Hello Owen Families,
Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa to our families who celebrate. This is a joyous time to celebrate with families and look forward to a prosperous new year.
As we reflect on the start of this school year we started with many unknowns. Our start was delayed, students were entering school with masks and regular school activities were done at a distance. This was not how we expected to be at school.
However, we worked together as a community, staff worked hard to keep our spaces clean and trained students to learn how to be at school during a COVID pandemic. The efforts of everyone created an environment where students learn to respect the routines and are able to learn and play with friends in a safe and happy way. This can only happen through the efforts of us all.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy New Year. Happy Holidays from our Owen Staff!
Thank you!
From January 4-29, 2021, current grade 3 students, not already enrolled in Early French Immersion, can apply to start Middle French Immersion in September 2021, their Grade 4 year. Information about this NEW program is available in 22 languages here.
Middle French Immersion offers 100% French instruction in grades 4 and 5. In grades 6-8, 75% of the instruction is in French with English and Science taught in English. If necessary, for timetabling, specialist subjects, like gym, may be taught in English. In high school, Middle and Early French Immersion students will be in the same immersion program and will do 10 credits in French.
Middle French Immersion is being offered at 40 elementary schools across the TDSB. All on-time applicants are guaranteed a placement in the program but are not guaranteed a specific school. Bussing or TTC tickets are provided for elementary students according to TDSB transportation policy and procedures.
Apply here.
Virtual information sessions are being held January 14, 21, 27, 2021. Details here.
Step 1: Apply between Jan 4-29, 2021
Step 2: Check the email you provided on the application regularly, including junk mail folders, for an offer of placement. Carefully note the deadline for responding in the offer of placement email.
Step 3: Accept the placement by the deadline.
Further French program information is here.
Note: the grade 4 entry Extended French program is no longer being offered. During January 2021, current grade 6 students can apply to enter the Extended French program in September 2021, their grade 7 year. Applications are made directly to the Extended French grade 7 school. Watch for details here.
We are looking forward to returning to school on Monday January 4th 2021. However, in anticipation of an announcement by the ministry or the board, staff are prepared for remote learning at home. Staff have sent either work or devices home with your child on Friday. This work is only for the start in January, not work to be done over the holidays. We hope this time is used for families to spend quality time together, disconnect from technology and work and enjoy the holiday season together.
If we are pivoting to remote learning, we will send out a message to our families as soon as we know. You will want to be familiar with your child's Brightspace or Google Classroom.
Technical Support for Parents:
The TDSB Parent Support Line (416-396-9100) and the Student WebChat will be closed during the Winter Break and will re-open on Monday, January 4 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Staying Safe over the Break
We care about our Owen families and look forward to returning to school with staff and students healthy and all ready to go.
Please take a look at the COVID-19 Holiday Guide by TPH to help you and your family get through the holidays.
During the Winter Break, if you are reporting a case of COVID-19, please contact the TPH Health Connections Line at 416-338-7600. This telephone number will be monitored during the winter break.
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