Week
Our first Spirit Week is next week! A huge shout out to our Spirit Squad for organizing! You will find the calendar of events here.
The Importance of school attendance
Every school day is a building block for your child's future, laying the foundation for both academic achievement and crucial social skills. When students are consistently present, they unlock valuable learning opportunities and maintain a steady flow in their educational journey. Even occasional late arrivals or early departures can interrupt this rhythm, potentially impacting their ability to fully grasp concepts and engage meaningfully with their peers and teachers. Let's collaborate to ensure every child experiences the full benefits of an uninterrupted school day.
Reminder - Allergies
A reminder that we are a peanut, nut, sesame, fish and shellfish (including shrimp) free school. Please do not send food containing any of these allergens. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.
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.
Lunch Box
If you would like to order from FB burrito (Tuesdays) and / or Subway (Wednesdays) please remember to complete your order before noon on Sunday. There is an option to order for a week at a time or to place an order for multiple weeks. If you would like to place an order please visit School Cash Online.
School Council News
Next Meeting: Join us on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the school. All parents and guardians are welcome. We hope to see you there!
Pizza Day: Our first pizza day of session 1 was a success. The next pizza day is Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest: Our annual St. Dominic School Council Pumpkin Carving Contest is back! Submit a photo of your carved pumpkin by midnight on October 31, 2025, for a chance to win one of two Indigo gift cards. Enter here: https://forms.gle/6UsBK8STcZ3ioeyQ8
Good Shepherd Parish News
Refresh, Renew, Respond: Is your child preparing for First Communion and Reconciliation this year? If so, you may want to participate in an interactive adult faith program that will be held on the same dates and times as the children’s preparation classes. Each session is one hour in length, beginning after the 11:15am mass. The 4 sessions include: Building the Relationship, Sacrament of Reconciliation, The Mass, The Eucharist. Please RSVP by October 19th at cgsgoodshepherdottawa@gmail.com for the first session on October 26th. A light lunch will be provided.
Christmas Craft Fair - Saturday, November 1st, 9am to 2pm: The Catholic Women's League at Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting their famous Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, November 1st. Doors open at 9am and the event runs until 2pm. Grab a coffee and a muffin, and shop an array of items made by our many crafters. Visit our bake table full of delicious goodies and stop by our lunch room for a bowl of homemade soup. We look forward to seeing you there.
Good Shepherd Youth Group: Our parish youth group meetings are held on Fridays beginning at 7pm and ending at 8:30pm. Our weekly youth group gives students in grade 5 to grade 10 the opportunity to have a safe place to have fun, cultivate friendships and learn more about the Catholic faith. Our youth nights will consist of games, talks and snacks! We hope to see you soon!
Family Rosary: The Knights of Columbus Rosary Program, in association with the Pro-Life Group of Good Shepherd Parish, aims to build faithful families and communities, as well as a culture of life, through rosary prayer and devotion to Mary. All parishioners are invited to pray the rosary starting at 7pm on Tuesday, October 21st on Zoom. The Zoom session can be joined by running the Zoom app on your tablet, computer, or smart phone and entering Meeting ID: 947 8467 9616 and Passcode: 469494. Alternatively, you may use the following link: Family Rosary October 21st
St. Vincent de Paul: The St. Vincent de Paul truck will be at the church during and after each Mass on November 15th and 16th. They will be accepting all donations of gently used clothing and small household furnishings/ housewares. Thank you in advance for your loyal support to St Vincent de Paul Society at Good Shepherd Parish.
Upcoming Important Dates
Spirit Week: October 27th -31st
PD Day: November 7th
Remembrance Day Ceremony: November 11th
Progress Reports available on the Parent Portal: November 13th
Parent-Teacher Interviews: November 26th
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
School Newsletter for October 8
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude. Thank you for the gift of life, for the love of our family and friends, and for the food that nourishes us. Thank you for your continuous blessings, both seen and unseen, and for your grace that guides us. Help us to always remember your goodness and to live with a thankful spirit in all circumstances. Amen.
Cross Country Event
Our junior cross country team truly shone at the east end meet this past Monday. Their dedication throughout September was evident, and we are incredibly proud of all our runners. A special congratulations goes to Mya (Grade 4) for her outstanding performance and to the Grade 4 girls' team for securing first place in their division.
Looking for Halloween Decorations
Our grade 6 team is still looking for gently used Halloween decorations. We will also accept donations of new Halloween decorations. Drop off your spooky decor to the Office.
Picture Day is approaching!
Our picture day is October 23rd.
Reminder - Allergies
A reminder that we are peanut, nut, sesame, fish and shellfish (including shrimp) free school. Please do not send food containing any of these allergens. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.
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.
The Importance of school attendance
Regular school attendance is crucial for your child's academic success and social development. Consistent attendance ensures students don't miss valuable learning opportunities, as each day builds upon the last. Arriving late or leaving early, even occasionally, can disrupt their learning flow and also impact their ability to fully engage in social interactions with peers and teachers. Let's work together to ensure every child benefits from a full and uninterrupted school day.
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.
Drop off / Pick up
We sincerely thank all parents who make the extra effort to park safely and responsibly, even when it means walking a bit farther—especially in less-than-ideal weather. Your courtesy toward other families and staff is truly appreciated.
Student and staff safety continues to be our top priority, and your cooperation plays a vital role in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Lunch Box
If you would like to order from FB burrito (Tuesdays) and / or Subway (Wednesdays) please remember to complete your order before noon on Sunday. There is an option to order for a week at a time or to place an order for multiple weeks. If you would like to place an order please visit School Cash Online.
School Council News
Pizza days are back! School Council is pleased to have our Pizza Lunch program back for the 2025 – 2026 school year. After a successful and delicious 2024 – 2025 school year, we will continue to order our pizza from The Dough Bros. They will deliver regular crust cheese or pepperoni pizza. We will also be offering a 3rd option this year - Gluten free cheese pizza.
Pizza will be offered EVERY OTHER THURSDAY on the following dates: Oct 16, Oct 30, Nov 13, Nov 27, Dec 11, Jan 8 and Jan 22 (a total of 7 lunches for this first session). The cost PER SLICE PER WEEK is $3.00 for regular crust cheese or $3.00 for regular crust pepperoni. Gluten free cheese is $4.00. Payment will be accepted until Thursday, October 9th at 11:59pm. No late payments/orders will be accepted. No refunds will be offered. Please direct all questions to info@stdominiccsc.com.
All parents are invited to join us for our next School Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30.
The St. Peter HS School Council is hosting another Saved By the Bell this year. link to information
Good Shepherd Parish News
There is still time to register your child for First Reconciliation and First Communion and for Confirmation.
Upcoming Important Dates
PD Day: Friday, October 10th (no school for all OCSB students)
Thanksgiving: Monday, October 13th (school is closed)
Picture Day: October 23rd
Spirit Week: October 27th -31st (details to follow)
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
School Clothing / Spirit Wear
We are offering a group order for the school Spirit Wear.
Please shop the collection here.
Orders received by Monday, October 6th will be eligible for free shipping to the school. There is an option on the order form to not have the clothing distributed to the student, in case you want to make it a gift or surprise.
If you have any questions, please contact dominic@ocsb.ca
School Newsletter for September 19
Prayer
Terry Fox Run
As shared in previous communications, our Terry Fox Run day is scheduled for Friday, September 26th.
Our “Toonie for Terry” day is Wednesday, September 24th. If we receive a “toonie for Terry” from each student at our school we will already be halfway to our goal of $3,000. Feel free to share this link with family and friends!
We would also love to have some parent volunteers to help supervise along the Vista Park path. If you are able to join us on Friday the 26th (from 2:00 -3:30), please email Mrs. Rayner at sherri.rayner@ocsb.ca. You will also need to visit the OCSB Volunteer webpage to have your name added to our school volunteer list. You will receive a confirmation email if your help is needed.
Looking for Halloween Decorations
The first Grade 6 fundraiser of the year will be a haunted house for Halloween. Please donate gently used Halloween decorations to the school. We will also accept donations of new Halloween decorations. Drop off your spooky decor to the Office.
School Wear
We are once again offering a group order for school Spirit Wear. You can shop the collection here. Orders placed by Monday, October 6th, will receive free shipping to the school. There's also an option on the order form to have the clothing held at the school if you wish to make it a gift or surprise. For any questions, please contact dominic@ocsb.ca.
Language school
The department of Continuing and Community Education is offering several free language classes (Punjabi, Spanish) to elementary students at St Matthew's High School on Saturday mornings. Please see the linked flyers for more information.
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
Now that we are back at school, viruses are also in full swing! Please 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.
School Fees
It is not too late to pay your student fees via School Cash Online. We will be keeping the school fees amount to $30 per student to a maximum of $75 per family. School fees help offset the cost of guest speakers, special presentations (e.g. Scientist in School, music performance) and various crafts.
Drop off / Pick up
A friendly reminder that the parking lot and the bus lane are not accessible to parents at the start of the day between 8:50 and 9:15 and again at the end of the day between 3:20 and 3:45. This closure applies even in bad weather. If you are driving your child during these peak hours, please park on the side streets and walk. In addition, drivers must respect parking signs, as law enforcement officers will be ticketing illegally parked cars. Thank you in advance for your respectful attention to this matter. Your cooperation is keeping everyone safe.
Meet the Teacher Evening
It was wonderful seeing so many parents and students at our Meet the Teacher evening. Our school team is looking forward to working collaboratively with you to ensure a successful school year.
Lunch Box
Our Lunch Box program is up and running. We are happy to offer families this service again this year. FB Burritos will be every Tuesday and Subway will be every Wednesday. Please note that you have the option to order for a few weeks at a time or every week. If you would like to place an order please visit School Cash Online.
School Council News
Our first meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd (at 6pm) in the Learning Commons. We’ll be wrapping up last year’s business, holding elections for this year’s Council, and starting to plan for an exciting 2025–2026. We’d love to see many new and familiar faces there!
For more details or to reach out, feel free to email us at info@stdominicCSC.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/stdominicCSC.
Good Shepherd Parish News
Here is the latest news from Good Shepherd Parish.
Youth Group: We are very happy to introduce Williams Thottungal, our new Youth Coordinator at Good Shepherd Parish. Williams has been a member of our parish for 14 years and is currently studying science at the University of Ottawa. The first meeting of the youth group will take place on Friday, September 19th from 7pm to 8:30pm. Students in grades 5 to 10 are most welcome to attend. Activities will include game nights, socials, small group discussions, and mini faith lectures. Please use the following form to register for the youth group. It’s going to be an exciting year!!
Parish Breakfast: The Knights of Columbus will host a parish breakfast on Sunday, September 28th after the 9am and 11:15am masses. Tickets are $7 per person and $20 per family. All are welcome!
Preparation for Sacraments: The preparation sessions for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and Communion will begin soon. The parent information night is Tuesday, September 30th at 7pm. Please have a look at this First Reconciliation and First Communion for more information and all important dates. The preparation for Confirmation will begin in November. The Parent Information Night will be held on October 2nd at 7pm. Please see Confirmation for more information.
Upcoming Important Dates
Franco-Ontarian Day: Thursday, September 25th
Orange Shirt Day: Tuesday, September 30th
PD Day: Friday, October 10th (no school for all OCSB students)
Thanksgiving: Monday, October 13th
Picture Day: October 23rd
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
School Newsletter for September 3
Welcome Back!
What a joy it is to welcome our students to the 2025-2026 school year! We are so honored to lead the incredible team of educators here at St. Dominic, all dedicated to providing our students with a truly enriching and enjoyable learning experience. We can't wait to connect with you at the various events planned throughout the year. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead!
Warmly,
Carrie-Anne Gravel (Principal) and Kim Figura (Vice-Principal)
Parent Portal and School Messenger
It is important that all parents register on the OCSB parent portal. If you have not yet done so, please visit the following site, for a step by step guide.
In addition, please be sure to register for School Messenger as all school messages are sent via Messenger.
YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER TODAY BECAUSE THE EMERGENCY FEATURE OF MESSENGER WAS USED. ALL FUTURE COMMUNICATION WILL BE SENT USING THE REGULAR FEATURE. THIS MEANS IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED FOR SCHOOL MESSENGER YOU WILL NOT BE RECEIVING COMMUNICATION FROM THE SCHOOL.
School Calendar
Here is a link to this year’s school calendar.
Parent’s Homework
Please have a look at the following document. It contains many links that will be helpful to sign up for many school and school board applications.
List of supplies
A list of school supplies was shared with families. For easy reference, here are the lists of supplies per division.
Kindergarten Grades 1-3 Grades 4-6
Please label your child’s items. An identified water bottle makes it so much easier to return to its owner!
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.
School hours and tardiness
Our school hours are from 9:15 am to 3:45 pm, and it is crucial that students arrive promptly to make the most of their educational experience.
Attending school on time has numerous benefits for your child's academic progress and overall development. When students arrive punctually, they have the opportunity to settle in, prepare for the day ahead, and engage in valuable classroom activities right from the start. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and allows them to fully participate in all learning opportunities.
Regular and timely attendance also helps students build important life skills, such as time management, responsibility, and discipline. By consistently attending school on time, students develop a strong work ethic and establish a routine that will benefit them throughout their lives. Of course, appointments do happen and we understand that scheduling them outside of school hours can be challenging.
Student Illness
To help prevent the spread of common illness, please follow Ottawa Public Health guidelines if your child is sick. Students can return to school when they are fever-free (without using 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.
School Fees
We will be keeping the school fees amount to $30 per student to a maximum of $75 per family. School fees help offset the cost of guest speakers, special presentations (e.g. Scientist in School, music performance) and various crafts. Student fees can be paid via School Cash Online.
Drop off / Pick up
The parking lot and the bus lane are not accessible to parents at the start of the day between 8:50 and 9:15 and again at the end of the day between 3:20 and 3:45. If you are driving your child during these peak hours please park on the side streets and walk. Thanks to those parents who have found a new routine. Your cooperation is keeping everyone safe.
Meet the Teacher Evening
We are excited to invite you to our Meet the Teacher event on Wednesday, September 10th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. This informal gathering is an opportunity for you to drop in, meet our dedicated team of educators, and get a glimpse of where your child spends their day. Since educators are still getting to know their students, please remember that this evening is not a formal interview; it is more an opportunity to connect, meet the educators and learn more about our school community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Terry Fox Run
As is in past years, St. Dominic students will participate in the Terry Fox Run and will be collecting donations for this very worthy cause. Our run date is Friday, September 26th, 2025. More details will be sent in a separate communication.
Update on Recycling at School
This year, blue bin recycling for plastic, glass, and metal will no longer be available at our school. The contractor who previously serviced blue bin recycling for all four Ottawa school boards chose not to continue when the contract ended in July, and unfortunately, a replacement service has not yet been secured. While we share in your disappointment, we are hopeful that this service can be reinstated in the future.
Paper and mixed fibre recycling will continue as usual. In the meantime, we ask students to bring any plastic, glass, or metal recyclables back home for proper disposal in household blue bins. To help reduce waste, we also encourage families to embrace some of the following environmentally friendly practices:
Boomerang Lunches: All wrappers, containers, and food scraps are returned home in your child's lunch bag. This allows families to see what has been eaten and to recycle or compost appropriately.
Litterless Lunches: When possible, pack snacks and meals in reusable containers, bottles, and cutlery, while avoiding single-use plastics or individually packaged snacks.
Choose "Naked" Foods: Send fruits, vegetables, and snacks without extra packaging whenever possible.
Reusable Water Bottles: Encourage your child to refill a reusable water bottle instead of bringing disposable plastic bottles.
Thank you for supporting our school’s efforts to reduce waste and for helping your child make environmentally responsible choices each day.
Smile - Picture Day
Mark your calendars! St. Dominic’s picture day is October 23rd.
Volunteers
Your school needs you! Please consider volunteering. There are many tasks and activities which require volunteers, ranging from a few hours a week to once in a while, ie: field trips or school events. Please note that all volunteers require a yearly Volunteer check. The form is to be completed online and can be found at https://www.ocsb.ca/contact/volunteers/.
School Council News
We hope you had a restful and joyful summer! As we gear up for another exciting school year, the St. Dominic School Council would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all returning families—and a special greeting to those joining our community for the first time. We’re so glad you’re here!
In the coming days, keep an eye out for important School Council information coming home with your child and landing in your inbox. You’ll learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved.
Being part of School Council is a fantastic way to connect with other families, stay informed about what’s happening at St. Dominic and within the OCSB, and make a meaningful difference in your child’s school experience. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending meetings, or simply staying in the loop, there’s a place for everyone. No formal role is required—just your presence and interest!
Our first meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd in the Learning Commons. We’ll be wrapping up last year’s business, holding elections for this year’s Council, and starting to plan for an exciting 2025–2026. We’d love to see many new and familiar faces there!
For more details or to reach out, feel free to email us at info@stdominicCSC.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/stdominicCSC.
Let’s make this school year a great one—together!
“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
Suggested Supplies by Grade Level
While the school will provide all the essentials for learning, students may require some personal items or have preferences for their own materials. Linked below are the lists by grade level for suggested school supplies:
Register for First Rider (school bus safety)
Registration for First Rider (formerly School Bus and Safety Pedestrian Day) is open!
All children entering the school system and/or taking the bus for the first time, or new residents to the City should plan to attend. The day’s activities are suitable for all elementary school-age children and everyone is welcome.
The event takes place on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at multiple school locations across Ottawa.
Visit OSTA's First Rider page for more details and to register.
Register throughout the summer. School starts on Tuesday, September 2.
All OCSB elementary schools are closed throughout the summer. Register for school using our online form. If you have questions, contact our Admissions Department by email at admissions@ocsb.ca or by phone at 613-228-3338.
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