Back-to-School is a time of new beginnings. Across our schools, classrooms come to life, hallways fill with excitement, and students return ready to learn, grow and reconnect with friends. For families, it is a season filled with anticipation, hope and the promise of another wonderful school year.
As September approaches, families are busy preparing for the year ahead. Along with excitement often comes a long list of questions, including one we hear every year: What school supplies will my child need?
For students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, the Ottawa Catholic School Board provides the classroom school supplies needed for learning. It’s one way we help every child begin the school year ready to learn while giving families one less thing to think about as they prepare for September.
School Supplies Are Provided
The classroom supplies students use every day, including notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers and glue sticks, are provided by the school. Families do not need to purchase these items before the first day of school.
Some schools or teachers may suggest a few personal items for students, such as indoor shoes, a backpack, a reusable water bottle, or headphones for individual use. These recommendations are meant to support students throughout the school day. However, families should never feel obligated to purchase every item on the list.
Supporting Families
We recognize that every family’s circumstances are different, and some families may need a little extra support as the school year begins.
If you need assistance, please reach out to your child’s school. Our staff will work with you respectfully and confidentially to connect you with available school and community resources. No family should ever hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.
“Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling welcomed, supported and ready to learn,” said Mary Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Catholic School Board. “When families know their children have what they need in the classroom, everyone can focus on what matters most: learning, growing in faith and building the relationships that help students flourish.”
Nourishing New Beginnings
This year marks the third and final year of our Spiritual Theme, Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings.
Each September brings new opportunities. Students discover new interests, build friendships, deepen their faith and continue growing into the person God created them to be. As a Catholic learning community, we are called to create schools where every student knows they belong, where their unique gifts are celebrated and where they are encouraged to share those gifts in service to others.
Sometimes, nourishing a new beginning is found in the simplest acts of care. Ensuring students have the classroom supplies they need is one way we help create an environment where every learner can focus on learning, building relationships and making the most of each school day.
Looking Ahead Together
The beginning of a new school year is about so much more than school supplies. It is about welcoming students into classrooms where they are known, encouraged and inspired. It is about nurturing faith, building lasting friendships and helping every child discover their potential.
Every welcoming smile, every helping hand, every encouraging word, and every act of kindness help open doors, build bridges and nourish new beginnings.
We look forward to welcoming our students and families this September and sharing another year of faith, learning and belonging together.
