The first days of school are more than just routines and sharpened pencils—they’re about building bridges—bridges between home and school, students and teachers, and friends old and new. With over 50,000 students walking through OCSB doors this September, each brings excitement, curiosity, and hope for what’s ahead.
At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, we believe those first steps matter. When families and educators work together, we create a community where every child feels seen, supported, and ready to grow. That’s what Building Bridges is all about—making connections that carry our students through the year with confidence and care through a whole community well-being perspective.
We’ve gathered a few practical tips to help start the year on solid ground. They’re not about perfection but about helping your child or adolescent feel calm, confident, and connected as they begin this new chapter.
Let Them Share
Caring and open communication are key to a successful school year. Talk with your child/youth about their feelings, whether they’re excited, nervous, or unsure. Let them know that it’s perfectly normal to have “back-to-school ” butterflies and be both excited when thinking about starting a new school year.
Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, and help them brainstorm solutions to any worries they may have, and find practical solutions together through various mental health documents through resources noted in this article and through School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) – By Your Side. You can also contact your child’s teacher or Principal—they’re here to support your family and offer guidance.
Uplift and Encourage
Children often take emotional cues from their parents. Expressing optimism and excitement about the school year can help your child feel more confident. Give them some guided control over their back-to-school choices, like picking their first-day outfit or choosing their lunch. A small note of encouragement tucked into their lunchbox can go a long way!
See the Signs, Offer Support
Sleep, appetite, or behaviour changes may signal that your child is anxious. If they seem withdrawn or unusually reactive, gently ask about their feelings. You can prompt the conversation with questions like, “How are you feeling about returning to school?”
Teach your child calming strategies like deep breathing, positive self-talk, or journaling. Encourage creative outlets like drawing or physical activity to manage stress. You can also access the OCSB Well-Being Toolkit, which offers resources for parents and students to build emotional resilience and recognize early signs of mental health challenges.
Plan for Peace of Mind
Familiarity helps to manage anxiety. Walk or drive the route to school together, point out where the bus will drop them off, and show them where they’ll enter the yard. Review basic safety rules for walking or riding the bus. If possible, arrange for a neighbour’s child to accompany them on the first few days.
Find Your Go-To People at School
Every OCSB school has access to trained professionals, including mental health workers, psychologists, guidance counsellors, and social workers. Our team supports student well-being through prevention and early intervention. If you have concerns, your school Principal can help connect you with the right resources.
Stay Connected
Use the OCSB Parent Portal to track your child’s progress, view report cards, and stay informed about school updates. SchoolMessenger also keeps families in the loop with important announcements. And don’t forget to check the OCSB calendar for key dates and events. Check out all you need to know before school starts ›
Explore Mental Health and Well-Being Supports
- Mentally Healthy Back to School Support Package – SMHO: Practical resources to promote and protect mental health and well-being at school.
- The First Ten Days, Start Well, Listen, Believe and Act, and How to Support a Mentally Healthy Back to School for Your Child: Targeted tools to help families and educators support students from day one.
- Student Mental Health: A student-friendly hub for mental health learning, tools, and supports.
- OCSB Well-Being: Explore our Mental Health, Addiction and Well-Being Strategy, with a focus on the OCSB Year 2 Action Plan for 2025–2026.
- Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings: Our ongoing invitation to OCSB staff and families to engage in mental health and well-being initiatives.
- OCSB Well-Being Toolkit: A comprehensive collection of resources for parents/guardians, students, and staff.
- School Mental Health Ontario – Parent/Guardian Resources: Additional supports for families.
- Ottawa-Based Community Resources: Local supports for OCSB students, families, and staff.
- OCSB School Attendance Support: Helping students stay engaged and connected.
