Hello everyone,

Is it really true? Has the summer passed us by already? As I write this first post for the school year, it is August 30th and yes, the first day of school is just around the corner. Classes begin on September 1, 2009 and we are excited about seeing students as they return to us after a restful summer.

As we gear up for this year I wanted to take this opportunity to bring the school community up to date on a few things. Firstly, we have received updated information concerning the H1N1 virus in schools from Ottawa Public Health (OPH).

OPH is recommending that schools remain open this year in the wake of this particular flu. There continue to be specific flu signs and symptoms that are important we are all aware of and watchful for if we become ill. With regard to H1N1, the most important indicator of a potential H1N1 flu is the presence of a fever greater than or equal to 37.5 degrees Celcius. OPH is strongly recommending that anyone who is feeling unwell and especially those with a fever remain at home until the fever subsides. Respiratory issues are also of concern including, but not limited to, shortness of breath. Further information will be arrving home with students at the end of the first day of school with specific messages from the Director of Education and OPH. In the meantime, further information can also be found at www.ottawa.ca/health. Public health nurses may also be reached at 613 580 6744 in cases where you would like to speak with a health professional to have your questions addressed.

What is required if your child is ill? If your child becomes ill the school is requesting that you keep them at home and contact the school office at 613 828 9101. When calling, we would very much appreciate if under the circumstances, you inform the person answering the telephone of the specifics of your child’s illness especially where it is related to fever and/or respiratory symptoms. Collectively as a school community through our communication is going to be the best way for us to assist OPH in containing this particular virus.

At the school level, we are ready! Thanks to Mr. Banton and our wonderful carestaff the building is looking marvelous with its sparkling floors and classrooms. Staffing is complete for semester one and student timetables will be dispersed in period one classes this coming Tuesday. As students enter the building on Tuesday, each is requested to find their name on the alpha lists that will be posted on the walls inside the front of the school which will also designate the name and location of their first period class where timetables will be distributed.

Huge thanks also go out to the office staff (Mrs. Seguin, Mrs. Dayton, and Mrs. O’Brien) for their painstaking efforts in gearing up for this years start as well. Secondly, without the efforts of Mrs. Verreault and Mr. Kicul and their efforts in working alongside Guidance personnel (Mr. Spidell, Mrs. Green, Mr. Hemstreet) this past week,  we could not have realized the success in our expected numbers that we currently have on the heels of a healthy week of registrations.

Please see attached the weekly planner for the upcoming week. This will be posted each Friday for your convenience as an aid in planning the upcoming week for your child. You will notice at the bottom of the calendar a list of important upcoming dates. I would like to take this opportunity to direct your attention to Wednesday September 16, 2009. This is our Meet the Teacher night and parent of students from grades 9 – 12 are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for you to visit the school, classrooms, and teachers as we begin the academic journey of semester one.Â

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Sincerely,

Bruce Whitehead – Prinicpal