Feb. 20, 2026
Feb. 20, 2026
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Dear Families,
With the beginning of Lent this week, we took time as a school community to gather and celebrate together. On Pancake Tuesday, our students enjoyed a special treat thanks to the generosity of our School Council. We are so grateful for their time and care in providing and delivering pancakes to our classes.
On Ash Wednesday, we came together in prayer and reflection. Our choir shared beautiful music, and our Grade 3 students did an excellent job leading us in prayer and readings. Thank you to Mrs. Conway’s class for thoughtfully organizing the ceremony and helping set a meaningful tone for the Lenten season.
Our Handball teams proudly represented St. Francis of Assisi at their tournaments at the Oz Dome. We are very proud of their sportsmanship and teamwork. Our Primary students embraced the winter weather during Winter Play Day today, while our Junior students showed their spirit yesterday as they gathered to cheer on Team Canada in women’s Olympic hockey.
Next Thursday, we look forward to welcoming motivational speaker Aubrey Noronha, who will be presenting to all students on the topic of “Sticking to the Truth.” We are excited for this opportunity to reinforce the importance of honesty, integrity, and strong character within our school community.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend - Go Team Canada!
Sincerely, Ms. Allison Wawryn
Principal
It’s time to get snacking for a great cause!
To help our Grade 6 graduating class reach their fundraising goals, we are thrilled to announce a school-wide Kernels Popcorn sale.
Movie Day: March 13
Movie Day: March 13
We will be having a Movie Day on Friday, March 13. All popcorn orders will be distributed to students on this day so they can enjoy their treats while they watch!
How to Order
How to Order
Deadline to Order: February 20th
Price per Bag: $2.50
How to pay: School cash online
Whether it’s a snack for the movie day or a few extra bags for home, your generosity makes a massive difference for our Grade 6 students.
Thank you so much for your continued support of our school community and for helping us celebrate our future grade 6 graduates.
OCSB Student Census
On Feb. 27, 2026, St. Francis of Assisi students in grades 4 through 6 will be completing the 2026 OCSB Student Census at school. Answers are voluntary and confidential.
For children in grades kindergarten through 3, a link to the Census will be sent to all parents via email.
The information collected will help us:
Plan programs and services that support student success.
Understand language, cultural, and identity needs in our schools.
Improve resources for students with diverse backgrounds.
Guide equity and inclusion work.
Identify areas where additional support is needed; and
Create schools where every student feels safe, welcome, and included.
Need more info? Consult: Board Census Webpage and FAQ, or contact your child’s school.
Your Ticket, Their Tomorrow: the CEFO 50/50 Raffle is back!
The Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa (CEFO) is an independent charitable arm of the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Since 1999, CEFO has supported OCSB students and their families during times of personal tragedy and financial hardship.
Again this year, OCSB has partnered with BUMP to host the CEFO 50/50 raffle. Every ticket you purchase will help support a child in need in our schools. You can purchase 50/50 tickets online at the CEFO 50/50 raffle website from 8:00 am on February 2 until noon on Friday, February 27. The winner will receive 50% of the total money raised through ticket sales, with the other 50% going to CEFO.
Every ticket purchased helps provide urgent support to OCSB students and families facing financial hardship. Get yours before February 27 and make a difference in our community! Buy a Ticket
Purdys Easter Chocolate Shoppe!
Whether you're looking to stock up on Easter essentials without a trip to the store, or you just need a little "snack stash", your purchase makes a real difference! Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly support school yard improvements and other School Council initiatives.
How to Order:
How to Order:
Ordering is easy!
Click here: https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000024230
Select "Start Supporting Now"
Fill your cart and pay directly through the website.
Select "Ship to Coordinator" to ensure free shipping and pick-up from the School Council or select "Ship to Me" for out of town purchasers.
Important Dates:
Order Deadline: Tuesday, March 3
Pick-up Date: Approximately one week before Easter. We will email you details once confirmed!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at council.stfrancis@gmail.com.
Please feel free to share this link with friends and family!
La semaine de la Francophonie à FRA During the month of March, the OCSB is celebrates la Francophonie. The Francophonie includes countries that share French culture and language. From March 2 to 6, St. Francis of Assisi School will be celebrating “La semaine de la Francophonie” prior to the International Francophonie Day (March 20).
Ottawa Public Library’s Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest
We are delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 edition of the Awesome Authors writing contest. Organized by Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and supported by the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA), this contest proudly encourages young people in our community to explore their creativity and develop their writing skills.
From January 12 until February 28, 2026, all youth aged 9 to 18, with a valid library card, are invited to submit work in any of the following categories: poetry, short story, or comics, in either English or French. Contest winners will not only have the opportunity to be published but will also receive exciting prizes. Full contest details can be found on the library website.
EQAO Math Night for Parents and Guardians
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
6:00 – 7:00 PM
EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Reading
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 PM
EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Writing
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 PM
CSPA General Meeting (February) Presentations by the Superintendent of Planning & Facilities AND our Student Trustees (hybrid event) - Wednesday, February 25 | 7:00 to 9:00 pm - Location: Catholic Education Centre, 570 West Hunt Club Rd.
Parents/ Guardians are invited to register (Register Now)
Neighbourhood Health & Wellness Hubs
Full schedule for services and locations of Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/NeighbourhoodHub
Keeping our schools healthy this winter
A message from Ottawa Public Health: As we enter the winter months, please monitor your child for symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, and keep them home until they are feeling better and fever-free. Viruses can spread through the air, close contact, and shared surfaces, so regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping vaccinations up to date—including flu and COVID-19—are important. Thank you for helping us keep our school community healthy and safe. For more information, click HERE.
Dress for the Weather
Dress for the Weather
Outdoor play is an important part of every child’s day. Fresh air and active play support physical health, social skills, creativity, and overall well-being.
Outdoor Play Reminder: We go outside in all kinds of weather! Please send your child with a hat, mitts and snowpants, as winter is upon us.
With the right clothing, students can enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely in every season.
Kiss & Ride
Kiss & Ride
If you are using the Kiss & Ride, please drive all the way down the roundabout to pick up your children safely. Do not pick up half way toward the roundabout.
This prevents students from running between cars, and keeps our Kiss & Ride running safely and smoothly.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Drop Off & Pick Up
Please remember: For safety, there is no car drop offs or pick-ups near the Junior exit in the small paved area: please do not use Charlemange as a pick up or drop off. That area must stay clear for student and pedestrian safety.
Instead, please use the Kiss N Ride or park a block away and walk to meet your children.
Thank you for helping us keep school safe for all students.
Feb. Black History Month
Feb. 20 - Motivational Speaker Aubery Norohna, Stick with the Truth
Feb. 25 - Pink Shirt Day (Anti-bullying day)
Mar. 3 - Grade 6- Junior Milestone Photo Day
May 30 - Confirmation Mass at Divine Infant Parish, 2pm
OSTA Parent Portal
OSTA Parent Portal
If your child takes the bus, please sign up and login for important bussing updates.
By your side: Parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning and well-being for every family. Click here.
Key topics in the Parent/Caregiver Learning Hub include:
· understanding mental health
· promoting mental health at home
· supporting mental health at school
· stress and anxiety management
· substance use prevention
· navigating digital technology use
· reaching out for help
Click here to submit your vulnerable sector check and become a volunteer at the school!
Students with Medical Conditions
Students with Medical Conditions
If your child has a medical condition, please see below.
In order to best care for your child, parents/guardians must download and print the OSCB Life Threatening Medical Condition and Request and Consent for Administration form and provide it to the school at the beginning of the school year. This form must be updated every school year and/or if the information or medication dosage changes.
In the link provided please also download and print out the corresponding Plan of Care Form that pertains to your child. The Plan of Care Form must be filled out by all new students or if there are any changes to an existing student's plan of care.
If there is no change to your Plan of Care then you can skip it and download and print out the Annual Review Form which can be found at the bottom of the first link.
Please hand in all applicable forms to the front office at St. Francis of Assisi.
If your child no longer has a medical condition please go on to your Parent Portal, log-in, under the purple banner select Forms, select OCSB Student Verification for the child you want to make the change for. Fill out the areas only where there is a change and click submit.
Medication must be sent to school in the original container with your child's name clearly on the label.
Epipens and Asthma Inhalers – Two are recommended , one with the child and one at the office.
Please fill in the linked forms for your child and send them in to the office. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
All the above information and more can be found at https://www.ocsb.ca/parents/student-health/.
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