Your Child’s Safety and Well-Being
is Our Top Priority
Parents want to know their children will be safe at school, especially when they have medical conditions or life-threatening allergies. Your child’s safety and well-being is our top priority, which is why we have many policies and procedures in place to ease your mind.
Step 1: Report Your Child’s Medical Condition or Illness
If your child has a serious medical condition, you need to inform your school using the Life-Threatening Medical Condition Verification Form. Work with your school staff and health care provider to create a plan of care specific to your child’s condition (see forms below). You must complete all required documents before your child attends school.
Step 2: Keep Your Plan of Care Up to Date
Understanding that your child’s health and medical needs may change over time, it’s important to review your plan of care with your school every year. If no changes are required, submit a Plan of Care Annual Review Sheet. If you need to make a change to your plan of care, submit a new plan of care form to your school (you will find the specific form below).
Find Your Form
Please complete the form and submit it to the school before your child begins the school year. Click the form links to download, print, and fill out the document. If you need assistance, your school staff is available to help you clarify any questions and print the form.
Asthma
Concussions and Head Injuries
Note: The PDF documents on this page are the latest versions and are labelled February 2026. Some schools may still be using earlier versions, so you may notice minor differences during this transition period.
Head injuries can happen at any time, even during non-sporting activities. We take them seriously and follow a structured process to support your child’s recovery. To ensure your child recovers safely from a concussion, the school, parents/guardians, and student must work together, following the steps outlined in our Concussion Policy.
Ways to Prevent and Respond to Head Injuries
- Be Informed. If your child participates in inter-school sports, the school will provide the Ministry of Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources, along with the required Codes of Conduct (Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct and the Player Code of Conduct). Parents/guardians and students are asked to review these resources and complete the required acknowledgements each school year.
- Communicate and Collaborate. Open and timely communication is essential. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review the OCSB Concussion Support Document to understand their role and to return the required forms as requested. Sharing information helps the school support your child’s recovery safely.
- Seek Medical Advice When Needed and Monitor Your Child. If a concussion is suspected, your child should be assessed by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose a concussion.
Some head impacts may not result in immediate symptoms; in these cases, monitoring at home and school is important, as symptoms can appear hours or days later. Parents/guardians should follow the monitoring instructions provided by the school and seek medical assessment if symptoms develop. - Rest, Recover, and Gradually Return to Activity. Recovery from a concussion involves a gradual return to learning and physical activity. Complete rest for extended periods is not recommended. Instead, students return to school and activity as tolerated, following the Return to Learn and Return to Physical Activity stages outlined in the OCSB Concussion Support Document.
Forms:
- Appendix 4A: Return to Learn/Return to Physical Activity Plan (Stages 1-3 Forms)
- Appendix 4B: Return to Learn/Return to Physical Activity Plan (Stages 4-6 Forms)
Concussions at School
If a student shows signs or reports symptoms of a possible concussion at school, they are removed from physical activity right away. The school will contact parents/guardians and provide information about next steps, including medical assessment and required forms.
A student will not return to physical activity on the same day a concussion is suspected. Return to physical activity follows a gradual, step-by-step process and may require medical documentation, depending on the stage.
Students may return to learning activities with appropriate supports while they recover.
Concussions Outside of School
If your child is diagnosed with a concussion outside of school, please notify the school as soon as possible. The school will work with families to support a safe Return to Learn and Return to Physical Activity, following the OCSB Concussion Support Document.
Returning to Learn or Play After a Head Injury
Return to Learn and Return to Physical Activity follow graduated stages based on your child’s symptoms and tolerance. Each stage typically lasts at least 24 hours, but progression is guided by symptom response rather than time alone. Parents/guardians and school staff work together to document progress and support recovery.
Helpful OCSB Resources
- OCSB Support Document for Concussion Related Brain Injuries
- OCSB Policy: Concussion Recognition, Intervention and Awareness
Other Helpful Resources
- Ministry of Education, Policy/Program Memorandum 158 – School Board Policies on Concussion – PPM 158
- Rowan’s Law: Concussion Awareness Resources (Government of Ontario)
- Concussion information and protocols (Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education)
- VIDEO: Dr. Mike Evans: Concussion Management and Return to Learn
Diabetes
Forms
- Diabetes Plan of Care Form (We also accept the CHEO plan of care form.)
- Using Continuous Monitors in School Form
- Request and Consent for Administration of Medication Form (if applicable)
Helpful Resources
Epilepsy and Seizures
Life-Threatening Allergies
Life-Threatening Medical Conditions
These forms are for students who have other medical conditions not covered under the other sections above.
Forms
- Life-Threatening Medical Condition Plan of Care Form (Generic)
- Life-Threatening Medical Condition Plan of Care Annual Review Form
- Request and Consent for Administration of Medication (if applicable)
Helpful resources
- Policy: Administering Medication
Safe Learning Environments So Your Child Can Thrive
At every Ottawa Catholic school, we strive to create safe, inclusive and accepting learning environments. When children know they’re safe, welcome and are valuable members of our school community, they are free to thrive in their learning. That’s why we have policies and procedures in place to promote healthy and welcoming schools throughout Ottawa.
Learn more about these important policies and initiatives:
Access OCSB Connect
At OCSB, we prioritize the mental well-being of our students. The OCSB Connect service offers a secure and anonymous way for Grade 7 to 12 students to report incidents of bullying, safety concerns, or criminal activities directly to school staff.
Created in response to student feedback, this service aims to foster safer, more inclusive schools by empowering students to report concerns without fear for their own safety. We encourage all students to play an active role in creating a positive, supportive school environment.
