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In partnership with home, parish and community, the Ottawa Catholic School Board ensures that the teachings and values of Jesus Christ are integrated in all aspects of school life. By providing the necessary resources for quality Catholic education, the Board supports the development of lifelong learners striving for academic excellence in a nurturing, safe and vibrant community. All individuals are challenged to become responsible and contributing citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse world.

Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School

BOARD INFORMATION

TRUSTEE REPRESENTATIVE(S)

Gordon Butler, Chairperson

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 828-3573

(613) 828-4472

Betty-Ann Kealey

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 721-2376

(613) 721-2379

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Julian Hanlon

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 224-2222

(613) 228-4158

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Simone Oliver

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 224-2222

(613) 225-9153

SCHOOL COMMUNITY INFORMATION

PRINCIPAL

John Legree

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 829-3878

(613) 829-3872

VICE PRINCIPAL(S)/DESIGNATE

Michelle Denison

Tel:  

Fax:  

829-3878

829-3782

SCHOOL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Gail Martelock

Tel:  

Fax:  

829-3878

829-3782

TRANSPORTATION

 

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 224-8800

(613) 224-8840

PARISH INFORMATION

  • Our Lady of Fatima

  

  

 

 

  • (613) 722-7661

INTERMEDIATE/SECONDARY AFFILIATE(S)

  • Notre Dame High School

  

  

 

 

  • (613) 722-6565

 

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Opened in 1968, Dr. F.J. McDonald Catholic School is located in the Britannia Woods area of Ottawa West. For 36 years, the school has been a focal point in the community and has developed many partnerships that have benefited the school as well as the community-at-large. Our dedicated and caring staff work with families as active partners in providing our students with a quality Catholic education.

Facilities:

The school has extensive facilities including:

  • Kindergarten room
  • 3 primary classrooms
  • 2 junior classrooms
  • ESL class
  • Computer lab and library

  • Pinecrest-Queensway Community
  • Nursery School
  • Child / Adult Drop-in Centre


Student Enrolment:

140

Number of Staff:

16

The experience of the teaching staff ranges from recent graduates to 30 years in experience.

Principal:

John Legree has 20 years of experience. This is his third year as a principal.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL

CHAIRPERSON

Mrs. Vanessa Stevens

Tel:  

Fax:  

(613) 829-3878

(613) 829-3782

Tel:  

Fax:  

The Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School Council functions as an advisory body to the school principal and, on occasion, to the Board. The Council provides advice on a variety of issues and reflects the school community in composition and function.Meetings are held at 6:30, the second Tuesday of the month.

HOW WE LIVE OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

Our Belief

The Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School community believes that a Catholic school is one in which the teachings of Jesus Christ are integrated into the day-to-day curriculum and social fabric of school life. The strength of our school comes from the Catholic faith that the staff, students and community share. We aspire to have our students develop a way of living that embodies the life of Jesus Christ.

The staff and students of Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School have many opportunities to pray and demonstrate their Catholic faith. These opportunities include: school-wide and classroom liturgies, retreats, fundraising for charities and community service.


Our Partners

Father Glericio is invited to visit the school regularly and to participate in liturgical celebrations. The Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School community has a strong partnership with parish, school and home. Our parish representative serves as the liaison with our school and our parish.

Demonstrating Our Faith

Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School supports many charitable endeavors including:

  • United Way
  • OK Clean Water
  • Catholic Education Foundation

LEARNING AT OUR SCHOOL

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Curricular Program

French Second Language

  • JK/KP: Immersion (50% English, 50% French)
  • Grade 1-6: Extended (75% English, 25% French)

Special Needs

We believe in the philosophy of inclusion and integrate all students with special learning needs into our regular activities.

Other

Computers are integrated into student programs and access to the Internet is available for students in our computer lab.

 

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM

The students at Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School are exposed to a variety of activities. We are confident that our students benefit from the exciting co-curricular activities we offer, including:

  • Intramural / Interscholastic Sports
  • Cross-Country, Soccer, Newcombe Ball, Hand Ball, Ultimate Frisbee
  • Environmental Club
  • Chess Club
  • Winter Carnival / Summer Activity Days
  • Altar Server Program

SCHOOL EVENTS

Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School has a number of events that occur throughout the school year. In addition to helping students achieve academic outcomes, school events instill a sense of community among our students, their families and staff. Some of our events include:

  • Meet the Teacher / Curriculum Night
  • Public Speaking
  • Design / Technology Fair
  • Student Recognition Days
  • Family Masses and Prayer Services
  • Parents as Partners

HOW WE KNOW WE ARE SUCCEEDING

Assessing Student Progress

The provincial assessment of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics conducted by EQAO for all students in grades 3 and 6 took place in May 2009. Students were assigned a score between level 1 (the lowest) and level 4 (the highest). Students performing at levels 3 or 4 meet provincial expectations. The school results over time are depicted in the graphs below. Provincial data is provided in the table for comparative purposes. Test results should be examined in the context of additional factors, such as other achievement indicators, the percentage of students in English as a Second Language programs, the percentage of students receiving special education support, socioeconomic factors and parental support. Detailed information about this assessment is available at the school.

DR. F. J. MCDONALD CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Provincial20052006200720082009
Reading5962626161
Writing6164646668
Math6668696870

Demographics - 2009
40%English as a second language
0%Exempted in all 3 subjects
13%Receiving special education support

Attitudes (% agreeing)
 GirlsBoys
I am a good reader6460
I am a good writer7140
I am good at math4370

Provincial20052006200720082009
Reading6364646669
Writing5961616767
Math6061596163

Demographics - 2009
42%English as a second language
0%Exempted in all 3 subjects
42%Receiving special education support

Attitudes (% agreeing)
 GirlsBoys
I am a good reader7088
I am a good writer4050
I am good at math2062

Note: 0 in

A variety of methods are used to assess student performance at the classroom level, including teacher observation, self and peer evaluation, projects, portfolios, presentations, and classroom tests.

PRESERVING OUR SCHOOL HISTORY - LAST YEAR IN REVIEW

Dr. F.J. McDonald is a small community school with a diverse, multicultural population. Our aim is to encourage each individual student to develop a positive work ethic based on perseverance and a desire for excellence. This will assist our students in developing and maintaining a sense of confidence and self-worth. This year our focus will be the ongoing implementation of the Ontario Curriculum, promoting knowledgable use of the Internet, building upon our Parents as Partners initiative, implementing a fully extended French program,upgrading of the School Library/Resource Centre, and review of the School 's Strategic Plan using Board-generated data. Lastly, the school has continued with two programs that began last year. They are School Readiness Program (Kindergarten) and Four Blocks grades 1, 2 & 3. These are exciting programs that have assisted students. Also, building on our Literacy Focus, the school extends every opportunity to each family to get involved in reading. This is a wonderful way to take an active role in your child's education.


    COMMUNITY RELATIONS

    We believe our school should be at the centre of community activities. A focal point of the community, Dr. F. J. McDonald Catholic School is currently running at 52% capacity, with activities scheduled weeknights and on many weekends.

    Examples of who uses our facilities include:

    • Pinecrest-Queensway Head Start Nursery School Program
    • Community Access Program (public Internet access)
    • International Language School Saturday Program
    • YM/YWCA After School Sports Program

    Partnerships/Collaborative Activities

    • Pinecrest-Queensway Community Services
    • Our Lady of Fatima Parish
    • University of Ottawa and Queens University
    • Industry Canada and Statistics Canada

    We encourage interested groups to contact us regarding the use of our facilities.


    More About Our Students/
    School Achievement

    At Dr. F.J. McDonald Catholic School, we believe it is important to recognize student achievement, participation and excellence through the presentation of awards for both individual and team successes. Some of these are: Student of the Month, Grade 6 Academic Achievement Awards, Intramural and Interscholastic Sports and Classroom Academics. Public speaking is important for all students and we promote the improvement of this lifelong skill by encouraging and recognizing students who participate in school and Board-wide public speaking contests. The Dr. F.J. McDonald Catholic School community believes it is important for students to excel in a group environment. Therefore, we salute our staff and students' involvement in "Clean-Up Ottawa Week," "Environmental Awareness Week," and our "School Recycling Club," which has been very active in our Recycling Program, as well as participation in Board and city-wide activities/initiatives.


    Last Updated: 2010-07-07 13:55:01

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