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School Staff

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2019/20

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About Our School

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We are a Catholic Community School: What does it mean to be a Catholic Community School? Well, to us the term means many things:

• It means that we're not too big, and not too small. Currently, we have a student population of about 280 students between Kindergarten and Grade 6. This means that it's pretty easy for everyone to know everyone. 
• It means that our students have lots of opportunities to 'mix' between classes and between grades. It's not uncommon to see older students working or playing younger students during a buddy activity, intramurals, or out at recess. Students are also divided into 4 multi-grade "Houses" which builds a strong sense of community within our school. 
• It means that parents and volunteers are a big part of school life. Parents and volunteers prepare displays, crafts and materials. They read and write with children one-on-one, or in small groups. They work in our Learning Commons, run special events, and do a whole lot more. 
• It means that students, parents, staff and Good Shepherd parish work together to create a community that exudes the gospel values of faith, hope, love, community, dignity of persons, justice, stewardship of creation, and excellence.

Faith in Our School: While we recognize the importance of the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of our students, we also recognize spiritual development as being at the core of the mission of Catholic education. Along with each child’s family, and Good Shepherd Parish, we support each of our student's spiritual development by providing students with the opportunity to:

• learn about the Catholic faith through the Born in the Spirit Religion Program; 
• learn about family life through the Fully Alive Program; 
• participate in masses and liturgies; 
• participate in works that help to bring about local and global social justice; and 
• participate in activities that are rooted in gospel values and help to bring the teachings of Jesus Christ to life in our school on a daily basis. 

Academic Program: In addition to our Religion and Family life program, we offer instruction in English (Language), French (Language), Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Studies (in French), The Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance), and Health and Physical Education. All programs are based on the Ontario Curriculum.

Kindergarten: We offer a rich and exciting full-day play-based, French Immersion Kindergarten program. This two-year program fosters healthy child development and prepare students well for Grade 1. For more information, please check out the "Ready to Learn" resources posted on the Ottawa Catholic School Board Website.

Before and After School Care: Children from Kindergarten through Grade Six are eligible to attend our Extended Day Program (aka - Before and After School Program). Space is limited. Subsidies are available. In order to be considered for a space please visit the Ottawa Child Care Registry and Waitlist online at https://onehsn.com/Ottawa, via email at Support@OneHSN.com, or by phone at (888) 722-1540. Program information can also be obtained by calling the Ottawa Catholic School Board's Early Learning Services at 613-224-4455 Ex. 2382.

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About Our School

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Who is Saint Kateri Tekakwitha? Our school is named after Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a Native American woman who lived from 1656-1680. She was born in the United States, but lived much of her life in Kahnawake, close to Montreal. Despite many hardships, Kateri had a very strong faith throughout her life. Kateri is also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" and "Protectress of Canada" She is the patroness of ecology, nature, and the environment. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized (became a saint) on October 21, 2012, and her feast day is April 17th. As part of our celebrations of St. Kateri's canonization, Jan Bentham wrote a song about Kateri's life.  It has since become our school's theme song.  Click here to listen to the Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks song.