Parent Resources

If you have any questions, concerns, or want to share your ideas on our webpage, please feel free to contact paula.marble@ocdsb.ca or by phone at 613-596-8253 
 

  • Ottawa Carleton Assembly of School Council Information can be found at the following link: http://ocasc.ca/
  • Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services: http://rideauwood.org/website2/
  • Youth Net at CHEO: http://www.youthnet.on.ca/ - a bilingual regional mental health promotion and intervention program run by youth for youth.
  • Parenting the Net Generation: http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/internet/parenting_net_generation.cfm
  • Teen Suicide Message from OCDSB Safe Schools:
    TO: Principals
    FROM: Dawn Paxton, Superintendent of Learning Support Services
    Dr. Petra Duschner, Manager, Safe Schools
    DATE: 27 October 2011
    RE: Follow up to Recent Tragic Events – Letter for Parents
    In view of recent tragic events, please find below a letter that you may choose to share with your school community.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dear Parents:

    There has been much public discussion and media coverage about teen suicide recently.

    It is important at times like this that the school and family work together to ensure that students have the support they need.~ Although most students will recover from the effects of a crisis with support from families, friends, school personnel and the passage of time, there is a concern of contagion (a process by which exposure to the suicide or suicidal behavior of one or more persons influences others to commit or attempt suicide) after such publicized tragedies.

    As parents you are probably the most important influence in your child’s recovery from the emotional impact of a tragedy. Your monitoring of their behaviour, support, encouragement and reassurance is therefore very important. Certainly, any kind of worrisome behaviour requires an immediate response. Here is a list of worrisome behaviours that might help you to monitor your child.
    Worrisome behaviours may include:
    • high levels of emotional responsiveness (e.g., crying, tearfulness) after a majority of their peers have discontinued to do so;
    • appearing depressed, withdrawn and non-communicative;
    • exhibiting poorer academic performance and decreased concentration;
    • expressing suicidal or homicidal ideation;
    • intentionally engaging in self injurious behaviour (e.g., cutting );
    • exhibiting an increased use of alcohol or drugs;
    • significant changes in appetite;
    • loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities;
    • significant behavioral changes; and
    • changes in hygiene.
    What parents can do:
    • Speak with your child about recent events
    • Listen and acknowledge your child’s thoughts and feelings regarding the situation and respond in a non-judgmental manner
    • Reassure your child that you will continue to “be there” for him/her~ to listen, support and access help, should that be necessary
    • Try to spend additional individual time with your child – participating in activities they enjoy
    • Monitor exposure to media
    • Monitor the emotional and behavioural reactions of your child. Don’t hesitate to ask how he/she is coping and remark on changes you notice in their behaviour
    • Monitor your child’s academic performance and connect with his/her teachers
    • Monitor your child for increased use of alcohol or drugs. There may be an attempt to “self-medicate” by using these substances
    • Reassure your child that if he/she needs help, you will help them (e.g., by talking, by getting professional help, etc.)
    Support and Resources:
    There are many excellent resources and supports both in the school and the community to help deal with difficult situations. There are a number of resource links noted on the school district website atwww.ocdsb.ca. If you are concerned about your child’s well-being, you might consider some of the following resources:
    • Contact your primary care physician
    • Speak with school personnel
    • child, youth, and family crisis line: 613-260-2360
    • kids help line: 1-800-668-6868
    • Distress Centre (18 years): 613-238-3311
    At the school, we have shared similar information with the teaching and administrative staff. Working together, we can ensure that our students have the resources necessary to support their learning and encourage their well-being.

    Sincerely,

    Rene Bibaud Rene.Bibaud@ocdsb.ca