School Profile 2013-2014
South Carleton High School
Grades 9 to 12
Our School
Address:
3673 McBean St.
Richmond, Ontario
K0A 2Z0
Phone: 613-838-2212
Fax: 613-838-5694
School hours:
8:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
School Website1
Principal
Trudy Garland
Vice Principals
Joyce Melamed
Shannon Adams
Office Administrator
Jane Beckett
Chief Custodian
Dale Parks
School Council Co-Chairs
Jody & Thomas Layer
Superintendent of
Instruction
Peter Gamwell
School Trustee
Lynn Scott
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
At South Carleton High School, we take pride in knowing that our
school is recognized as a caring, community school. Our team of
students, staff, parents and community promotes an inclusive and
welcoming environment. We respect the individual, honour our
traditions, encourage daily excellence, and prepare students for their
future.
Our learning environment is grounded in a strong academic program.
Excellent core programs in language, social science, math, science
and technology, coupled with extensive program choices in the fine
arts, physical and outdoor education, and business studies create a
comprehensive learning environment for our students.
A major focus is in the preparation of students for post-secondary
study and the world of work; thus, the development of superior
numeracy and literacy skills is an emphasis throughout our program.
Our co-operative education program provides many of our students
the opportunities to experience real-life workplace learning that
supports their academic program.
The SCHS athletic and extracurricular programs have been integral
parts of the school for over sixty years. Our logo, “The Storm”,
represents the energy and enthusiasm of staff and students at SCHS.
“The Storm” and True Sport is proudly displayed on the team jerseys
of over 29 interscholastic teams that will be part of the school this
year.
Our Students
The student enrolment of 1250, including 240 Grade 9 students, is
among the larger of the schools in the OCDSB. The SCHS attendance
boundaries cover a major section of the southern part of the Ottawa
Carleton District School Board. Students come from Stittsville,
Riverside South, Half Moon Bay, Manotick, North Gower, Kars,
Ashton, Munster, Richmond, and the surrounding areas. Our feeder
schools include Kars on the Rideau P.S., Goulbourn M.S. and A.
Lorne Cassidy Elementary School. Our students reflect a unique
blend of suburban and rural families. We value the diverse
backgrounds of our student body which enrich our school. Upon
graduation, the majority of our students attend university or college
across Canada.
Our Staff
The SCHS Team strives to provide the best educational environment
for all students. Our team of over 100 members includes teachers,
administrative staff, technicians, two vice-principals, custodians and
educational assistants. We are supported by the services of a social
worker, a psychologist, a School Resource Officer from the Ottawa
Police, and a Rideauwood counsellor. Members of our School Council
are considered to be an integral part of the SCHS team. Our devoted
staff is proud of the rich heritage of our school and the suburban/rural
community in which we live.
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Our Community
Parents and Community
Our community is active in, and supportive of, our school. Parents and OCRI volunteers
coach teams, supervise field trips and support many of our school activities. Our School
Council displays an active interest in the development of our school facilities and
programs. The organization has grown in membership to provide us with a representative
sample of our community. Our School Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday of
every month and we welcome all to attend and provide input to contribute to their child’s
education and the school community.
Mission Statement
South Carleton High School is a caring, community school. Our team of staff, students,
parents and community promote a sharing, inclusive and welcoming environment. We
respect the individual, honour our traditions, encourage daily excellence, and prepare
students for their future.
Recently, a parent of a graduate commented:
“In speaking with my son – who is away at university - over the past few weeks I have
acquired a better comprehension of the level of education provided by South…He has
made the statement on more than one occasion how well prepared he is as a result of the
style and substance of the teachers at South Carleton.”
Recently, a parent of a Grade 9 student commented:
“Now every day when my son calls me to say he is home and I ask how his day was I get
the same response. IT WAS GREAT. I don't know just when the miracle happened, but we
are both so grateful.”
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Programs and Services
Academic Programs
In addition to offering a comprehensive program in English, Math, the Sciences, Canadian
and World Studies and the Humanities, South Carleton H.S. also offers:
 Extended/Enriched English and Math
 French Immersion
 Extensive fine arts including visual arts, photography, media studies, instrumental
music, dramatic arts and dance
 Physical education programs which include outdoor education, male athletics, female
athletics, fitness, exercise science and co-educational classes
 Technological studies which include construction, computer engineering,
communications, manufacturing, transportation and house building
 Family studies incorporates the operation of a community play group three days per
week as part of the program
 Co-operative education, including house construction, and Ontario Youth
Apprenticeship Program (O.Y.A.P)
 The Canadian and World Studies department has developed a skills continuum from
Grade 9 to Grade 12 focusing on critical thinking and communication skills for both
college and university bound students. This practice will soon be adopted by all
departments in the school.
 Leadership/ Peer Mentoring
 LINK Crew a grade nine transition program, where senior students mentor Gr 9’s
 Digital Photography which boasts a portrait studio
 Dual Credit Program with Algonquin College in Mathematics
 Specialist High Skills Majors in four areas: Manufacturing, Construction, Health and
Wellness, Information and Communications Technology
Classroom Organization
SCHS is a community school that offers a comprehensive program from Grade 9 through
to Grade 12. Our school operates on a semester system with students taking up to four
courses each semester. Courses are offered at the academic, applied and open levels in
Grades 9 and 10. In Grades 11 and 12, courses are offered at the university, college,
university/college and open levels.
In class instruction is enhanced in many of our programs by the use of technology and out
of class field trips that include local, national and international experiences. A wide variety
of guest speakers regularly present to our classes enhancing the learning experience for
all students.
Special Education and ESL Programs
Support for students identified as having special learning needs is provided by our
Learning Support Teachers, Teaching staff and Education Assistants. The nature of the
support is determined by individual needs. Staff in our Resource Centre are recognized for
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their expertise and commitment, having considerable experience in the area of special
education.
We also have a Student Learning Centre including the Lighthouse program with e-learning
and independent study courses, renovated science laboratories/greenhouse, an outdoor
education room, and conferencing rooms for community and students.
Clubs and Activities
SCHS has a wide variety of co-curricular activities including: Students’ Council, Peer
Helpers, Intramural Sports, Interscholastic Sports, OSAID, Yearbook, Drama Club, Tech
Crew and Key Club. An emphasis for student groups has been contributing to the
community through fundraising and volunteering. Highlights this year and last year include:
The SCHS Leadership Camp, Fashion Show, Dance Showcase, both dramatic and
musical theatre presentations, music nights featuring students in our music program and
coffee houses.
A variety of evening activities afford students from a wide geographic area an opportunity
to meet at the school. Students’ Council activities, arts evenings and athletic events are
examples.
Safe Schools Initiatives
The SCHS Code of Behaviour reflects the standards identified in the Provincial Code of
Conduct and the OCDSB’s Safe Schools policies. The expectations of positive behaviour
are designed to establish a safe and caring learning environment and are founded in the
basic principles of respect and responsibility. Safe Schools Initiatives include:
 A Student Assistance Program provided by SCHS and Rideauwood Family and
Addiction Services counselling program.
 Peer Mediation, SCHS Peers
 Community Sexual Health Centre operated by the Regional Health Unit
 Guidance Services, Special Education Resource Unit
 School Resource Officer – Ottawa Police Service
 YouthNet
 Live it Up (Ottawa Public Health)
Facilities and Resources
SCHS has sixty years of innovation and excellence in education. This is reflected in the
on-going initiatives at the school. Facility features include:
 eight computer labs including GIS labs
 Library Resource Centre with both print and web-based electronic Resources, three
gymnasia, weight room, spinning facility and numerous outdoor fields
 art, music, dance studios and photography lab
 six technology shops, including a new state of the art portrait studio
 surround-sound presentation theatre
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Achievement and School Improvement Planning
Measures of Student Achievement and Success
SCHS students have consistently demonstrated excellence in both our academic and
extracurricular programs. Recognizing excellence and a commitment to reaching personal
goals are an important part of the culture at SCHS.
Students are honoured academically at two major events each year: Undergraduate
Awards Ceremony and Graduation.
In 2010 -11, 141 of our 283 graduates were named to the SCHS Honour Roll in
recognition of achieving an overall average of 80% or better. Of these, twenty five were
winners of the OCDSB Silver Medals recognizing an average of over 90%. Forty-one of
our graduates were awarded French Immersion Certificates. Seventy-four scholarships
and awards were presented at Graduation in June 2011.
Our Grade 10 students completed the 2010-2011 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
with a success rate that was above the provincial and OCDSB averages.
Our students compete in numerous provincial contests including: Pascal Grade 9, Cayley
Grade 10, Fermat Grade 11 and the Euclid Grade 12 math contests, the University of
Waterloo Grade 11 Avogadro Chemistry Contest, and the OAPT Grade 12 Physics
contest.
To assist students in setting personal academic goals, all Grade 9 students receive
diagnostic testing in English and Mathematics. Results are used to establish individual
needs and remediation targets.
The participation rate in both our intramural and interscholastic athletics programs is high.
SCHS offers twenty-nine interscholastic teams and a wide variety of individual and team
intramural sports. In 2010-2011 several SCHS students competed at the provincial level in
a variety of sports. South Carleton was ranked the 6th top school in NCSSAA
interscholastic league program for 2010/2011.
Students’ work in the arts is celebrated throughout the year at Fine Arts Nights hosted by
staff and students of the school.
Since its inaugural year in the Ottawa region in 2005, SCHS students have been actively
involved in Critics and Awards Program (CAPPIES), a theatre program devoted to
students with a passion for writing and theatre production.
Senior students compete annually in Carleton University’s Sprott Business School
competition. Last year our student team placed first in the province.
Our school is a caring community. Clear evidence of this is reflected the school's ability to
raise funds for a variety of charities. A cheque of $5,250 was awarded to the Ottawa
Humane Society, and numerous organizations benefited from the community awareness
of our students.
School Improvement Plans and Initiatives
At South Carleton High School, we constantly strive to enhance educational opportunities
for students and to improve our learning and instructional environment. Each year, we
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develop “School Improvement Plans” based on the performance of our students and
identified requirements of the new curriculum. The focus this year will include:
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South Carleton staff are committed to creating a respectful community of learners by
focusing on connecting and reflecting across all subject areas as measured by the
indicators of progress
Continuation of the SCHS "Oracy Skills" initiative. This plan will see the continuation of
activities in our English programs that are intended to develop students’ oral skills in
formal debates as well as cross-curricular literacy initiatives.
Numeracy improvement initiatives. This initiative, centered in the junior mathematics
program, is designed to ensure all students acquire mathematics skills required for
everyday use.
Our staff are actively engaged in developing curriculum strategies that engages the
21st Century learner. The continued focus is the Development of an improved entry
plan model for Grade 8 students. Working with staff from our feeder schools will help in
the design of an improved entry process for Grade 8 students to ensure a successful
transition to high school.
As a staff, we also focus on the learning skills component of the students’ academic
program. Each subject department is developing the learning skills required for
success, by teaching explicitly those skills at each grade level in the various subject
areas.
Although these initiatives will receive major attention this year, there are other ongoing
initiatives which include:
 Increasing communication with students and parents through the various media.
 Encouraging increased parental involvement and engagement
 Focusing on literacy and reading for pleasure with SC Reads every Wednesday
 Inclusion and accessibility practices
 Improving the physical plant.
Google Map of South Carleton High School
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Leadership Recognition
“Leadership in the OCDSB is the demonstration of personal initiative
to achieve a positive outcome.”
Students
SCHS staff are committed to providing students with opportunities to develop their
leadership skills throughout the year through various groups and events including the
following:
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Our Kiwanis Key Club is our community student-led club. Our Key Club strengthens
our path of service to our school and community. Our motto is, “Caring…our way of
life.”
Students’ Council develops leaders with practical experiences and events that enhance
the life of our school. Our mission is to build a positive school climate through the
development of local and global awareness.
The SCHS Leadership Camp consists of activities that promote team building, personal
growth and fun. All students who attend have the opportunity to develop selfawareness, organizational, leadership and decision making skill.
South Carleton Students raised over $11,000 and made this significant donation to
CHEO, $5250 to the Ottawa Humane, as well as $6,000 to other community
organizations.
Skills Canada distinguished Gold Medal and 1st overall in Technology was awarded to
student David Jackson
Staff
Grade 10 Canadian History students complete an interactive and comprehensive unit on
the Holocaust including the creation of reflective journals, a presentation by Holocaust
survivors, and a trip to the Montreal Holocaust Museum. Eva Olssen, a Holocaust survivor,
has been a guest speaker at SC for the past four years, providing an insightful message to
our students.
Senior biology and geography students have the opportunity to attend a marine field trip to
the Huntsman Marine Centre in St. Andrew’s, New Brunswick.
Mathematics, science and language teachers have linked with our feeder school teachers
to focus on student achievement curriculum alignment, assessment and evaluation and
student transition to high school.
Our inspiring staff participate actively in on-going professional development that supports
student learning. Balanced literacy, assessment and evaluation, analyzing student
achievement data, and the integration of character education into the curriculum and
school life are just some of the examples of regular professional development for our
teachers.
Staff and students of South Carleton have presented to OCDSB staff and at the EOSDN
Conference highlighting the Character Education program at South Carleton.
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South Carleton staff present to the Ministry of Education on Specialist High Schools Major
programs
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
School Council continues to support and encourage activities at South Carleton while
providing the principal with meaningful and valued input. Parents are kept up-to-date
through monthly meetings where ongoing communication is transparent and our Learning
Community works collaboratively to ensure that the learning environment is positive, safe
and enjoyable, which enhances school improvement and student learning. The meetings
are open and all are invited to attend.
Community
In partnership with various house builders, students enrolled in our House Building have
the opportunity to develop skills in the construction trade such as framing, wiring,
insulation, drywall and flooring while building a home in an established development.
Students enrolled in this Focus Program earn credits toward the Ontario Secondary
School Diploma. We would like to thank Tamarack Homes for their continued support of
our House Building program. Many members within the community have provided
opportunities for our students to work on various individual projects around the
neighbourhood. We appreciate the trust you hold in our youth and their teachers.
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URL References
1
http://www.southcarletonhs.ocdsb.ca/
2 http://www.ocdsb.ca/
3 http://www.ocdsb.ca/ab-ocdsb/
4 http://www.eqao.com/
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