Sunday, 24 January 2021

Owen Family Update - Week of January 25, 2021

Hello Owen Families,

We hope you all had an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine this weekend as a family.  This is a busy week for staff as they will be finishing report cards. Report cards will be available on Thursday February 11th and interviews will be around that time.  Your teacher will send out a sign up for their interview schedule soon.

There are great resources around Mental Health and your Child that would be fun to do as a family.  Please check it out below.  These align with Bell's Let's Talk Day this Thursday.

Just a reminder to parents to email staff to schedule a meeting if you have questions or concerns about your child.  Please do not use the chat in the Google Classroom or go on the Google Meet/Zoom during class.  We want the classes to continue with minimal disruptions to instructional time as we would normally when students are in school.

Thank you to our Lunch Supervisors, Educational Assistant and Special Needs Assistants for providing extra support for small group and individual reading and activity time.  This extra support is very much appreciated!

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Spirit Day: Disguise Day - January 29th

Friday January 29th is Disguise Day.  Can you dress up to look like someone or something else and conceal your identity?  Here are some examples:

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Mental Wellness and Your Child

During the pandemic, regular routines have changed for students and can be difficult for students to know when things are bothering them.  We are constantly looking at ways to change our programming and online environment to adapt to student needs.  Here are some tips and resources to help your child with remote learning.  Feel free to watch some of the videos/audios with your child.  It would be a great fun family activity.

Noticing Mental Health Concerns for Your Child from School Mental Health Ontario
Try this as a family

Kids Meditation - Butterfly Body Scan


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Bell Let's Talk Day:  Thursday January 28th

Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 28 and Owen will be joining in to help create positive change for mental health. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of the Facebook frame or Snapchat filter.


The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including mental health. When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts. There are many actions big and small that we can do to improve our own mental health and the lives of people living with mental health issues. Stay tuned to the announcements for a new action each day leading up to Bell Let’s Talk Day. 


Together, the students at Owen can join in to help create positive change. Remember that our teachers, counsellors and principals are here to listen and provide you with support.


Try as many of the Self Care Activities as a family.  It's fun to do and bring the family closer together!
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Middle Immersion French Program

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 

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Family Tech Support for Online Learning

The TDSB is providing support for families who may be having difficulties with helping their child navigate through their online learning.  By clicking the link below, you can gain access to support on using google classroom and Brightspace, logging into a student account, tdsb device support, and live web chats.



There is also a phone number you can call Monday- Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm for support.

416 396 9100


Owen teachers are also able to help with their learning platforms.  You can contact them by email.


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Inspiring Possibilities: Estate Planning Guide 2020

Community Living Ontario is partnering with PooranLaw to host a free webinar to showcase the updated Inspiring Possibilities: Estate Planning Guide 2020.  

Brendon Pooran will be presenting and answering questions related to estate planning as part of a series of informative sessions geared to families.  The guide covers all aspects of the tax, trust, and estate planning process for people who have an intellectual disability and their families. 

Please click on the registration link below and join us on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 7-8:30 pm.


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Student News!








MORE OWEN ONLINE LEARNING FUN CAN BE FOUND BY CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW: 




If you have photos, student work or family activities you would like to share on the Owen Online for next week, please email them to jamie.parkes@tdsb.on.ca by Thursday of this week.
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Owen Online Family Update - Week of December 18

  Dear Owen Families, As we approach the holidays, we are often reminded to count the ways in which we are fortunate.  While there are many ...