Principal Message - Sept 19th, 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Photo Day
Our first photo day is on Monday. We ask that all students arrive on time to help facilitate the photo taking process.
Meet-the-Staff-Night
Our Meet-the-Staff will be this Thursday, September 25th from 4:30-6:30 pm. We are looking forward to seeing you then.
Volunteering at GMS this year?
This year, it is mandatory that all OCDSB volunteers have an up to date Vulnerable Sector Police Check. Volunteers will therefore need to have a current Police Check before they can volunteer for possible classroom and trips / activities.
The Ottawa Network for Education supports schools by registering and vetting volunteers. When you apply through ONFE, they will provide you with a letter that you can use to apply for the police check free of charge.
Once you receive the necessary approvals. Please keep your documents as they will need to be updated into the electronic parent volunteer forms you receive.
We appreciate the time and support our volunteers give our school. You all make a terrific school even better!
Rosh Hashanah
Happy Rosh Hashanah to all those who observe this important time of celebration, introspection, and reflection for Jewish families. Shanah Tovah to all who are celebrating!
Student Accident Insurance
Creating a caring and safe environment for our students is our top priority. Unfortunately, despite all reasonable precautions being taken, accidents can still happen. Some injuries may result in medical, dental or other expenses that are not covered by provincial health care or employer group plans and caregivers become responsible for these expenses.
The OCDSB does not provide student accident insurance and encourages all caregivers to consider purchasing accident insurance or student accident insurance for incidents that may not be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or any additional medical plans they have.
Student accident insurance is available for purchase, on a voluntary basis. Caregivers may apply online at insuremykids.com or call 1-800-463-5437. The accident insurance coverage options range from $17.00/year to $33.00/year. All plans provide 24/7 coverage and a variety of important accident benefits (benefit limits differ based on plan selected). If you have any questions, please call Jones DesLauriers Ottawa (formerly Binks Insurance Brokers) directly at 613-226-1350.
Electronic Forms that Need to Be Completed
Please complete the following electronic forms to assist us with a smooth startup:
Media/School Website Permission Form
Appropriate Use of Technology Form
Student Medical Concerns
The OCDSB Plan of Care form is used to share information with the school regarding a variety of life-threatening medical conditions such as anaphylactic allergies, diabetes, seizures, asthma, and other conditions. This information is collected annually. If your child has any medical condition, we ask that you please complete the electronic form attached below at your earliest convenience, so that we may provide appropriate care at school.
Reporting a student’s absence
SafeArrival is OCDSB's student absence management system. This SchoolMessenger system allows parents/guardians to use a mobile app, a website, or an interactive toll-free phone line to report a student’s absence in advance. It enhances student safety, verifies absences in a timely manner, and improves notification time with parents and caregivers.
Instructions on using the Safe Arrival system can be found here
OPH Immunization Clinic
Ottawa Public Health will be holding their first immunization clinic at GMS on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding the immunizations, you can visit www.ParentingInOttawa.ca/
Upcoming Events:
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-Fall Photo Day- Sept. 22, 2025
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Thursday, September 25th from 4:30-6:30 pm - Meet the Staff NIght
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Monday, September 29th - PA Day - NO School for Students
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Tuesday, October 7th - OPH Immunization Clinic
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Oct. 29, 2025 (including class group photos) - -Fall Retake Day
Resources:
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2025-2026 Elementary School Year Calendars
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Mental Health in Action: Tip sheets, videos, community and crisis resources, and more.