Back to School Information
We are thrilled to welcome you to the new Riverside South Secondary School, opening in September 2025! You'll find us at Spratt Road and Earl Armstrong Road in Ottawa. We're excited to become a key part of our community, focused on learning, growth, and getting involved.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - Student/Parent BBQ - 11:30am - 2:00pm
Please complete this Google Form to indicate your attendance - please limit guests to your immediate family.
Guided Tours of the School - 12:00pm - 1:45pm
Intermediate Bell Times |
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8:15 - 8:30 |
15 mins |
Entry Supervision |
8:30 - 10:30 |
120 mins |
Learning Block 1 |
10:30 - 11:20 |
50 mins |
Nutrition Break and Recess |
11:20 - 1:20 |
120 mins |
Learning Block 2 |
1:20 - 2:00 |
40 mins |
Nutrition Break and Recess |
2:00 - 3:00 |
60 mins |
Learning Block 3 |
Secondary Bell Times |
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8:40 - 9:55 |
75 mins |
Period 1 |
9:55 - 10:05 |
10 mins |
Travel Time |
10:05 - 11:20 |
75 mins |
Period 2 |
11:20 - 12:05 |
45 mins |
Lunch |
12:05 - 1:20 |
75 mins |
Period 3 |
1:20 - 1:35 |
15 mins |
Travel Time/Nutrition Break/Time for students and staff who pray (students should not be leaving school property during this time to ensure they return to class on time) |
1:35 - 2:50 |
75 mins |
Period 4 |
How do I find out who my teacher is?
All students should check their emails on Friday, August 29 to find out who their teacher is. If, for some reason, they cannot access their email, we will have class lists posted outside to help.
Transportation
If you qualify for a bus, your family will be notified by OSTA - however a quick way to know is to access the school Bus Planner where you can learn if you qualify and where you will be picked up.
Driving Your Student to School
Please be sure to drop them off in the main parking lot at the side of the school. For safety purposes, the front of the school will be used for accessible parking.
Parents Entering the School
Parents coming to the school, please park around the side as well - as we move forward more signage will be provided. If you are entering the school, please be sure to sign in at the main office.
Lockers
Lockers will be assigned throughout the first week of school - we are working through the logistics of this. Please bring a combination lock to school with you - you will need to share the combination with your teacher - this information is kept confidential.
Life-Threatening Allergies
If you have life threatening allergies please complete this form
First Day of School
All students should bring a pen/pencil/eraser/ lined paper/binder or duotang and please bring lunch. We recommend students in grade 9 and 10 remain on school property for lunch unless they live very close. At this point, it is our understanding that cafeteria services will not be available to start the year. The McDonald’s and other restaurants in that area will most likely not allow for students to make it back to school on time for class after lunch.
Grade 7 and 8 students must remain on school property for lunch unless a note/email is provided to their teacher that shares parent permission.
Students Leaving School
If your student must leave school for an appointment please be sure to contact the main office and ask that your student go to the main office to officially sign out.
More Information to Follow
There is so much information to share - as more information comes to us - we will share with you in the coming weeks. Please continue to read about your new school
RSSS Vision
A compassionate and equitable learning community where every individual is respected, nurtured, and empowered to grow, guided by kindness, caring, empathy, and support. We courageously challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and champion diverse perspectives so that each person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to a more just world.
More Than Just Books
At Riverside South Secondary, we believe learning is about more than just textbooks. We're building our school on important values like kindness, caring, understanding, respect, hard work, solving problems peacefully, honesty, and patience. These aren't just words for us – they're how we’ll treat each other every day, making sure every student feels supported and valued.
Helping Every Student Succeed
We have high expectations for our students in both their studies and how they treat each other. We want them to do their very best and reach their full potential! We know that getting there isn't always easy, so we’re here to help. We'll provide support for both students and families, giving everyone the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.
Being Part of Riverside South Community
As our community grows, we want to make sure our school feels like a close-knit family. We're committed to being a big part of Riverside South and making decisions that put our students first. Our partnerships with local groups, sports clubs, and cultural groups offer lots of extracurricular activities outside of class that promote personal development and community involvement.
A Place for Everyone
Riverside South Secondary school is a place where everyone is welcome and celebrated! We value all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe our differences strengthen our community. Through inclusive programs and cultural events, we want every student to feel like they belong and can share their unique perspectives.
Getting Ready for the Future
Our school will offer excellent academic programs designed to prepare students for what comes next. We'll have challenging classes, chances to lead, and real-world learning opportunities. We want to give our students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.
We're working hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. We believe that by working together—students, families, staff, and the community—we can build a school that's not only great at academics but also a model of kindness, respect, and community spirit.
Join Us on This Journey!
We're excited to start this new chapter in Riverside South! Together, we'll build a school that reflects what we all believe in and a place where every student can thrive.
Stay Tuned for Updates!
We'll be in touch with families as we get closer to the school year, so please check our website regularly for updates!
If you have any questions, please email us at RiversideSouth@ocdsb.ca.
Kindly,
Your Riverside South Team