Sunday, 7 February 2021

Owen Family Update - Week of Feb. 8, 2021

Hello Owen Families,

We are very excited about returning to school on Monday February 16th 2021.  We miss our students and look forward to having a break from Remote Learning.

We are currently contacting families this week that have requested in the December survey with the board, a switch from either Virtual School to In-Person or vice-versa.  Space in the Virtual School is very limited.

We would like to thank our staff for the creative programming and technical skills they have learned throughout this time.  We have learned a variety of ways to teach arts and physical education, use Google Classrooms as Breakout rooms, create Google Slides for interactive sharing, use Zoom for our puppet shows with Ms. Mehri, Zumba with Ms Lupita and Sing- Alongs with Mr LJ.  We also had many small group and individual reading sessions with our lunchroom supervisors, SNA's and EA to help our struggling readers.

Puppet show with Ms Mehri


Zumba with Ms Lupita


Sing-Along with Mr LJ

It was also so great to see many of our students and parents during our morning announcements.  We will miss aspects of our Remote Learning but look forward to learning back at school with our staff and students.

A special thank you to our parents!  We know it was difficult managing work, family life and school and we appreciate everything you were able to do to help keep your child engaged in learning.

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Report Cards & Interviews

Reports are being sent out electronically by the board this week.  Look for it in your email.  If you have not received it by Friday of this week, please call the office on Monday February 16th.  Teachers will be setting up interviews for those parents who would like to discuss their child's progress.
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Parent Concern Protocols:

Who do we contact when we have questions about classroom programs or student concerns?When reaching out to your School, Principal and Superintendent this is the process we follow (Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns). 

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Kindergarten Registration

TDSB online registration  for Kindergarten September 2021 is now available.  After you have completed the online registration, please call the office to schedule the follow up Virtual Face-to-Face Registration.  Virtual Registration will take place February 18 - 25, 2021.
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Moving out of Owen?

As we begin to start preparing for our September 2021 school year, we would like to gather information to help us know how many students will be returning to Owen.

If your child will be moving to another school in the fall, please fill out the following form to help us know where to transition the Ontario Student Records and transfer them to their new school.


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Spirit Day - Thursday February 11th, 2021

This weekend there is lots to celebrate.  Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day and Family Day.
Wear RED, PINK or GOLD on Thursday to represent friendship and family.

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Laundry Art Challenge:

Only one more week for the Laundry Art Challenge.  I look forward to seeing everyone.



You can upload your Laundry Art photo at 


Only images are accepted
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Happy Chinese New Year

Year of the Ox - Friday February 12th

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Join us in Celebrating 211 Day!


The purpose of 211 Day is to let people know what 211 is and how the service can support people looking for help. 211 is a free, confidential helpline that is available 24/7, 365 days year (including holidays) in 150+ languages. 211 Central serves the Central Ontario Regions of Toronto, Peel, York and Durham.

When someone calls 2-1-1, they reach a 211 Service Navigator who will help them navigate the complexities of the human services system quickly and easily, equipping them with the information and referral they need to access programs and services in their communities. In Central Ontario, the 211 service is available by phone and online via 211Central.ca, as well as by text, chat and email. It might not be a surprise that, with the country dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to flatten the curve, calls to 211 have increased by 30 per cent.

1) Download our 211 Day Toolkit!

Image Text Reads: It's 211 Day! Remember, you're not alone. Help starts with 211.

Image Text Reads: Life can be hard. Finding help can be easy. Dial 2-1-1 to find help for all of life's challenges. Financial Assistance. Food. Employment. Housing.

We've crafted plug and play social media graphics with captions that you can use on February 11 to join the 211 Day celebrations. Remember to use #211DayCanada in your posts and tag @211Central on TwitterFacebookInstagram and LinkedIn! 211 Day key messaging for newsletters and websites can also be found in our 211 Day Toolkit.

 

2) Download and print the 211 Day Colouring Sheet and post your own colourful 211 logo creation on social media using #211DayCanada or in your front window to inform your neighbours about 211.



3) United Glow – 211 Day Illuminations across Central Ontario

Image Text Reads: United Glow for 211 Day

 

To celebrate 211 Day and the national expansion of 211, the buildings, monuments, and landmarks listed below will be participating from Central Ontario in our nationwide United Glow by illuminating their facades in 211 colours (red and white). Be sure to keep an eye out if you live near one of the landmarks listed below.

  • Mississauga – Civic Centre Clock Tower
  • Newmarket – Riverwalk Commons and Fred A. Lundy bridge
  • Toronto – CN Tower
  • Toronto – City Hall Towers
  • Toronto – 3D Toronto Sign


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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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Student News!






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 ...