Here is a list of resources and support at your fingertips:
It takes a community to keep our schools safe. Together, we must all do our part to stay healthy - at school and beyond.
The Ministry of Education has established COVID-19 protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus in schools.
For up-to-date information, please visit: ocdsb.ca
211 is a Community and Social Services Help Line for redirecting people to specific areas of concern. The search engine requires a topic (food, stress, health, violence, shelter etc) and location (postal code, neighborhood). The search produces a number of results.
Please visit Ontario 211.
Local Support
Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
Food, Counselling
Call the main number to set up an appointment to access the food cupboard and online counselling.
Please visit the EORC.
Ottawa Public Health/Mental Health/Substance Use
Provides a list of programs, location and contact numbers for Mental Health and Substance Use programs.
Please visit Ottawa Public Health.
Food
The Ottawa Food Bank has a site set up to direct you to the closest Food Bank site. Go to this link and enter your address. Click on the orange icon with the apple to display your pickup location and phone number. Call to book a pickup appointment.
Visit the Ottawa Food Bank.
Health
Skip-the-line walk-in clinics and visit walk-in clinic or Appletree Medical Clinics.
Transportation
Movement outside of home is strongly discouraged but if you must use public transportation to access an essential service you should know:
- DO NOT USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION if you have symptoms of sickness
- School issued Presto cards continue to work
- All riders must be board using the rear doors (except those with accessibility issues)
- Presto tap machines may or may not be available at the rear doors
- No cash payments accepted and no transfers will be issued
- Do not approach the driver
- Maintain 6 feet of space between yourself and other riders
- Avoid touching railings, seats, poles etc
- Use hand sanitizer and/or wash hands immediately after leaving the bus
If you, as a parent or as a child, are struggling to deal with the aftermath of any tragic event, there are a lot of resources available to you here.
Get your books on and follow this link.
The OCDSB is committed to providing learning and working environments where all individuals feel safe, valued, respected, and welcome. For more information, please visit: ocdsb.ca
At the OCDSB, we understand that mental health and well-being are important to student success, affect academic achievement, and social-emotional development. We strive to promote student mental health by creating safe, caring and inclusive learning environments where diversity is recognized, respected and celebrated, and where every student is engaged, empowered and feels valued. Students who experience mental health difficulties can access mental health support. Resources available at school include: classroom teacher, early childhood educator, educational assistant, learning support teacher/learning resource teacher, guidance counsellor, student success teacher, vice-principal and principal.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, ask someone for support. The following are 24-hour helplines:
Crisis Supports:
- First Nations and Inuit Hope and Wellness Helpline: 1-855--242-3310
- 24/7 YSB-Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 www.ysb.ca
- 24/7 Online crisis chat: www.ysb.ca/services/ysb-mental-health/24-7-crisis-line/
- 24/7 Distress Centre: 613-238-3311
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Kidhelpphone.ca/live-chat www.kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat
- LGBTQ Youthline: 1-800-268-9688
- Mobile Crisis: 613-722-6914Responds to call from individuals 16 years and over, family members, and professionals in the community
For more information, please visit: ocdsb.ca
To ensure awareness about head injury prevention and establish practices to manage concussions, please visit: ocdsb.ca
A positive school climate and a safe learning and teaching environment are essential for student success. Everyone has a role to play in promoting a positive school climate. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board remains committed to maintaining school and work environments smoke-free. Recreational cannabis possession and/or use is not and will not be permitted anywhere on OCDSB property.
For more information, please visit: ocdsb.ca
The OCDSB believes that bullying is a serious issue that has far reaching consequences for both the students involved and the entire school community. Providing students with an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and accepting school is a responsibility that the OCDSB takes seriously.
For more information, please visit: ocdsb.ca