St. Cecilia School

OCSB Continuing & Community Education is excited to share that registration is now open for our 2026–2027 International Languages Programs – Elementary and Secondary Credit!

The International Languages Secondary Credit Program gives students in Grades 9–12 the opportunity to earn up to three Ontario secondary school credits while developing their language skills and learning about diverse cultures. With 14 languages available, students can strengthen a home language, continue learning a language they already know, or explore a new one. Classes are offered on Saturdays through in-person and virtual options, from September 19, 2026, to June 5, 2027.

The International Languages Program – Elementary is also available for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, offering a welcoming environment where students can explore a new language or strengthen their home language through engaging language learning and activities. Registration is on-going throughout the school year.

We would appreciate your help in sharing these opportunities with students and families in your school communities, particularly with students in Grades 9–12 who may be interested in earning secondary school credits through language learning. Both International Languages Programs are free for Ontario residents.

Important info for OSTA bussing for 2026-2027:  

• Grade 7:  Update to Walk Zone for students of St Joseph Intermediate and High School (May 27th, 2026)

• Kindergarten to Grade 6:  Opting out of transportation for 2026-2027:  Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) is launching its annual opt-out process to enhance bus routing and transportation planning for the 2026-2027 school year.  If your child(ren) will not require school bus transportation next school year, please complete the electronic opt-out form to inform OSTA that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions. Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility.  The opt-out form is now available on OSTA’s website. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026.

OSC (Ottawa Safety Council) is starting their upcoming recruitment for the 2026/2027 school year. We had such a wonderful year and I was wondering if you would be able to share with your local school communities or occasional staff that we are beginning to look for Adult Crossing Guards in all wards within the City of Ottawa.

In addition, they are also going to be looking for 2 bilingual WalkSafe presenters. This would be great opportunity for retired French teachers who want to continue being involved in the school community and teach students about road safety. The job posting for this position will be active by the end of the week.

Some benefits of being an Adult Crossing Guard include: 

• Supplemental income

• Short shifts (40 minutes to 1.5 hours per shift)

• Community involvement and connection

• A way to get fresh air and stay active

• Support children on their walk to school

• Keeping your community safe

People who are interested may apply directly on our website at http://crossing-guard.ca/. 

OSC recruiting poster

My instinct is to say summer went by quickly but I really think this entire year has gone by quickly.  Most of you will know that I took a leave of absence from mid February to mid August. I know there was a large number of parishioners who were praying for my family and we are very grateful for these prayers.  My daughter had a bone marrow transplant on May 1st and is doing well.

Now we are in September and will settle into a routine.  Check what is upcoming in the parish in the bulletin.  Maybe you will want to participate in something new.

Click the link for the bulletin: https://saintandrewparish.ca/bulletins 

Enjoy your long weekend.  If you are planning a road trip, be careful on the roads.

God Bless,

Janice

____________________

Janice Pilgrim

Administrative Assistant, St. Andrew Parish

Parish Office located at:

St. Monica Church

2080 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2C 3H1

Office Hours:  Monday - Friday  9:00 am - 4:00 pm

                       (closed for lunch b/w 12:00 pm  - 1:00 pm)

(613) 723-9767 ext 1

parish2002@gmail.com

www.saintandrewparish.ca

Bulletins | St. Andrew Catholic Parish

SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION - click the link for the details and sign up QR code

PowerPlay Multi-Sports Camp

This year marks the 22nd year that Barrhaven hosts a sports camp in the evenings for students in grades 2-6 based at either St. Luke or St. Juan Catholic School. PowerPlay Multi-Sports Camp offers 24 weeks of specialized skill development in volleyball, basketball, badminton and soccer on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.   Amazing 3:1 student to instructor ratio.  Have fun, gain confidence and develop friendships and a healthy, active lifestyle.  Registration and additional information can be found at:  www.powerplaymsc.weebly.com   PowerPlay Photo Ad

Pirouette Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

WHAT IS RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS?

Rhythmic gymnastics is a woman-only Olympic Sport that incorporates elements from ballet, gymnastics, dance and apparatus manipulation. Gymnasts perform on a 13 x 13 m floor with a rope, hoop, ball, clubs or ribbon accompanied by music, in individual or group events. A routine must consist of pirouettes, balances, leaps and dance steps. Gymnasts must be in constant movement for the entire routine (1.5 mins individual or 2.5 mins for groups).  Each movement involves a high degree of athletic skill. Physical abilities needed by a rhythmic gymnast include strength, power, flexibility, agility, dexterity, endurance and hand-eye coordination.

Pirouette RG Club offers different programs to children of all ages and abilities in a warm, friendly environment, teaching rhythmic gymnastics in the Barrhaven/Riverside South, Manotick areas of Ottawa. Our goal is to help gymnasts develop skills such as flexibility, balance, endurance, power, grace and apparatus technique while all the while having fun! All of our classes are designed to meet each participant’s individual needs and level of performance, while maintaining program standards and learning objectives.​

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@pirouetterg.com for more info/questions!

WEBSITE

Dental Screening - flyer

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

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 that highlights 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

The Merivale Dental Clinic location is: 1580 Merivale Road, Suite 400. You can contact the dental information line at 613-580-3300.  Do not hesitate to contact them if you have questions. 

Community Services for Families in Need - link will open a page of resources

Our school uses SafeArrival to report student absences. SafeArrival is designed to make it easier, faster, and more convenient for families to report absences and late arrivals.

With SafeArrival, there’s no need to call the school and leave a message. Instead, you can quickly and securely report your child’s absence in one of three ways:

• Using the SM Home App: Download and install the SM Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• Online: Visit home.schoolmessenger.ca.

• Phone: Call the toll-free number 1-844-478-2598 and follow the prompts

Further detailed instructions are available on the OCSB website.

Access resources to support children’s mental health:

Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinar series for parents and caregivers

Last year, School Mental Health Ontario launched the By Your Side parent/caregiver learning hub and toolkit for school staff, filled with research-based practical resources, tools and supports tailored to the needs of Ontario families.

This spring, School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics to support their children’s mental health.

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:

•  balanced device use

•  vaping

•  body image

•  anxiety

The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance.

Sessions run March to June

 Register for free today

We encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in this informative series. Together, we can support the well-being of our children and communities.

https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/

SMH-ON Resources