June Newsletter

St. Daniel Weekly Update

June 22 -  June 26, 2026

Prayer

Loving God,

As we reach the end of this school year, we pause to give thanks for the journey we’ve shared. Thank You for the Open Doors that welcomed us, for the lessons learned, and the growth we’ve experienced together.

We are especially grateful for the opportunities we've had to Build Bridges this year—for the friendships strengthened, the understanding deepened, and the moments of joyful collaboration that brought us closer as a community. Thank You for showing us how to be living bridges of kindness, mercy, and connection to those around us.

Bless our students, teachers, and families as we step into the summer. May this time be filled with rest and renewal. As we look ahead, prepare our hearts to Nourish New Beginnings in the days to come. Keep us safe in Your care and rooted in Your love.

Amen.

Thirty-Ninth Week of School

On Tuesday morning, our staff hosted a volunteer breakfast. We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended, as well as to those who couldn't make it due to other commitments. The time you dedicate to our community has a lasting effect on so many lives. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything you do!

Tuesday also marked our final practice fire drill of the year. Once again, our Lions did a fantastic job, taking the drill seriously and following all directions perfectly. Keep up the great work, Lions!

Also on Tuesday we shared an announcement about the Blue Jays' upcoming games against the Boston Red Sox, highlighting Boston's famous "Green Monster" home run wall. In a wonderful twist of irony, we celebrated two incredible home runs hit by our very own Blue Jays the next day! Speaking of Boston, Mrs. Farrell and her husband celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by attending a Blue Jays game right there at Fenway Park. Mrs. Farrell called it a true dream come true—happy anniversary!

Thursday was an absolute buzz of excitement across the school! Bright and early, our Grade 6 students headed off to Y Camp, proving that a little rain was no match for their enthusiasm. Back at school, our Senior Kindergarteners had an equally thrilling morning during our annual "Visit Day," spending Block 1 getting a sneak peek at life in a Grade 1 classroom. The pure joy on their faces was wonderful to see.

The excitement carried over into Friday morning announcements as we celebrated Canada’s incredible soccer victory from the night before—definitely the top talk of the school! On a minor setback note, the highly anticipated student vs. staff soccer game had to be postponed until Monday due to a few injuries. Don't worry, though—a few extra days of rest and rehab will have the staff team in peak condition and ready to play!

Report Cards and IEPs

Physical copies of your child's report card will be distributed on June 24th. If your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a printed copy will also be included in the same envelope.

Important Documents and Information

• Extended Day Program (EDP): For further details, please refer to the EDP flyer.

• Grade 6 Families: Information from Frank Ryan is available in this informational flyer.

EDP Information 

Please see the flyer.

Grade 6 Parent Information from Frank Ryan

Please see information flyer.

School Lunch Monitor Position 2026-2027 School Year

St. Daniel Catholic School is seeking caring, dependable individuals to join our community as School Lunch Monitors for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year!

If you love working with children and want to make a positive impact in our school community, this is a wonderful opportunity.

• Time Commitment: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

• Responsibilities: Supervising students during their lunch period, both indoors while they eat and outdoors on the school yard during recess to ensure a safe, fun, and respectful environment.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or community member, we would love to hear from you!

Interested in learning more? Please contact the school via our email address  Daniel@ocsb.ca 

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and supported!

Parent Council

Parent Pulse Issue #9

September Planning

Planning for September is well underway.  To help with staffing and scheduling, please let us know as soon as possible if your family (JK - Gr. 5) is planning to change schools in September.  You can call the school at 613-225-4603 or email us at Daniel@ocsb.ca.  Please include if your children will be attending another school in Ottawa or if your family will be moving outside of Ottawa, please let us know the province or country where you will be living.

There is no need to respond if your family plans to return to St. Daniel in the fall.  We'll be happy to have you back!

Bus Students

How Schools Can Show Appreciation for Bus and Van drivers

We are encouraging students to show their gratitude for our school bus and van drivers through local initiatives. Simple gestures from students and staff can have a significant positive impact. Some ideas for consideration include student-created thank you cards or setting up a  banner near the bus parking area with an appreciative message. We will work on these initiatives and will be ready to present them on the last day of the year.

Dear Families,

Riding a school bus is an important aspect of your child’s education journey. As part of this journey, Ottawa Student Transportation invites you to attend their First Rider Event held on Sunday, August 23, 2026. All are welcome!

First Rider is a great opportunity for your child(ren) to learn about being safe on their way to and from school. This integrated 45-minute session provides elementary school-age children and their families with the essential skills to navigate their commute safely. Combining hands-on bus training with interactive pedestrian practice, this comprehensive program ensures a confident start to the school year.

For more details and to register, visit OSTA online.

Dental Screening

Has your child missed school dental exams?  Community Dental Screenings are held over the summer at Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs.  The calendar poster is attached. 

Dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications are free for all ages.  Registered dental hygienists can also support clients with the Healthy Smiles Ontario and Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan enrollments. 

Here’s a short video highlighting the dental services available in the community.

For the full list of programs/services, schedule and locations of Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs, please visit: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHub

Thank you. 

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Mental Health Supports over the Summer

Here are some suggestions:

• Children and teens can speak with a counsellor 24/7 by calling Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.

• Children’s Mental Health Ontario agencies provide support to children and youth virtually and by phone. No physician referral is required, and no OHIP card is necessary to access services. Find a Children’s Mental Health Centre in your community.

• The Black Youth Helpline offers support for all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. Please call: 1-833-294-8650.

• The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Please call 1-855-242-3310.

• Use Ontario 211 to look up the services available in your area.

• Try the Kids’ Help Phone Resources Around Me.

• You may wish to review the Prepare, Prevent; Respond Quick Reference (available in many languages) for more information about suicide prevention.

Parking

We ask that Parents do not use the Parking lot behind the school to drop off or pick up students.  That Parking lot is for staff only.  Please use the lot in front of the school.  If that is full. Please walk-a-block.

Parent Hub

The Parent Hub on the OCSB website is a one-stop shop for essential information. 

KG Transportation Information for 2026 -2027     

Please see information from OSTA.  OSTA

Summer International Languages Program 

"OCSB Continuing & Community Education is excited to announce that registration is now open for Summer International Languages Program - Elementary!

This program offers students the opportunity to learn a new language or strengthen their home language through engaging activities such as music, art, storytelling, and cultural exploration. It is a meaningful way for students to build confidence, develop language skills, and connect with diverse cultures in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The program runs from June 29 - July 31, 2026, at various OCSB locations. Classes are available for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, and is free for Ontario residents.

Families can learn more and register here: Summer International & Indigenous Languages - Continuing Education at the OCSB "

REMINDERS

Arrival / Dismissal Drop off / Pick up

Please be aware of the procedures that are in place for dismissal and pick up.  To promote the safety of our students at St Daniel Catholic School, we have developed and implemented a plan to ensure the safe arrival and dismissal of our children. Parents and school staff have a vital role in this process. 

ARRIVAL: Children enter the gate which is located at the east end of the school . They do so between 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Students will then proceed to the schoolyard. No adults are allowed on the school yard before, during or after school. Educators will be in these designated areas.  At 9:15 when the bell rings, students will line up with classes, and then they will proceed into the school through their designated door, and be escorted with their teacher to their classroom.  In the case of inclement weather, students will enter the school from designated doors, and be directed by staff to their classrooms. We ask for your full cooperation as the safety and security of our children is a whole school approach.  

Dismissal:  Everyone will be dismissed from their classrooms between 3:38 - 3:45pm.  When the buses arrive, kinders will start boarding buses at 3:40, followed by Grades 1-6 students.  EDP students will leave at 3:44 to walk directly to EDP.  Walkers will leave at 3:44 to leave school for home.  

Drop Off /Pick UP If you are driving your child to school in the morning or picking them up at dismissal time, we ask you to park your car away from the school and WALK-A-BLOCK. We ask that you do not enter the Bus drop off zone, these are off limits to all cars between 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM and  3:30 PM - 4:00 PM .

Breakfast Program

All students are invited to attend the breakfast program.  If you do not want your child to participate in the breakfast program, kindly contact your teacher with this request.

School Messenger

 Please sign up for School messenger to make sure you will be receiving all communication from our school. If this is not completed you may miss out on receiving some important announcements from our school. School Messenger

Parent Portal: 

Please visit Login - enCompass to access your students information and in future their report cards.  Please review the contact information listed.  If any changes need to be made please email Daniel@ocsb.ca with the new updates.  

Office Administrator 

Please take note that oftentimes you will not be able to speak to our Office Administrators 30 minutes before the end of school bell at 3:45 PM. This is a very busy time.  Requests to have students be removed from the bus or ready for you to pick them up early should be done in the morning,  by communication in the agenda or a voicemail message before 12:00 PM.  Please understand that these types of requests may not be addressed if you are calling late. We would kindly ask that if you are requesting a pick up at 3:30, please wait until 3:45.

Thank you 

Important Dates

Grade 6 Leaving Ceremony     June 23, 2026  1:30  (Guests should arrive at 1:00) 

2nd Report Card  (Hard Copy will be distributed)     June 24, 2026

Last day of School                   June 25, 2026

PD Day                                      June 26, 2026

Future Dates

First Day of School                      Sept 1, 2026

Stanley Cup Parade in Toronto  June 15, 2027