The weeks here at Vimy Ridge have been producing some exciting learning, student engagement and, overall, a wonderful feeling of community. Winter weather continues to stick around, our yard has been maintained very well, allowing for spaces to play. A reminder that Ottawa typically has freeze-thaw cycles which does create puddles in our yard. Being dressed for the weather is such an important part of enjoying our winters.

The Lions Club came to deliver the food from our Food Drive to the Food Bank today. We want to thank everyone again for their support. Together we raised over 500 items and this was a wonderful community building event, initiated and led by students! We are very proud of the student leadership.

Help Name the New Riverside South Secondary School!
Hi Everyone!

Exciting news! We're getting ready to open our brand new high school in Riverside South in September 2025! It will welcome students in grades 7-10, with these options:

• Grades 7 & 8: English with Core French, Early French Immersion, and Middle French Immersion!
• Grade 9 & 10: English and French Immersion

While the school is currently using the name ‘Riverside South’, we need your help to find its permanent name! We want a name that truly reflects our community and what makes this school special.

We'd love for you to share your creative ideas through our quick online survey. Students, parents, caregivers, staff, and community members are all welcome to participate!

Thinking about a great name? Here are some things to consider:

1. Does it reflect the school's programs?
2. Does it connect to the local environment (like plants, animals, or geographical features)?
3. Does it reflect the significance to Indigenous peoples and the location of the school on traditional unceded Algonquin homelands?
4. Does it relate to a nearby street, road, or community?
5. Does it honour a significant Canadian event or achievement?
6. Is it unique and different from other school names in Ottawa?

Want to get even more involved? We're also forming a naming committee that will meet virtually after school. If you're interested in joining, please let us know on the survey form. While we'd love to have everyone, space on the committee might be limited.

Ready to share your ideas? Just click the link below to take the survey! Please submit your suggestions by 4:00 p.m. on March 5, 2025. We can't wait to hear your ideas!

Name Suggestion Form

A few reminders for parents and students...

Winter play includes being careful on the snow and slippery surfaces. We are reminding students to play safely in the snow. This includes keeping the snow on the ground, it is not to be thrown (or tossed…) at others. Soccer in the snow is very different from warmer weather. At school slide tackling should not be part of our soccer games. The professional players we all watch make slide tackles look easy, which also includes a lot of training and practice. At school slide tackles are dangerous and should not be part of a school game.

Toys, stuffies and other play items need to stay at home. We understand that students like to share these with their friends, however they become very big distractions at school. Please remind your child to keep those items at home. This includes materials for “crafting”. Unless there has been a direct request from the teacher to bring items for a special activity all extra items need to stay home.

The school day ends at 3:45 pm and it makes for better learning and less interruptions when students do not leave early.  We understand that appointments are unavoidable and so when you need to  pick kids up early, please notify the classroom teacher and the office the morning of whenever possible. If you know of an appointment sooner than the day of, please let the teacher and office know as soon as possible. As much notice to the teacher and office is greatly appreciated. This makes it easier for the teacher and the office to have your child ready for you. We ask that all early pickups happen before 3:00 as some classes have outdoor DPA or are getting ready for end of day routines and it may be difficult to locate students.

Personal devices away while at school. We are still reminding students to put their phones and earbuds away. Some of our students have been reminded multiple times, and for some we will be calling parents to help remind their students and/or ask that phones be left at home. Phones, and other devices, are to be off and out of sight during the school day, including recess, nutrition break and getting on the school bus. Leaving the phone off, or at home is a successful way to manage this distraction.

As per PR 622 IT - Appropriate Use of Information Technology (Students), The District will not accept liability for loss, theft, or damage to any Personal Mobile Device while on District property, except where it can be shown that such loss was due to negligence on the part of the District.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sandra Walker, Andrew Thorp and Jannah Campbell
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Wize Academy After School Program

Wize computing is taking registration for their  Spring session - Register here for Modding in Minecraft ages 6 plus. Starts on 17th March to 26 May 2025 on Mondays from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. WIZE Academy at 613-415-8844

Respect for all

For the past few years we have focused on learning about the impact of hateful speech and racist comments. We appreciate your support in this continued learning. Unfortunately, examples of this type of conduct are easy to find on social media outlets. Racist, homophobic and hate language is not acceptable at school. Vimy Ridge is proud of our diversity, and wants to celebrate each and every individual. We are grateful for all your support. 

Breakfast Program

Our Breakfast program is now serving over 70 students each school day! Children who walk are welcome to come to the servery starting at 8:45. If your child is on a bus they can come when they get to school. We are looking for volunteers to help with the Breakfast program. Please email andrew.thorp@ocdsb.ca if you are able to help.

No Food Sharing

A reminder that Vimy Ridge has a “no food sharing” policy in our classes. We have too many allergies at Vimy Ridge for this to be done safely. Sharing candy, treats and other snacks also presents an equity issue between students. Please remind your students to eat the food provided by their family and not to share with other students in class.