Dragon News January 25, 2022

Posted On Tuesday January 25, 2022

Dragon News January 25, 2022

 

 


Twitter - @OrmistonPS

Instagram - @ormistonps 

Remind - Text (289)-271-3502; Text the message “@ggd394”

 

 

Click image to start screening

 

 

COVID - 19 SELF SCREENING - Click this link

 

Tip - save the COVID -19 School Self-Screen link to your smart device home screen for easy daily access!!  

DAILY & FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD IN A FAMILY

 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

 

*Ultimately - each individual student MUST have completed a school self screen before school - IF this has been completed, information on what a parent should do is told to them (ie. RED Alert and steps given to parent; GREEN - good to come to school)

Your Child is Not Feeling Well….They Must Not come to school.  Please complete the Self-Screening School Assessment - If you receive a red alert - follow steps.   By staying home when we show signs and symptoms of being unwell, together we can keep each other well.  Thank you for ensuring the safety of all students and staff in our building, as well as extending to our homes and family.   As parents, both Mr. Smart and myself empathize with the many juggles that may have to occur and appreciate the care you take to keep your child(ren) safe and the courtesy for neighbours and their children as well as staff. 






 

Away at a planned appointment? - Use the School Messenger App OR call 1-844-350-2646  to report a scheduled absence. 

 

 

 

Vaccination Information for Children ages 5-11

Book a Vaccine Appointment at this LINK

 

Masking for Students  

Indoors

On January 5th,?the Board of Trustees passed a resolution stating that masking for all students, including those in kindergarten and junior kindergarten, be made mandatory during in-person learning.   The DDSB will be providing a cloth mask for each student - as with any mask, the fit will fit differently for each individual face. 

 

Students are encouraged to bring more than 1 CLEAN mask to school each day.  

 

Students may require an additional mask during the day due to: 

  • Mask falling onto another surface (desk, ground, floor, etc)

  • Mask becoming dirty by children touching it with unwashed hands (children are directed to wash hands often at regular times of the day as per protocols and are explicitly shown good hand hygiene skills - please review and reinforce these skills at home)

  • Mask becomes dirty/ wet from breathing in during cooler temperatures when outside during physical education classes, outdoor learning and/ or recess times 

 

Students are able to wear non-medical masks - these do need to be washed regularly to ensure there is no spread of germs.  

 

Outdoors

Masking during outdoor time is not required. Yet if students who do not reside in the same household, that are less than 2 meters in proximity to each other will be asked to wear a mask during outdoor play time.  Please note, if a mask is worn outdoors and becomes wet, it should be replaced.   Students will need additional, clean masks to change when they become dirty or wet. 

 

Wearing a Mask 101: Tips for Parents

https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/resources/Documents/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Mask-101-Parents.pdf

Mother Nature continues to share her beautiful weather with us - we are so fortunate to have this volume of snow for our students to play in!  

 

Students and staff have been pretty excited this past week to be back into the classroom and school tackling different challenges and learning opportunities.  Kindergarten students in Mrs. Brackett’s and Mrs. Duncan’s classroom have been reading, “Ten on the Sled” by Kim Norman.  And with this reading, they were inspired to design their own sled to carry some animal friends.  Not only did they design their own sleds - they tested their sled’s capacity to carry their animal friends down a simulated snow slope!! Great fun was had by all!! 

 

 

This day reminds us of the lives lost and many other injured when a gunman opened fire at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City on January 29, 2017.  Standing strong against all forms of hate and remaining hopeful, MEND invites schools to reach out with any questions and encourages reviewing the resources before sharing as school communities may still be experiencing trauma or be triggered.




How can you get involved in Bell Let’s Talk Day?

Here are some ways we can join in the conversation and make a difference. 

 

  • Post to Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat a message about mental health and well-being.

  • Share pictures or stories of the great work you are doing to promote mental health and well-being in your home/community.

  • Retweet messages related to mental health and well-being.

  • ‘Like’ what you read and see if it relates to positive mental health and well-being

  • Bell will donate 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat lens.

  • Please include the hashtags #DDSBWellBeing, #BellLetsTalk where you can!




Click on Image to register or Register for Domestic Sex Trafficking of Youth During COVID-19: Parents & Prevention 

 

DENSA is partnering with Meera Bala, a GTA Tamil, to offer a session on Monday, January 31st at 5:30 for Junior/Intermediate students. She will do a read aloud and share her journey as an author and will also share follow up activities for students.   We are inviting parents/families/guardians to sign up for this event.  

Click Image to Register for this great event!! 

Grade 6, 7 & 8 students will have an opportunity on February 1st and 3rd to explore learning about their brain and how to keep it healthy!  Be sure to see what they can share with you! 

 

Click on Image for Link to register French Immersion Information Pre - Registratio

Each school year our Elementary French Immersion Schools  (dual and single track) offer an information event for parents/guardians of students entering into grade one in the following school year. This evening session provides DDSB families with important information on our French Immersion program and the benefits for students when developing a second language. The date for this event is coordinated centrally and all elementary school administrators are asked to share this information with their school communities. 

 

Our French Immersion Information Evening will take place

February 8th

7:00 to 8:00 pm

 

REGISTER FOR FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION EVENING 



A Google Meet Link to be shared via SchoolMessenger Email to whole school community the week of February 7, 2022.



 

 

Grade 8 students have been working alongside their homeroom teachers and liaising with secondary school representatives for their transition to grade 9 this fall.  Part of this transition is choosing their initial pathway to success by choosing their grade 9 courses! 

 

Grade 8 students will be attending and selecting courses at their home school based on geographical addresses. 

 

 

Click on Image for Video of Choosing my Success - Transition for Grade 8 to 9

 

ABCs of Back to In-Person Learning Webinar 

– Presentation for parents and caregivers of elementary and secondary students

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gstysAYLLKQ

 

Pizza Fridays are currently on hold until further notice upon review and approval from Durham Region Health Department due to COVID-19 protocols.  Thank you for your flexibility during these times. 

Individually wrapped Tuesday treats will still be able to continue. 

 

DDSB received COVID-19 Rapid Test kits from the Ministry of Education/Health.  They were received in bulk - DDSB staff organized and distributed test kit in individual packages to schools for each student.  Please click on the image above or the link below for instructions on how to administer the COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit you have received for your student.

COVID-19 Rapid Test Instructions LINK

 

Due to the number of students who have life threatening allergies causing an anaphylactic response to food items such as peanuts, tree nuts and other foods, we are reinforcing our message to our families and caregivers to NOT send your child with food items that are considered allergens to classmates into our classrooms for daily snacks and meals in packed lunches, as well as  to celebrate special events.  

 

NO food items are accepted into our school building, inclusive of classrooms, to celebrate special events and occasions.  

 

Families have asked if they are able to send in any ‘gift items’ such as pencils, erasers, stickers, etc. - this is permitted, and preferred to be sent days in advance of being distributed to classmates. 

 

Even if the food sent to school does not contain nuts, or allergen, it still can pose a risk if it touched allergen products or was in a container previously used for allergen products.  

 

With anaphylaxis, even exposure to a tiny amount of this item could be potentially serious and life threatening.  We can all play a role in preventing a dangerous situation at school.  Thank you for your understanding and assistance!

 

SickKids Hospital in Toronto offers the following advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination:  Food allergens can contaminate other foods when, for example, the same containers, utensils or frying pans hold a range of foods…. Bulk food containers pose a high risk of cross-contamination because they are often used for different products.  

 

Thank you for your understanding and attention to the safety and well-being of our students.



Bad Weather and Riding a School Bus 

 

In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, elementary schools will remain open. This is the same approach as in previous years and we will be taking additional measures in order to ensure that class cohorts remain intact and are appropriately supervised.  

 

How will I be notified if transportation services are cancelled and/or schools are closed?

Families will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 7:00am) through a posting on the DDSB website, social media and where possible, through local radio stations.  As well as on the DSTS Website

 

What zone am I in?

Students at Ormiston PS are in Zone 4.   

In cases of extreme weather, please listen to one of the local radio stations or TV news casts below for notices of transportation cancellations:

  • CKDO-AM 1580

  • Q107-FM 107.1

  • 94.9 The Rock

 

  • KX96-FM 95.9

  • CHFI-FM 98.1

  • EZ ROCK 97.3

 

  • CFRB-AM 1010

  • CHUM-FM 104.5

  • CICX 105.9

 

  • Bob-FM 91.9

  • Global TV

  • CP 24

 

Student Arrival and Dismissal Update 

Morning Bell - 8:30 AM

10:00 AM Recess

11:20-12:10 Lunch

1:40 PM Recess

3:00 Dismissal Bell

Drop Off  

Students who are being dropped off are encouraged to arrive at the entry bell, 8:30 AM. Families may  consider parking in the neighbourhood near the school and walk from there to the school. Students will  be directed to their meeting spots specific to their assigned division; and need to line up with physical  space between themselves and other students. Families who require specific drop off accommodations  should contact the school office, 905-430-8755 or ormistonps@ddsb.ca. All individuals coming onto  school property during drop off and pick up of their children are encouraged to wear a mask for  responsible care of and towards others in our community. All individuals will need to also be physically  distanced from other individuals who are not in their ‘bubble’.



School Parking Lot 

School parking lots and drop off areas will be closed off with pylons to all non-bus traffic during the  arrival and departure of buses. Ormiston PS’ school parking lot will be for educational staff and childcare staff. There are reserved parking spaces for our childcare parents and/ or guardians to support drop off  and pick up of younger children. Due to the safety needs of all students considered, our Kiss n Ride is currently on hold.  All other vehicles are asked to consider parking in the neighbourhood  near the school where signage allows for lawful parking.  

Ormiston PS’ Kiss n’ Ride will continue to remain closed at this time, as Ormiston PS Staff, DDSB Consultants and Town of Whitby have all been consulted on traffic flow and our current student safety needs of those who travel via bus and who walk to school.  To ensure the safety of all of our students, and respect confidential information of our students, we ask that all of our families adhere to the procedures in place for drop off and pick up if you are choosing to drive your child(ren) to school.  Please know that as parents/ guardians it is your responsibility to model and ensure you and your child(ren) are following the rules of being a pedestrian and driver.

While we continue to wait for the construction of additional parking spaces to support - coming this spring! - the parking lot is reserved for staff who serve Ormiston PS students.   Our school administration continues to be in contact with DDSB Facilities Services for updates on the progress of the approval of the Parking Lot Expansion Permit with the Town of Whitby. 

Accessible Parking  

In the event a driver requires accommodation to park, there are two accessible parking  spaces available. Signage is required. 



OF

 

A - Always obey SIGNS

 

B - Bike or Walk

C - Co-operate to make everything go smoothly

 

As a school community and neighbours together we collectively have a duty to ensure we are traveling - whether walking or driving- safely and being respectful of each other. 

If you feel someone has not obeyed the rules of the road and put others’ safety at risk, the Durham Regional Police Department “Driver Complaint/ Road Watch” can assist. 

 

 

Update! The Parking Lot expansion that we have been waiting for is promising to take shape this spring as the permit has been approved by the Town of Whitby!! This will help in opening up our Kiss n’ Ride and Bus Loading/Unloading and Daycare Drop Off safely! 

 

COVID-19 has increased school staffing needs.

Since December, the DDSB has hired 592 additional staff in all roles. 

The DDSB is using Emergency Non-certified Supply Teachers as a last resort. 

They have been:

  • Interviewed

  • Reference Checked

  • Background Checked

  • Appropriately Onboarded

 

Information on Temporary Broadcast Learning for In-Person Students:

We understand that some families may be concerned over the next month due to the spread of the Omicron variant. We are pleased to share that we are providing a temporary broadcast learning program for families until mid-February if you do not want to send your child to in-person learning. 

For those who are at home during this short-term offering, the classroom teacher will provide some FlexTime learning activities through Google Classroom. In addition, there will be a daily learning opportunity through a broadcast. This will not provide two-way communication between students and teachers. Students will be able to login every weekday for two broadcasts of approximately 60 minutes of grade-appropriate curriculum instruction and content. The Ministry of Education will also be providing content through TV Ontario. (www.tvolearn.com).

IF your child is absent, accessing the Temporary Remote Broadcast Learning, please use BL as code for attendance in School Messenger.

Families may login to our Temporary Remote Broadcast Learning Platform. Broadcasts will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. every weekday by clicking on the following link (students will need to login to their DDSB account to access this link): https://sites.google.com/ddsb.ca/remote-learning/

Families choosing to take advantage of Temporary Broadcast Learning are asked to notify the school of their child(ren)’s absence each day through the School Messenger app on their mobile device or online from their school’s website and then select “Temporary Broadcast Learning (Elementary Only)” as the reason for absence. This will ensure that your child’s attendance reflects that they are engaging in this learning opportunity. Alternatively, parents/guardians can call 1-844-350-2646 and select the same reason.



Kindergarten 2022-2023 Registration LINK

Every year around 27 January, UNESCO pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted

Connect with our DDSB Mental Health Team - they are here to support you.

 

Who can I talk to for support?

Kids Help Phone is always here for you. Because we’re an e-mental health service, it’s good to know you can contact us 24/7 from anywhere in Canada, via phone or text.






Grade 8 and SK Graduation Pictures have been scheduled and approved by Durham Region Health Department.  On March 3rd, both Senior Kindergarten and Grade 8 students will have an opportunity to have their individual graduation picture taken.  This is one day only.  If a student is absent on this day, they can make arrangements with Life Touch.  Student grade composites will also be available for purchase if one wishes. 

 

February 16, 2022 student Term 1 Report Cards will be delivered to parents/guardians via SchoolMessenger.  

 

Monday, February 21, 2022 

 

Winter Family Movie Night

Click on image above to register your family for a fun movie night. 

If you would like your movie code and kit in time for Family Day Weekend, please ensure you place your order before February 7th, 2022. The Skills Family Night Package would make a great Family Day Weekend activity!  

 

 

Strategies to keep safe while living amongst wildlife:

* Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night, and do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your back yard.

* Accompany your leashed pet outside. Make sure you turn on lights if it is dark to check your back yard for unexpected wildlife before letting your pet out.

* Keep dogs on short leashes while walking outside (less than 6').

* Leave noisemakers on hand to scare away coyotes that may enter your yard, such as whistles and horns.

* Yell, clap hands, blow a whistle if you have a close encounter with a coyote.