Please check the following website in August to find details about registration - http://internationallanguagesinottawa.com .
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We have successfully reached the end of the International and Indigenous Language Program`s academic year and we are very appreciative of your support as we continued through the remote learning format.
We are filled with pride for all our students who continued their studies in the target languages and participated in the learning opportunities provided under the new circumstances. All students of the IILP will receive their Certificate of Participation in the language class during 2019-2020. The Certificates will be sent electronically in June. They will be sent to the emails provided by the Parents/Guardians. If for any reason, you do not receive the Certificate of Participation for your child please contact your instructor, or send an email to iilp@ocdsb.ca.
Classes will conclude on June 6, 2020. Remote learning engagements and interactions will take place that day. Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold our annual graduation ceremonies this year, but instructors will have a chance to congratulate students for all their achievements and progress in the languages of their study. On Saturday, June 13th, we would have held optional drop-in parent-teacher meetings. If you would like to set up an appointment on June 13th to discuss your child's progress, please email the instructor to do so.
Summer Program
This summer, the International Languages classes will be offered to students in grades 1-8 virtually on weekdays from July 2 to July 24, 2020. To clarify, students who have just completed Grade 1 (born in 2013) are old enough to be registered, and any students younger than this cannot register. Instructors will use Google Meet as well as other tools to deliver this program. The majority of the language classes will be offered in the morning, between 9:30am and 12:00pm in: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Chin, Dari, Greek, Hindi, Japanese, Kannada, Lai, Mandarin, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Somali, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Students can also register for language classes that are offered between 1:00pm and 3:00pm in: Arabic, Mandarin, Pashto, Persian (Farsi), Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Students cannot attend the same language twice a day but can register in different languages.
Please note that the offering of the language classes is subject to enrolment.
To register your child please complete and submit the Online Registration form. Parents who have already completed the hard copy registration form for the onsite program, will still need to complete the new online Registration Form for the Virtual Languages Summer Program.
The deadline for submitting the Registration Form is June 15, 2020. Students who will be accepted in the program will be contacted by June 25th with a confirmation of acceptance.
Please visit the IILP Summer Program website for further information.
Next year, 2020-2021
Unless other directions are received from the Ministry of Education, the Board continues planning for the provision of the International & Indigenous Languages Program for students from JK to Grade 8 next school year, 2020-2021.
Please consult the OCDSB International & Indigenous Languages Elementary Program website for updates and further information during the summer. Information regarding how to register in September will appear in August.
Best of wishes for you and your families for a great summer. Stay well and healthy,
Katherine Nix
Site Principal, Cambridge Street Public School, International and Indigenous Language Program
Earlier this week, the Ontario government extended school closures. No precise date has been given yet, and we will update parents once we know the new planned date school will reopen.
Each Saturday morning, our language instructors are emailing parents optional tasks in order to offer opportunities for remote learning. So far, we have enjoyed seeing photos of what students have accomplished at home and we appreciate what parents are able to do to facilitate remote learning. We are aiming to avoid stress on parents, so if you cannot get to all of the learning tasks, please do not worry about this. Should you want any specific feedback or have any questions about lessons, please ask your child`s instructor.
Summer IILP classes: Information regarding language classes offered during summer can be found here - https://ocdsb.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=55478&pageId=8587411 . Note that 440 Albert, the main office for registering for summer IILP classes, is CLOSED. At the moment, there is a PAUSE on summer registration for about one week until senior OCDSB staff make a decision regarding how to run the summer programs. We will update our summer information in approximately one week.
School closures and connecting with families: Over the next few days, your child`s IILP language instructor will reach out to you by email and perhaps by phone to check on your family`s well-being, and to ask about your family`s access to technology. We are hoping to have IILP parents complete this survey - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJAJ-g-oTSQHqqQW87WnanbfRjQWlZ-xMPFQRNYZsFqxPGOA/viewform?usp=sf_link . We will provide more information regarding what the IILP learning will look like after April 4th, when we will have received direction from the Ministry of Education, and when we will hopefully have connected with all our families.
Summer IILP classes: Families are still able to register for summer IILP classes. Due to the current situation, the OCDSB will NOT collect any money from parents at this time. Fees for language classes and camps will be collected in July, if and when the program begins. Here is the link with registration information - https://ocdsb.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=55478&pageId=8587411 . Note that 440 Albert, the main office for registering for summer IILP classes, is CLOSED. Our IILP summer class registration process is being switched to be put online, but the switch has not yet been made. I will send another update once the online summer registration system is up and running.
March 12th, 2020
We have just received word that the OCDSB`s Saturday morning International and Indigenous Language classes will be canceled this coming Saturday, March 14th. Because of March break, we will not have class on March 21st. Due to the government directive to close schools for two weeks following March break, classes are canceled March 28th and April 4th. Because of the Easter long weekend, we will not have class April 11th.
This means that classes will resume Saturday, April 18th.
I hope your families stay in good health and enjoy the break(s). Thank you.
Katherine Nix, Site Principal, Cambridge St. P.S. International and Indigenous Language Program
March 7th, 2020
February 1st, 2020
Thank you for your cooperation.
January 25th, 2020
Dear Parents,
Just a reminder that the Chinese new year lunch tickets are sold by OCLS. There will not be any tickets at the office. These tickets will be sold before and after classes in the lobby.
There have also been questions regarding the Chinese new year performance. The performance will be held on Feb 8, at approximately 9:45am.
I hope everyone has a safe and great week.
Thomas Tran
January 18th, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Below are some reminders about our calendar in February.
As it becomes colder outside, please send your child dressed appropriately. On your way in and out of the school, please ensure your children do not run. This helps us avoid slips, trips and falls. Lastly, please send your child with a water bottle and a snack.
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Below are some reminders about our calendar between now and the end of January.
As it becomes colder outside, please send your child dressed appropriately. On your way in and out of the school, please ensure your children do not run. This helps us avoid slips, trips and falls. Lastly, please send your child with a water bottle and a snack.
Tomorrow, November 16th, classes will begin at 10:15 and end at 11:45. The morning will be a Professional Development session for teachers. We would like to thank families for their cooperation in bringing the kids an hour later than usual.
We hope that families celebrating Halloween have a great time this week. Next week is picture day for kindergarten Chinese language classes. On November 16th, we have mandatory professional development, so all language classes will start at 10:15 and end at the normal time, 11:45. Thank you.
Saturday October 5th
Next weekend is a holiday weekend, so there will be NO CLASS on Saturday, October 12th. Classes will resume Saturday, October 19th. We hope you enjoy the long weekend!
On October 19th, Mandarin and Cantonese language classes are having an open house for parents from 11:15-11:45. This means that parents are welcome to come into class for the last thirty minutes to observe and ask questions. Teachers will provide information about the school year, including details about exams and celebrations.
Saturday September 28th
As fall approaches and the seasons start to change we hope that students will dress accordingly.
Saturday September 21st
This is the second week of class, and we hope everyone has settled into their new school environment.
Today we will be sending home some letters which include the important date and information. This will only be sent out to parents who enrolled their kids this week, because everyone else got them last week. In the office there will also be alternate pick up forms. If you would like your child to leave with another relative or with a family friend, we ask that you fill this form out. If you want your child to walk home alone, please fill the form out. These forms will be in the office starting next week.
Many parents for the Arabic class has paid for the books, but have not received them yet. Not to worry, because we will be ordering more books for the next few weeks and your child will definitely be getting one.
Sorry for the inconvenience to all parents who are grabbing/swapping books. OCLS did not come this week, and will no longer be coming to our sites. If there are any issues with the books, please go to Adult High School on Rochester, there you will be able to get your books.
As of next week, we will not be allowing parents into the classroom unless they are volunteering and have gone through the volunteering process getting a criminal background check. Parents are welcome to wait in the hallways, in the foyer, or in the gym, but not in the classrooms.
I hope all your children have had great mornings at their language program so far. We wish them all the best for the rest of the school year. We encourage that all parents use the website as this is a great way for us to answer questions and keep everyone up to date. Therefore, if you know other families not using the website please encourage them to come to our website.
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Registration for the new school year will take place at Cambridge from 9:15 until 11:45 am on Saturday, September 7th. There will be no class - Classes will begin the following Saturday, on September 14th.
June 8th will be the last day to register for the afternoon Chinese camp specifically, due to our need to finalize hiring, as well as workshop and field trip bookings for the children attending the camp.
Saturday, May 25th, 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please note that Saturday, June 8th is our last day of language class. Students will receive report cards.
On June 8th, Arabic classes will celebrate in the gym starting at 9:30, and are therefore welcome to wear traditional clothing, bring allergen-free traditional food. They are also welcome to attend with their families.
On Saturday, June 15th parents may drop in to speak to language instructors about their child`s progress and report card between 9:30 and 10:30am. There are no classes June 15th.
We would like to remind families that summer registration is open. For the month of July, Cambridge will offer morning language classes from Monday to Friday in Cantonese, Chin, Lai, Karen, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Afternoon classes will be offered in Spanish. There will be a camp in the afternoons in Cantonese and Mandarin. Arabic language classes are offered at six other school locations. Other languages are also offered at other school locations. See us in the office for details and to register, or visit the website. Programs will run if enough students register. https://ocdsb.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=55478&pageId=8587411 . June 8th will be the last day to register for the Chinese camp specifically, due to our need to finalize hiring, as well as workshop and field trip bookings for the children attending the camp.
Below you will find relevant information pertaining to our Chinese Kindergarten classes.
Katherine Nix, Site Principal, Cambridge Street Community Public School, International and Indigenous Languages Program
Saturday, May 11th 2019
Dear parents,
Just a quick reminder that next week there will no school due to Victoria day weekend. School will resume the week after on May 25.
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Saturday, May 4 2019
Dear Parents,
Thank you to all the parents who have participated in our fire drill as it was very successful. There are no plans to have another one before the end of the year but parents are encouraged to remind your children about safety procedures in case of a real emergency. I hope everyone has a great week!
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Saturday, April 27 2019
Dear Parents,
Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend. Our next long weekend will be on May 18 (Victoria day).
Just a reminder that we are in the rainy season so please dress accordingly.
Furthermore, there will be a fire drill practice within the upcoming weeks.
Student Helper
Bernice Cheung
Saturday, April 13th 2019
Dear parents,
Time passes by very quickly and we are already in the middle of April. We would like to remind all parents that summer school/camp is now open for registration. For more information please take a look at the post made on March 30th. Due to an increase in demand the school board is now ready to offer 4 weeks of Chinese camp and both in Mandarin and Cantonese. Please register if you are interested as it will only open if there are enough students participating. During the morning announcement, we have noticed some late students walk to their classroom while our national anthem is playing. We ask that students and parents stand where they are to pay respect to our nation. If parents see students/ other parents walking please help us in reminding them that they should not be moving while the anthem is going on, even if they are late for class. Please note that Easter holiday is next week and the school will be closed. School will resume the week after, on April 27th. Thanks you and we hope the everyone has a great break.
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Saturday, April 6th 2019
Dear parents,
Just a reminder of some important dates that are coming up which would cause the school to be closed:
Furthermore our last day of classes will be June 8.
A friendly reminder that registration for summer school/camp is now open. To clarify for all Chinese parents that the Chinese summer camp will also be offered in Cantonese (as well as Mandarin), and is now being offered for all four weeks in July, but will only run if enough students are registered in the program.
Thank you! If there are any further questions please come to the main office!
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Saturday, March 30th, 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The OCDSB International Languages Program has opened registration for summer programs. Information can be found on the website at https://ocdsb.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=55478&pageId=8587411 , or get a registration form in the main office. You are able to choose from various summer language classes and camps at several sites throughout the city. The programs run from July 2nd to 26th. This year Cambridge will offer Cantonese, Chin, Karen, Lai, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Spanish classes (Spanish is in the afternoons only). Families have the option to combine morning language class with afternoon Chinese camp (offered in both Mandarin and Cantonese) for a full-day program. You can register your child for these programs at our site or at headquarters (440 Albert street room 121E). If parents have any further questions you are welcome to come to the main office and we will answer them to the best of our ability!
Katherine Nix, Site Principal, Cambridge Street Community Public School, International and Indigenous Languages Program
Mar 23
Dear parents,
I hope everyone had a great family day weekend, just a reminder that if you are late for the morning assembly and O-Canada is going on, we ask that you and your child wait until the national anthem is finished before walking to your class lineup. This is to pay respect to our country.
Also as winter is coming to an end and its the start of spring, the snow will be melting over the next couple of weeks. This also means that the entrance to the school might be slippery, we ask that parents and students be careful of the wet floors when coming into the school. We have also noticed that when students are late they start to run, to their classes, please note that this is very dangerous and ask that you remind your child not to run even if they are late for class.
I hope everyone has a great day of classes! Thank you!
Office Assitant
Thomas Tran
Mar 9
Dear parents,
I hope everyone is enjoying the school year, just a couple of important notes:
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Saturday, March 2nd, 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As March break approaches, I would like to remind families of the following:
We hope you enjoy your March break.
Katherine Nix, Site Principal, Cambridge Street PS, IILP
Feb 23
Dear all parents,
I hope everyone had a great Family day weekend. We have noticed an issue with our parking lot as there are people who are parking there over night. We are sorry for the inconvenience as we are currently trying to resolve this issue. The office staff are also putting notices on windshields, so if you see a notice and you are not one of the cars that were parked there over night, please disregard the form.
Thank you for your cooperation
Office Assistant
Thomas Tram
Feb 9
Dear all parents,
There will be no class next week (February 16) as it is family day. School will resume on February 23. We hope everyone stays warm and safe over the holidays.
This will be Kennath Mak's last week as our site principal, we thank him for the work he has done for the school. Please give a warm welcome to our new site principal, Kathrine Nix, who will be taking over Kennath's position.
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Jan 26
Dear all parents,
I hope everyone is safe after the large snow storm that has just occurred on Wednesday. There have been a lot of questions regarding when the school is open and when it is closed. Below will be a list of when there will be no classes on Saturday:
Therefore, the next day that students will have no classes will be on February 16. I hope this clarifies the dates that students do not have classes, but feel free to drop by my office if there are any further questions.
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran
Jan 12
Dear Chinese, Chin, and Lai Language Families
We will be having a celebration of Chinese New Year and Chin National Day celebrations on Feb 9. On that day, our families are invited to attend the celebration assembly which will be held on Feb 9. As this is a cultural celebration, we ask that you check with your child's teacher should you have any allergy concerns in advance.
Ottawa Chinese Language School CNY Luncheon - Feb 9 - Adult HS
For our kinder families who wish to participate, there will be a special luncheon offered by OCLS featuring some Chinese dishes and fare. Tickets will be available for purchase at Cambridge beginning this week and right up to the date of the celebration. Please note that there will be a discounted price for those who wish to purchase their tickets on or before Jan 26. There will be more information in our foyer area or feel free to contact OCLS directly should you have any questions.
December 15
Dear Families of Cambridge Street PS IILP
On behalf of all staff at our language school, we wish you and your child a wonderful holiday ahead in the next two weeks. Classes will resume JANUARY 5, 2019.
Have a great holiday ahead.
Ken Mak
December 8
As stated in previous communication, KG parents are reminded to provide your child's teacher with a pre-labelled and wrapped gift for your child. As a reminder we will be having a festive celebration in the gym from 9:30 - 11:00. Parents are welcomed to attend. In consideration of media and privacy concerns, we ask that during the celebration that you only take pictures of your child should you wish to take pictures during the celebration.
Regards
Ken Mak
December 8
Dear parents,
The school will be closed on December 22 and 29 due to the holiday break. School will resume on January 5 2019. Teachers may give some homework over the holidays. We hope everyone will stay warm and have a great break. Hope to see you soon!
Cambridge Office staff
December 1
Dear Chinese KG Parents
Our annual holiday celebration will be held on December 15 from 9:30 - 11. During that celebration, there will be an opportunity for our students to celebrate before the winter break.
For our KG students, there will be gift giving opportunity for your child to participate. Our KG instructors have asked that you bring a wrapped gift with your child's name clearly marked so that it can be given to your child that day. There will also be some chips and juice for your child. If you have any allergy concerns please do speak to your child's teacher.
Please bring the gift to your child's teacher by December 8, next week.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken Mak
November 30
Dear Igbo Language Parents and Students
Due to various circumstances, our Igbo language classes ONLY will be cancelled for December. All other classes are unaffected. Igbo class instruction will resume December 8.
Thanks
Ken Mak
November 3
Dear Cambridge Parents
As noted in our calendar of events, our instructors will be engaging in a board-wide professional development session on Nov 17. Our school will be closed for that day.
Housekeeping Reminder
We have begun to see the first few snowflakes and the winter season is approaching. During these next months we ask that you provide your child with indoor footwear so that we can maintain our floors dry. Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken Mak
November 2018
Dear Parents of the IILP at Cambridge Street PS.
Thank you to all of you for taking the time to check this site out. On this site you will find important messages about various events that occur throughout the year as well as any news updates as required. Please note that this site will only be posting information text and no pictures of students, names of students will be used. Should you wish to discuss your child's progress please continue to consult your child's language teacher. Please do check out our Calendar tab for a listing of the events that will be happening during 2018-2019. As important messages come up, you will see it on this main page.
Again my sincere thanks and look forward to connecting with you all throughout our academic year.
Ken Mak
Site Principal
Cambridge Street PS IILP
Saturday September 14th
Just like that summer is over and everyone is heading back to school. I hope your child has enjoyed the first two week of school and we are very glad to see them attending our language program. This website will be used to relay important messages as well as answer any questions that have frequently occurred.
Just a reminder that school starts at 9:15 and ends at 11:45. Please note this start and end time is a little different compared to the other schools. Parents are encouraged to pack a snack for your child as we do have snack and activity time. Next week, we will have a new teacher to split the mandarin class into JK and SK as we have enough registration to do so. Please note your child might not be staying in Guiqi Li's class as it will be split based on grade.
We would like to apologize the chaos with registration, particularly for our Chinese languages. We have had to change our policies this year and will be working to improve the process for next year. Thank you for all of the constructive criticism that was given to the office over the past two weeks.
If there are any questions and concerns, parents are encouraged to come to the office to talk to me, the office assistant or the site principal Katherine Nix. Thank you and I hope this will be a start to a very successful year!
Office Assistant
Thomas Tran