VIRTUAL TOUR: Hover over and click on the various images in the photo above to enter our virtual school.
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As we finish up our second week of Remote Learning, we wanted to once again thank you for your support. Teachers are sharing that students are engaged and classes are running smoothly! There is no doubt that this move back into a “Stay At Home” order will impact us all. As difficult as it is, we encourage everyone to follow the directives of the Premier, and Ottawa Public Health. Our best bet to get back into school is to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
VIRTUAL CLUBS: We have set up a series of “Safe Spaces” where students can come together virtually to connect with each other in a space that is dedicated to a specific interest. Staff have signed up to host students in a Google Meet in a variety of activities or to just hang out together to chat and connect. We are hoping this might give students an opportunity to connect with other GMS students with similar interests. The list of Safe Spaces is posted in each Google Classroom.
VIRTUAL HOMEWORK SUPPORT: The OCDSB Continuing Education department provides virtual homework support, at no cost in most subject areas Monday through Thursday from 3:45 pm until 7:30 pm. This is available to OCDSB students grades 7-12. If your child is interested in participating, please follow the link. Once this is completed your student will receive a code to enter the homework support program.
GRADE 9 TRANSITION: South Carleton will be hosting two virtual “Welcome to High School” Information sessions on Wednesday Jan. 20th. One of the sessions will be from 2-3 pm and the other will be from 6-7pm. More information about the High School Information Sessions can be found at: OCDSB Virtual High School Information Sessions
SCHOOL COUNCIL: Join us for our January meeting on January 26 at 6:30pm. Google Meet Link
STUDENT SUCCESS SITE: The GMS Guidance Team is here to help. Click on the link to access the Student Success website. Fill out the Guidance Form if you would like to speak to an adult about social, personal or academic concerns.
VIRTUAL LIBRARY: Mrs. Judd has created a website for families to access a wide variety of online resources. Please take a moment to check it out: Virtual Library
PICK UP and DROP OFF PLAN: For those parents who are driving their children to and from GMS, please take a moment to review the pick up and drop off plan.
DAILY COVID SELF-ASSESSMENT: EVERY student must complete the COVID SELF ASSESSMENT before leaving home each day. This will be key in keeping the virus out of the school. Please take the time to thoroughly review the screening tool with your child each morning, and if they are exhibiting any symptoms, keep them home.
MASKS: Please review with your child the importance of wearing their mask and keep a safe distance from other people. We will be very firm about ensuring students follow these expectations. All students coming to school at GMS will be expected to wear a mask while at school. It is very important that your children understand this is an expectation for everyone. In order for exceptions to be made, a note from their doctor must be provided indicating the reason for the necessary exemption. We understand that this will be difficult for the students to get used to. This is important in the work we are doing to minimize the risks for students and staff at GMS.
DRESSING FOR WINTER: As we move into winter, we recognize that students will need to wear boots to school and then have a change of shoes to put on at school. We have come up with a plan for students to store their winter boots in the classroom. Each student will be given a milk crate in which they will be able to put their boots when they take them off each day. We will line the crates with a large garbage bag to prevent the water from dripping onto the floor.
STUDENT ILLNESS: If your child is ill, you can call and leave a message OR email the school at ABSENTgoul@ocdsb.ca. This helps us complete our safe arrivals check in a timely manner each day.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: On mornings when weather and road conditions make transportation unsafe, please listen to local radio stations for transportation cancellations or school closures. The safety of students is always the first consideration when the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) makes the decision to cancel transportation services. Please note that when school buses are cancelled this applies to the whole day, although schools remain open for students. Parents who choose to drive their children to school must also pick them up by 2:25PM, the regular dismissal time. In terms of contacting the Safe Arrival line, students who normally take the bus will be automatically marked as absent. No phone call is expected or necessary.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Those students who were supposed to receive their immunizations in the Spring at school can book a time with Ottawa Public Health to get those completed. The information can be found here.
STUDENT HANDBOOK: This year, our Student Handbook is a virtual one. Please take some time to review it with your child. Once you have reviewed it with them, complete the link here.
INFORMATION GATHERING: All families are asked to complete the following electronic forms (Media Release , Acceptable Use of Technology and Student Verification.)