ABOUT OUR MISSION
The Ottawa Catholic School Board has 80 schools serving students across the City of Ottawa. There are 63 elementary schools, 2 intermediate schools and 15 high schools. We also have 1 adult high school and 4 adult education centres. There are approximately 39,000 students in the Board, receiving quality Catholic education guided by a professional staff of more than 2,400 teachers, department heads, vice-principals, principals, consultants and coordinators. For over a century, parents have entrusted their children to local Catholic schools, confident that they would be receiving a distinctive education with a special emphasis on spiritual growth.
We offer students at our community schools a comprehensive Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 program, which includes an extensive French Language program, English as a Second Language, Special Education, Physical Education and the Arts. A comprehensive Safe Schools Policy is in place because we believe that students, parents, staff and members of the community have the right to expect schools to be safe and free of violence. Our goal is to enable students to reach their full potential spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. The outstanding extracurricular activities offered at our elementary and secondary schools build confidence and self-esteem in students and create school spirit. We offer a state-of-the-art technology program, which includes computer labs in every school, computers in every classroom and an excellent computer-to-student ratio.
Child Care Services are operated by an independent child care corporation. Full fee and subsidized spaces are available at several of our schools. Transportation is provided to all eligible kindergarten, elementary and high school students - as well as safe transportation of special needs students. The Board also operates St. Nicholas Adult High Schooland annually graduates more than 100 students. Our Continuing and Community Education Department offers more than 300 courses throughout the City of Ottawa, including those of general interest, English as a Second Language and International Languages.
Mission Statement
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.
Merging of the former Ottawa and former Carleton Roman Catholic School Boards resulted in the establishment of the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board on January 1, 1998. The Board officially changed its name to the Ottawa Catholic School Board on March 27, 2007 to emphasize the commitment to Catholicity and to reflect the amalgamation of the City of Ottawa.
Guiding Principles and System Goals
FAITH
Principle: Our Catholic schools have a fundamental right to support and enhance the Catholic faith throughout the entire school community by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Goal: The Board will provide opportunities for staff and students to live, learn, love, and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Board will promote and integrate the distinctive nature of Catholic education in curricular, extracurricular and educational experiences.
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COMMUNITY
Principle: Our Catholic educational communities provide a welcoming, caring, safe and nurturing Christian environment that respects and celebrates the uniqueness of all persons.
Goal: The Board will support the development of safe, caring Christian communities at each school by promoting Gospel values, teamwork and open communication.
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PARTNERSHIP
Principle: Our Catholic schools in partnership with home, parish and community, contribute to the development of individual abilities for the service of the community, the Catholic Church, Canada and the world.
Goal: The Board will support students contributing to local and global communities and invite the wider community to contribute to the school.
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PERSONS
Principle: Our Catholic schools promote the dignity and value of the whole person and the sacredness of life.
Goal: The Board will respect the value and dignity of persons, life and the environment through its policies, procedures and curriculum.
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EXCELLENCE
Principle: Our Catholic schools encourage academic excellence for all students while recognizing individual capabilities, personalities and needs.
Goal: The Board will promote educational excellence by providing innovative and challenging experiences for all students that result in outstanding achievement. The Board will promote strategies that prepare students to be confident when dealing creatively and responsibly with an increasingly complex and diverse society.
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JUSTICE
Principle: Our Catholic schools promote social and moral responsibility as a response to the call of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church for justice and peace.
Goal: The Board will promote social and moral responsibility through education on the social teachings of the Church and through social justice activities.
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STEWARDSHIP
Principle: The Board develops policies to direct human and financial resources at achieving responsible, accountable and equitable education for the well-being of all students.
Goal: The Board will develop responsible and accountable policies that direct all human and financial resources toward the education and well-being of all students. The Board conveyed their sincere thanks and appreciation to all individuals in the Ottawa Catholic community for their commitment and valuable contribution to the Strategic Planning process.
The Board approved the above Mission Statement, Guiding Principles and System Goals on January 26, 1999 for the newly formed Board. Mission Statement / OCSB - 19990823 /
Last Updated: 2009-10-08
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