Dear Nepean Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am very excited to be returning as principal at Nepean High School. I am thrilled to be working with Mr. Balazs Fazakas (vice-principal A - K) and Ms. Janice Isaac (vice-principal L - Z) as my administrative team. Ms. Kelly Mills is our Office Administrator. Everyone is looking forward to this school year with so many learning opportunities for students and staff.
A few information points to help with the new school year.
First Day of School - Tuesday September 3, 2024
School starts at 9:05 am. It will be a DAY 1
Student Supplies
Suggested student supplies
3 ring binder 3 hole lined paper refill pens/pencil combination lock
Teachers will inform students if there are specific items required for their class.
Student Timetables
Grade 9 students will be receiving their timetables in the Gym. LINK Leaders will be outside and inside the school to show students where the gym is.
Grades 10, 11 and 12 students will receive their timetables in the period 1 class. Students will find their names posted on the walls on the main floor then proceed to their period 1 class.
Grade 9 students will be participating in LINK activities and tours in period 1 and then will be dropped off to their period 2 class. Grade 9 students will be in classes for periods 2, 3 and 4. Grades 10, 11 and 12 students will have a regular school day. A regular school day is as follows:
Period 1 9:05 AM to 10:20 AM
Period 2 10:25 AM to 11:40 AM
Lunch 11:40 AM to 12:40 PM
Period 3 12:40 PM to 1:55 PM
Period 4 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
Use of Cell Phones and other Devices
As you're aware, there are new expectations on the use of cell phones and devices for students and staff starting in September 2024. More information is to come from the District and the school soon. For returning students and families, I communicated the general expectations at the June School Council meeting and in an email to students and families. I will be sending more information as soon as it becomes available.
Lockers
Lockers will be assigned for grades 9, 10 and 11 students. Students will find their locker number on their timetable. Students in grade 12 who wish to have a locker can come to the Main Office. They will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis as we don't have enough lockers for everyone. That said, we will revisit lockers not being used and can assign them to grade 12s if there is a waiting list. Students are to supply their own combination lock. We have a few locks in the Main Office for purchase.
Presto Passes
Students who are eligible for Presto Passes can pick theirs up on the first few days of school. From their period 1 class period 2 for Gr. 9’s. If student has a spare they will be available in the office. Presto passes will be registered for them.
To inquire if your student is eligible please use the following link. https://ostabusplanner.ottawaschoolbus.ca/TransportationEligibility
Medical Needs
If your child has a life threatening medical condition, for example, an anaphylactic allergy, asthma, diabetes, and/or a seizure disorder, please complete the following form.
https://forms.ocdsb.ca/Forms/Plan-Of-Care-For-Students-With-Life-Threatening-Medical-Conditions
Appropriate Use of Technology & Media Release Forms
Please take a look at how the OCDSB manages the use of technology in the following form. A form for each student must be submitted. .
https://forms.ocdsb.ca/Forms/Use-of-Technology
Please consider how the OCDSB manages student information with regards to media, websites, Google applications, acknowledgements, etc. A form for each student must be submitted.
https://forms.ocdsb.ca/Forms/Media-School-Website-Consent-Form
Information on School Events & Updates
Throughout the school year updates on school events, including daily announcements will be available on the school website nepeanhs.ocdsb.ca. We encourage parents to communicate with the staff by email (staff emails can be found on our school website) or by calling the school at 613-722-6551 to leave a message.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Below you will find a tentative schedule of upcoming activities and events. Please watch for updates on the school website.
Tuesday, September 3 - First Day of School
Tuesday, September 17 - NHS School Council & Annual General Meeting
School Photos - Sept 20, Retakes Nov 28
Grad Photos - Week of Nov 25 to 29 (more details to come)
Meet The Teacher Evening - Thursday September 26 - to be confirmed
Voluntary Student Activity Fee
Our annual $20 voluntary student activity fee supports many extra-curricular activities held throughout the school year. The voluntary activity fee supports the NHS Students' Council, student leadership development, clubs, athletic teams, intramurals and the NHS yearbooks. These activities contribute to our school climate and student wellbeing. The Student Activity Fee is a voluntary fee. The school is supported by this voluntary fee for many student activities and experiences. NHS families will receive further communication with respect to the payment of the voluntary student activity in the near future. Families requiring financial assistance for this, or for other fees, should contact Tracy Shapiro, Principal.
https://ocdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/92352/178/False/True
Online Payments for School Activities
NHS will be continuing to offer online payment (School Cash Online) as the preferred method of payment for school fees, including fees for the voluntary Student Activity Fee, yearbooks, field trips, athletic fees, etc.
School Cash Online helps parents and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. Payments made directly through School Cash Online, ensures that you will have a readily available record of all purchases that you have made for your child.
NHS School Council
Across Ontario, School Councils provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to consult on matters related to their respective schools. School Councils advise the Principal and District School Board on specific issues of school operations. The NHS School Council will reconvene on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Meetings are held in the Nepean High School Library as well as a virtual option. At the September 17 NHS School Council meeting, elections will be held for positions on the 2024-2025 NHS School Council. More information on the NHS School Council will be communicated soon.
Finally, I like to reach out to students with information about school using their OCDSB accounts. I will often cc the message to families so you can remind your child/children to check their OCDSB email accounts and discuss any information as a family.
We are excited to start our new school year and look forward to welcoming your child/children back to school on Tuesday September 3, 2024.
Sincerely,
Tracy Shapiro, Principal