School Profile 2013-2014
Glebe Collegiate
Grades 9 to 12 (semestered)
Address:
212 Glebe Ave.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 2C9
Phone: (613) 239-2424
Fax: (613) 239-2655
School hours:
8:50 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
School Website1
Principal
France Thibault
Vice Principals
Rupi Bergamin
Marilyn Engelbert
Tom Macartney
Office Administrator
Pamela Wilson
Chief Custodian
Arthur Albert
School Council CoChairs
Debra Lemkow
Lillian Thomsen
Superintendent of
Instruction
Susan MacDonald
School Trustee
Rob Campbell
Chair of the Board
Jennifer McKenzie
Director of Education/
Secretary of the Board
Jennifer Adams
General Board
Information:
Phone: 613-721-1820
OCDSB Website2
Accessibility Information3
Our School
Glebe Collegiate Institute, located in the beautiful Glebe
neighborhood, has developed a rich tradition over its ninety-year
history. In accordance with our motto, “In alta tende”, our students
“strive for the heights” and have acquired national and international
recognition. The challenging academic and extra-curricular
programs are impressive in both range and quality. Our successful
sports teams, outstanding music program and the French
Immersion Gifted Program are hallmarks of the Glebe tradition.
Glebe is the only Immersion Centre offering the Gifted French
Immersion Program in central Ottawa. It is a school where
multicultural students find a safe, stimulating environment and
where an atmosphere of mutual respect for all cultures of Canada
is cultivated. Emphasis is placed on academic excellence,
personal integrity, and respect for all individuals.
Our Students
Our student body of over 1450 reflects a wide mix of ethnic,
cultural, and religious backgrounds. 59 languages other than
English are spoken by our students, many of whom are
international students coming from countries around the world.
Internationally, Glebe’s strong reputation makes it attractive to
many students who chose to study in Canada. Glebe provides a
variety of curricular and extra-curricular experiences to encourage
social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth for students.
Our active Student Council focuses on issues relevant to the
improvement of governance and student life in the school and in
the community. There is an exceptionally high level of student
involvement and commitment to community and global outreach
initiatives including human rights, environmental stewardship, and
international aid as well as local and international charities.
Our Staff
Glebe’s highly qualified and enthusiastic teaching staff of over 100
teachers includes a mix of new and experienced teachers. As
members of a strong Professional Learning Community, staff
nurtures our students’ potential and love of learning. Many
teachers speak several languages or have earned citations for
excellence. Staff members are accessible through various
methods of communication such as email, telephone, and personal
interviews. Our support staff consists of friendly and helpful people
in the main office, Educational Assistants, and American Sign
Language interpreters. The highly efficient and reliable custodians
ensures the school and surroundings are clean and safe. Our staff
are involved with District, Provincial and National Educational
Programs that enhance their professional learning and teaching
practice.
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Our Community
Parents and Community
Glebe draws students primarily from the local vicinity for its English program, and from
larger areas for the French Immersion, English as a Second Language, and French
Immersion Gifted programs. Parents play an important role in shaping Glebe’s vision for its
students and support student and staff initiatives. Parents are welcome to volunteer in a
variety of ways. Our School Council is an advisory body representing all parts of the
community. Meetings are scheduled on the second Monday of most months at 7:00 p.m.
The School Council also organizes a website, newsletters, formal and informal meetings,
workshops, discussions and speakers on topics of concern to parents throughout the
school year, and two staff appreciation events. Glebe Collegiate Institute is deeply
embedded into the community with partnerships with local businesses, churches, senior
citizens homes, and the two local universities.
Mission Statement
Glebites – In alta tende “Strive for the Heights” by celebrating human diversity in a culture
of mutual respect and by seeking to improve the world through leadership, integrity,
compassion and commitment to learning.
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Programs and Services
Academic Programs
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Grades 9 – 12: Regular English, English as a Second Language, Extended French,
French Immersion and Gifted French Immersion
International languages: German, Spanish, Latin
Visual Arts, Drama, Music (Band, Vocal, Percussion, Keyboard)
The Cabinet Making Focus Program
Co-operative Education
Bio-genetics
Technology program including Communications and Design, and Computer
Engineering
Credit Rescue, Credit Recovery and Student Success Initiatives
Classroom Organization
Glebe Collegiate is a large, composite secondary school operating on a semester basis.
The school day consists of four seventy-five minute periods with an hour lunch period.
Extra-curricular credits in choir, band, and Outdoor Education can be earned outside the
regular school hours. Classes range from traditional structured format to open concept and
collaborative modes. Glebe Collegiate is a grade 9 – 12 community program school as
well as a Gifted French Immersion Centre. Gifted French Immersion and English as a
Second Language are delivered as program packages. Our school also engages students
in the Cabinet Making Focus program that leads students into apprenticeship programs at
Colleges or employment in industry. The successful integration of our monthly after school
Credit Intervention has helped to increase our success rates for both junior and senior
students.
Special Education and ESL Programs
We have a Gifted Immersion program package with congregated classes in English, Social
Sciences and Science. Special Education Resource Teachers provide remedial help,
monitoring and educational support. We also have an English as a Second Language
program package with congregated classes in English, Mathematics, Social Sciences and
Science, French and Art. Glebe values its Developmental Disabilities class, which is very
much a part of our school community. Multi-cultural liaison personnel are available to
translate most languages to strengthen bonds between home and school. In addition, a list
of tutors is available for extra support.
Clubs and Activities
A wide variety of 35 intramural and interscholastic sports are offered. We had been named
“Sports School of the Year” four times over the last 6 years. Annually, the Glebe Robotics
Club competes successfully in the First Canadian Robotics Competition and places in the
forefront of competition. We have numerous clubs including camera, chess, ping-pong,
Key Club, Amnesty International, anime, ski, debating, international friendship, junior
achievement, OSAID, rowing, and many others. Our environmental club actively works to
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preserve our environment and have won a prestigious award recognizing their work and
contributions to the school and community. Our percussion group, Offbeat, a stomp-like
group, has received national and international recognition. The Music Department both
enriches and shares the excellence of its program in North America and Europe. Glebe is
vibrant with activity from early morning practices to late evening games and presentations,
whether dramatic, athletic, artistic or social. Glebe is an exciting school that celebrates
diversity and offers something for every interest. One of our students was one of 4
recipients out of 1000 won the Award for Excellence for his broom performance in Boston,
Mass. at the Heritage Festival. In addition, Glebe’s music ambassadors in Boston won the
Festival’s Spirit Award for outstanding team work, positive attitude, respect of peers and
other festival contestants, volunteers and adjudicators.
Safe Schools Initiatives
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Provincial and School Codes of Behaviour
Early Intervention Program for students at risk
Peer Helpers and Peer Mediation Program
Link Crew Program (mentors for grade 9 students)
Emergency Procedures and Tragic Event protocols in place
At-risk initiatives to support students’ academic success.
Various assemblies on topics relevant to teens
Anti-Bullying program to ensure that all students feel safe
Health programs for medical and psychological wellness and positive lifestyle choices
Facilities and Resources
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Centrally located on major bus lines with its own park on tree-lined streets
Large, modern library, with state-of-the-art high speed computer resource area, multimedia labs
Four Design and Technology shops including a lab for graphing; five fully-equipped
computer rooms
The only secondary school with an indoor swimming pool; large practice field; newly
refurbished gym
Greenhouse, two fitness rooms, proximity to Lansdowne Park and shared community
facilities
The building is graced with marble walls, a 1,190-seat stately newly renovated
auditorium and sound proof music room.
We have created portable language labs to augment student access to technology and
to enhance the delivery of curriculum.
Students and staff can access WIFI throughout the school.
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Achievement and School Improvement Planning
Measures of Student Achievement and Success
Academics
The Robotics Team has a long 19 year history, 9 of those years we competed in Canada
First, capturing two firsts, three seconds, and three thirds. For the past 10 years the team
has been competing in the FIRST Canadian Regional, in Mississauga, one of 37 US
FIRST Regionals. During this short time the team has placed anywhere from 72nd out of
80 teams, having to rebuild the robot due to damage in shipping, to qualifying for the
semifinals and one year winning the fastest robot award. These competitions allow the
students to gain hands-on experience in science and technology while working alongside
industry professionals. Since 2009, we have added the VEX robotics competitions to our
busy schedule. We have been very successful in these competitions, placing second in
2010 and 2011, which qualified us for the VEX World Championships. In 2011, we went to
Orlando, Florida for the Worlds with five hundred teams from around the world. At this
event we did very well, narrowly missing the playoffs. We are proud that one of our
graduates is currently designing and testing Mars rover robots while completing his
doctorate in engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Each year a number of our
graduating students continue on in engineering programs. One of our students placed first
in the American Association of Physics Teachers (all of North America), first in the Sir
Isaac Newton Physics Contest with a perfect score, first in the Canadian Association of
Physics Teachers Contest and 6th place in the World at the Physics Olympiad with a gold
medal.
Interscholastic Sports
Glebe has an outstanding tradition in interscholastic sports. With 35 sports to participate
in, Glebe offers the largest variety of sports in the Ottawa Carleton region. In 2006-2007,
2007-2008, 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, Glebe was ranked as the top high school for
sports by the local paper. In 2008-2011, City Championships have been won by the Junior
and Senior Boys and Senior Girls Volleyball teams; Track & Field Boys, Girls and Grand
Aggregate; Cross-Country Running Boys, Girls and Grand Aggregate; and Girls Rugby.
Our Senior Boys’ Volleyball team won the Provincial Championship in 2006. In 2012, our
Junior Girls Cross Country Running team won the Provincial Championships and our Girls
team won the Overall Title. In Nordic Skiing, Glebe skiers won bronze at the Provincial
Championships in Junior and Senior Combined. Rowing is a unique sport we are proud to
offer at Glebe and once again our athletes won several medals. Glebe also competes in
swimming, water polo and girl’s field hockey, amongst many others.
The Arts
The arts are an integral component of Glebe life. The drama productions called
"Mainstage" and "Backstage" - a series of one-act plays - are a yearly phenomenon. In
2012, Glebe’s “Cappies” Throughout the year, Glebe displays student artwork in our main
office and halls. In late spring, artwork of the senior Art graduating classes is highlighted.
Glebe is well represented at Music Festivals across Canada. Over the past years our
Senior, Chamber and Concert Choirs won first place and Junior Band received silver and
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gold certificates. Our unique ‘Offbeat’ percussion group took gold five consecutive years in
Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and New York, where they also received the
adjudicators’ award for highest mark. In April 2009, our choir, band and Offbeat performed
in Italy and raised over $1,000 for Aquilla earthquake victims. They’ve also performed in
Austria, Calgary, England, Boston, Chicago and this coming April 2012 will be traveling to
Germany. The department puts on two music nights, in fall and late spring featuring all our
choirs, bands, offbeat and our guitar students. Glebe’s Drama students participated in the
Ottawa Citizen’s “Cappies” contest and received 5 nominations, one of which was for Best
Play, and 1 Cappie for best Supporting Female Actress. Glebe also has a strong tradition
in the language arts. In past two years students wrote the French Language Advanced
Placement exam and obtained the highest mark of 5. Glebe students have participated in
the Concours de Français, sponsored by Carleton and Ottawa Universities, receiving first,
second, fifth and seventh place finishes as individuals, and as a team our students won
first place for the category Immersion. Glebe also participated in the Concours d’Art
oratoire sponsored by the Canadian Parents for French. Our students are currently
participating in the Student Achievement Award in French sponsored by the Ontario
Teacher Federation (OSSTF) at the Provincial level. Glebe’s Improv Team has received
two top ten finishes at Nationals, including a Bronze medal, in recent years.
School Improvement Plans and Initiatives
In the EQAO grade 9 assessments, Glebe students do well. Glebe's results are at or
above the provincial and OCDSB averages for levels 3 and 4 in both the academic and
applied levels. The Mathematics department continues to improve our support plan with an
after-school program to ensure that our grade 9 students are prepared for the EQAO
assessment. The students' standing in this assessment is included in the summative
results for the course. Our English 4U and 4C district-wide exam results for the 2011-2012
school years were aligned with the OCDSB average. The Ontario Secondary School
Literacy test, which is a mandatory test that all students must pass before they receive a
graduation diploma, is written annually. The percentage of eligible students passing in the
spring of 2011 exceeded the provincial average. Cross curricular literacy strategies are
part of all courses at Glebe. Teaching students the necessary how to be critical readers
and writers will provide them with the literacy skills assessed on the OSSLT. The School’s
Smart Goal #1 is that “students will apply critical thinking to solve problems and make
decisions as measured by the indicators of progress”. Staff PD is focusing on infusing
critical thinking throughout the curriculum, as well as meaningful feedback, student
discourse, and differentiation to improve student learning. The development of Word Walls
is one strategy that is applied school-wide to develop literacy skills. Glebe’s new “Take 20”
initiative supports literacy across the curriculum along with “accountable talk”. This schoolwide program occurs once a week. Glebe is participating in a Ministry Initiative named
“Student Success School Support Initiative”. Teachers work together on high-yield
strategies to improve student achievement through targeted subjects and levels.
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Leadership Recognition
“Leadership in the OCDSB is the demonstration of personal initiative
to achieve a positive outcome.”
Students
As representatives of the student population, our School Leadership Team provides input
for our school-wide events and fundraising for the community; for example, over the past 2
years, the school has raised $32,000 to support CHEO, the children’s hospital. In 2011,
we raised $10,000 for the Terry Fox Run, as well as raising funds to purchase over 108
goats for developing countries. In 2012 our Terry Fox total was over $9,000. Our students
also showed leadership in sports, where they won several city and provincial
championships. In addition to informal recognition on a regular basis, we also
acknowledge their contributions in our classrooms, school announcements, school
website, newsletters, assemblies, local newspapers, our Principal’s Report to School
Council, the Glebe Quarterly and end-of-year awards ceremonies. As well, we recognize
student leadership by incorporating their suggestions into our planning. Awards Night is
held once a year to recognize and honor the numerous students’ academic achievements.
FSL Students in the OCDSB are encouraged to be tested for the DELF (Diplôme des
études de langue française), an internationally-recognized and issued by the French
National Education Ministry. This four-part test (oral and written comprehension, written
production, as well as oral interaction and monologue) determines at which of six levels a
student can use their French language skills in authentic situations. DELF is a powerful
motivational tool for students wishing to study, travel or work in Francophone communities,
and can often exempt students from entry-level French proficiency exams. As part of
Glebe’s FSL Program Review, the methodology used in DELF training is being integrated
into curriculum delivery.
Staff
Our staff members have a wealth of professional qualifications including Bachelor, Master
and Ph. D. degrees in Arts, English, Law, Fine Arts, Physical Education and Sciences, as
well as additional qualifications in Special Education, English as a Second Language,
Music, Visual Arts, Technology, Guidance, and Computers in Education. They have
actively participated in numerous Board-wide professional development activities in
literacy and numeracy, technology, Assessment & Evaluation and we recognize their
initiative by providing and supporting opportunities for further professional growth. Two of
our Social Science teachers were chosen from a range of teachers from across Canada to
participate in a program on Parliament Hill for a week of Parliamentary proceedings.
Another teacher was selected to tour Canadian battlefields in Europe and to participate in
a series of seminars regarding Canada's role in the world wars. An economics teacher
was selected to testify to the Senate regarding the future of the Canadian penny. A music
teacher was chosen to be a member of Canada’s Foot Guard and has traveled
representing the school. We also recognize staff leadership via personal interactions with
one another, letters of thanks, school announcements, school newsletters, assemblies,
performance appraisals, and our Principal’s Report to school council and the local
community newspaper. Three of our science teachers and our SST teacher won 2nd place
at the Discovery Channel’s Iron Science Competition National Final two years in a row.
Five of our English and ESL teachers have worked at the District, Provincial, and
International levels on Assessment and Evaluation and EQAO Teachers are integrating
technology as learning and teaching tool in course at all levels/grades. One of our English
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teachers won the Capital Educator’s Award for 2012; a science teacher was short listed for
this award as well. Two of our history teachers were chosen among all the history teachers
in Canada to participate in the Teachers’ Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.
Several of our teachers are published authors, actors and professional musicians. One of
our teachers won the 2011 Ontario History and Social Science Teachers' Association
Award and both our Head of Arts and Drama Teacher have been awarded the OCDSB
“Arts Recognition Award”. A Guidance Counsellor won the University of Ottawa Guidance
Counsellor Appreciation Award for 2012-2013.
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
Last year, our volunteers contributed hundreds of hours of support for the benefit of
students in our school. Our active TWIGS groups contribute greatly to environmental
issues in the school and its community and were recognized for their work in winning the
Jenny Award, the highest honour given by the OCDSB to a school. The School Council
honours all Staff members twice a year with a holiday luncheon and a spring strawberry
social. We thank our invaluable partners, our parents, guardians and volunteers on an ongoing basis, and look for opportunities to acknowledge them in newsletters and at a
volunteer appreciation event. Parents are welcome and invited to participate in all school
events.
Community
We recognize our vast number of community partners through our school announcements,
school newsletters, school web site, Principal’s Report to School Council, and thank you
cards. We also invite them to events, awards ceremonies, and graduation. We believe in
strong community partnerships, working closely with the Glebe Community Association,
our Co-operative Education employers, our feeder schools, and other social agencies to
provide a safe, caring, supportive school community focused on student learning.
Glebe plays an integral part in our community and is proud of its 90 year history of
academic excellence and social responsibility.
Google Map of Glebe Collegiate
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URL References
1
http://www.glebeci.ca/
http://www.ocdsb.ca/
3 http://www.ocdsb.ca/ab-ocdsb/
4 http://www.eqao.com/
2
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