Ottawa Catholic Schools (OCSB)

🌱 The next chapter of our OCSB Spiritual Theme journey begins!

After Open Doors and Build Bridges, we enter Year Three: We Are Called to Nourish New Beginnings.

This year invites our community to carry forward the relationships, lessons and blessings we’ve gathered, while nurturing new opportunities for growth, belonging and renewal.

🔗 Discover the next chapter of our Spiritual Theme journey: https://www.ocsb.ca/2026/08/26/nourishing-new-beginnings/

🎒 The countdown is on! Just 7 days until ! 💜

Across the OCSB, classrooms are taking shape, hallways are getting ready and our staff are preparing to welcome more than 52,000 students back for another year of faith, learning, friendship and discovery.

Whether this is your family’s very first OCSB school year or one of many, we’re here to help make the transition back a little easier.

🔗 Check out our back-to-school resources to help your family get ready for the first bell: https://www.ocsb.ca/2026/08/25/the-countdown-begins-until-the-2026-2027-school-year/

We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you back! ✨

Back-to-school should be about excitement, not shopping lists. 💙

At the OCSB, classroom school supplies are provided for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, helping every child begin the school year ready to learn while giving families one less thing to think about.

If your family needs additional support as September approaches, we're here to help. Reach out to your child's school. Together, we can ensure every student feels welcomed, supported and ready to learn.

🔗 Read more: https://www.ocsb.ca/2026/08/07/welcoming-every-student-supporting-every-family/

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honour those who bring hope, compassion, and support to people and communities facing crisis around the world!❤️🌍

At OCSB, we are inspired by their example and strive to live our faith through kindness, service, and care for others.

🍽️ Cooking up skills, confidence and brighter futures!

OCSB’s Culinary Co-op offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while training under Chef Wes and two other incredible Red Seal chefs. Along the way, students develop culinary knowledge, teamwork, communication, time management and other valuable skills that can prepare them for employment, apprenticeships or further education. 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

Thank you to the Skills Council of Canada for its valued partnership and for helping make this opportunity possible for our students. 🤝

Students interested in joining OCSB’s Culinary Co-op at the Board Office are encouraged to speak with their guidance counsellor.

👉 Learn more:
https://www.ocsb.ca/2026/08/18/more-than-a-recipe-chef-wes-is-cooking-up-new-beginnings-at-ocsb/

✨ Bridge Builder Spotlight
Welcome back to our summer series celebrating the incredible projects that brought this year's Spiritual Theme
focus, Building Bridges, to life across the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Sometimes the best learning begins with a simple question.

The Grade 2 students at St. Philip Catholic School wanted to learn more about God, the Catholic Church and the beauty of sacred artwork. Their curiosity led to a remarkable student-driven journey that brought learning beyond the classroom walls.

The students visited Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, where they explored breathtaking stained-glass windows, sacred artwork, and the rich history of one of Ottawa's most treasured places of worship. They also celebrated Mass together, making the experience both educational and deeply meaningful. The visit was made possible through the generous support of Premier Bus Lines and guidance from the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.

Inspired by their experience, the students returned to school and created their own stained-glass-style artwork celebrating the Sacred Heart of Jesus, transforming curiosity into creativity and faith into art.

That's what Building Bridges is all about. Connecting classroom learning with faith, creativity and experiences that stay with students long after the lesson is over. ❤️

💙 On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we celebrate Mary's trust, courage, and unwavering faith. Across the OCSB, her example reminds us to say "yes" to God's call by serving others with compassion, growing in faith, and creating school communities where everyone is welcomed and valued.

May Mary's joyful witness inspire us to nourish new beginnings and walk together in hope, love, and trust in God's presence. ✨