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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
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TRUSTEE REPRESENTATIVE(S)
Gordon Butler, Chairperson
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 828-3573
(613) 828-4472
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Betty-Ann Kealey
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 721-2376
(613) 721-2379
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DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Julian Hanlon
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 224-2222
(613) 228-4158
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Simone Oliver
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 224-2222
(613) 225-9153
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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:
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- Kindergarten room
- 3 primary classrooms
- 2 junior classrooms
- ESL class
- Computer lab and library
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- Pinecrest-Queensway Community
- Nursery School
- Child / Adult Drop-in Centre
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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
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CHAIRPERSON
Mrs. Vanessa Stevens
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Tel:
Fax:
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(613) 829-3878
(613) 829-3782
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Tel:
Fax:
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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.
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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
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.
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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
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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
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| Reading | 59 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 61 | | Writing | 61 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 68 | | Math | 66 | 68 | 69 | 68 | 70 |
| Demographics - 2009 | | 40% | English as a second language | | 0% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 13% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 64 | 60 | | I am a good writer | 71 | 40 | | I am good at math | 43 | 70 |
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| Reading | 63 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 69 | | Writing | 59 | 61 | 61 | 67 | 67 | | Math | 60 | 61 | 59 | 61 | 63 |
| Demographics - 2009 | | 42% | English as a second language | | 0% | Exempted in all 3 subjects | | 42% | Receiving special education support |
| Attitudes (% agreeing) | | I am a good reader | 70 | 88 | | I am a good writer | 40 | 50 | | I am good at math | 20 | 62 |
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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.
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS
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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.
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More About Our Students/ School Achievement
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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.
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Last Updated:
2010-07-07 13:55:01
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