Collingwood CollegiateInstitute

THE OZZIE REPORT

Collingwood Collegiate Institute

March Edition  |  2024-2025

Main Office: 705-445-3161   |   Report a student absence:
1-888-885-8065 or email [email protected]

School schedule

Important Dates

March is:

Irish Heritage Month
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month

March 1 -29th
Ramadan (fasting begins), Islam

March 1-19th
Bahá'i Fast, Bahá'i

March 3rd
Black Mental Health Day
Clean Monday (J), Christianity

March 5th
Ash Wednesday, Christianity

 March 8th
International Women's Day

March 10th - 14th
MARCH BREAK, NO SCHOOL

March 13-14
Purim, Judaism

March 14th
International Day of Mathematics
Holi, Hinduism
Hola Mohalla, Sikhism
Sikh New Year, Sikhism
Commonwealth Day

March 15th 
International Day to Combat Islamophobia

March 18th
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Birthday, Buddhism

March 20th
Ladyday/Spring Equinox, Wicca
Spring Equinox, Indigenous Spirituality
Naw Ruz (New Year), Bahá'i

 March 21st
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

World Down Syndrome Day - Rock your Socks - Wear Silly Socks!

Eid-e-Navroz, Islam
Navroze (New Year) (FC), Zoroastrianism

March 22nd
Earth Hour at 8:30 pm

March 25th AND March 26th
Spring OSSLT Prep Sessions

March 26th
Epilepsy Awareness Day - Wear Purple!
Khordad Sal (FC), Zoroastrianism

March 27th
Lailat-ul-Qadr, Islam

March 28th
New Year, Hinduism
Vasant Navratri begins, Hinduism

March 30th
International Day of Zero Waste
Eid-ul-Fitr, Islam

March 31st
International Transgender Day of Visibility
National Indigenous Languages Day

April 1st AND April 2nd
Spring OSSLT Dates: April 1^st (Booklet 1) and  April 2nd (Booklet 2)

Days of Awareness 2024-25
Please review the days of awareness calendar on the SCDSB website HERE

March Break
Please note that March 10 to 14 is March Break for all SCDSB students. Please refer to the 2024-25 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information HERE.

2024-2025 CCI Yearbook
The cost is $40. After payment, they will be available for pick up in June 2025. Please listen to the announcements for dates/times and keep a copy of your receipt. We have only ordered a limited number of books, so get yours before we sell out. Last year we sold out very quickly, so order early to avoid disappointment. Click Here to Order!

Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder  
All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC)’s bus information website at main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca.  Our school is in the WEST zone. When buses are cancelled, schools remain open for student learning, unless otherwise noted. School staff are expected to plan for such emergencies in order to transition students who are unable to attend due to inclement weather to their online platforms (Google Classroom and/or SCDSBhub [Brightspace by D2L]) and continue with academic programming. It is always a family decision whether or not it is safe for their child(ren) to leave for school under severe weather conditions.

The SCSTC and bus operators try to make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m. and make every effort to post announcements before 7 a.m. Inclement weather cancellations are effective for the whole day and buses cancelled in the morning will not run at the end of the day. You can follow the SCSTC on X @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications here: scstc.ca/Subscriptions/Login.aspx.

Applications for the SCDSB Umoja Award are open
The Umoja Black Secondary Student Leadership Award is a $1,000 scholarship that is awarded annually to a full-time registered SCDSB Black secondary school student who will be attending post-secondary school in the fall and demonstrates leadership in their school and in the Black community within Simcoe County.
 
Selection of the Umoja Award recipient will be facilitated by the SCDSB Human Rights and Equity Office. The information provided in the application will assist the selection committee (comprised of members of the SCDSB Equity Advisory Committee and graduation coaches for Black students) in choosing the recipient.
 
For further information about the award and to apply, visit the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=38446766. Applications are due May 1, 2025.


SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Night this April
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites you to participate in a Family Math Night on Tuesday, April 15 at Chris Hadfield Public School in Bradford. The event will offer a variety of engaging math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore numerous math stations, each staffed by SCDSB teachers. You'll leave with valuable math tools and resources to support your child's learning at home. Families are welcome to attend this event, regardless of their child's home school.

Register to attend: forms.office.com/r/PE0K5e1Zjm

Kindergarten registration for September 2025 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in an SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten


Join the SCDSB on Instagram Live to learn about all things Kindergarten!
Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? Are you interested in learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB? On Tuesday, April 29 from 6:30 to 7 p.m., members of the SCDSB’s Early Years team are hosting a virtual information session via Instagram Live.
 
This session will highlight important information parents/guardians need to know about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, including details on transitions for students with special education needs.
 
To virtually attend the presentation, visit the SCDSB Instagram page at 6:30 p.m. on April 29. To get a head start on learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, visit the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten.


Licensed March Break school age child care programs
Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To support your child care needs, some operators offer child care on PA days and holidays including over the March Break (March 10-14). Registration in advance is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after.


Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting positive events, initiatives, and learning happening within school communities across the SCDSB. Follow the SCDSB on social media to catch all of these weekly episodes, and check out our recent video below featuring the dance program at Bear Creek Secondary School.
5, 6, 7, DANCE! Bear Creek Secondary School is known for its spectacular arts department, which includes their unique and impressive dance program. Watch as we visit the dance studio where Grade 11 and 12 students are creating and rehearsing their final independent study dance culminating activities: youtube.com/watch?v=J9cFwzWwku8


Online math resources for families
Practice math anywhere with Math at Home, an online resource for parents/caregivers of SCDSB students from pre-school age to 16. This resource is updated monthly with games, problems, and number talk activities that reflect the math your child may be learning at school each month.

In March, activities in school and on Math at Home may include grade-level tasks related to using symbols to represent quantities, evaluating algebraic expressions, and solving algebraic equations.
Visit www.scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your child’s math learning at home!


You’re invited to a learning series with Pine River Institute (PRI)
Mental health and well-being continue to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Building our 'stretch zone'
March 27
Explore comfort, stretch, and panic zones to help you and your child build resilience, improve communication, and know when to push or provide safety.

To join in this learning, please visit the SCDSB website to register: scdsb.on.ca/about/well-being___mental_health/pine_river_institute_learning_series. Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at pineriverinstitute.com.

Simcoe Mental Health Ontario - Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Building a strong, supportive relationship with your child. Click here for more information: https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/

Join the SCDSB for a virtual special education information series
During the 2024-25 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Reading strategies
March 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions


Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school courses in July 2025 (eLearning) and travel for credit courses in both July and August for current high school students, Grade 8 students entering secondary school, or adult learners who are interested in earning a new credit or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe.  For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, please visit: edutravelforcredit.com.


Summer eLearning opportunities for students entering Grade 9!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2025. Current Grade 8 students wishing to reach ahead and earn a credit before high school can now register through their elementary school principal. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Available courses include:
CGC1W – Grade 9 Geography
PAF1O – Grade 9 Personal Fitness
CHV2O & GLC2O – Grade 10 Civics and Careers
CHC2P – Grade 10 Applied History
CHC2D – Grade 10 Academic History  
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.


March cyber awareness topic: online grooming and luring
As we navigate the digital world, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers of online grooming and luring. This month's tip sheet provides essential information on recognizing the signs of online grooming, understanding the tactics used by predators, and knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
 
It's important to engage in conversations about these topics to ensure everyone understands the risks and knows how to stay safe online. Open discussions can help reinforce good habits and ensure we are all contributing to a safer digital environment.
 
Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for March to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ECNO-CAM-24-Infosheets-E-_Part5.pdf

Sleep
Teens 14 to 17 years old need 8-10 hours of good quality sleep for their health, mood, and to learn. Encourage them to have a relaxing bedtime routine with regular bedtimes and wake-up times. Explain that too much caffeine and screen time one hour before bed will disrupt their sleep.

For more information, visit aboutkidshealth.ca/ or simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit