School Profile 2013-2014
Sir Robert Borden High School
Grades 9 to 12 (semestered)
Address:
131 Greenbank Rd.
Nepean, Ontario
K2H 8R1
Phone: 613-829-5320
Fax: 613-829-1287
School hours:
9:00 a.m. - 3:08 p.m.
School Website
1
Principal
Wendy Verreault
Vice Principals
Steven Jackson
Kristin Riddell
Office Administrator
Toni Bernard
Chief Custodian
Amanda Schiemann
School Council Chair
Tracy Albert
Superintendent of Instruction
Frank Wiley
School Trustee
Donna Blackburn
Chair of the Board
Jennifer McKenzie
Director of Education/
Secretary of the Board
Jennifer Adams
General Board Information:
Phone: 613-721-1820
2
Board Website
3
Accessibility Information
Our School
Sir Robert Borden High School is a large semestered
secondary school situated on a large tract of parkland,
immediately adjacent to the Ottawa-Carleton District School
Board on Greenbank Road just south of Baseline Road. The
school is named after Canada’s 9th Prime Minister. Our
excellent facilities include an auditorium that seats over 650, a
large gymnasium with a brand new floor, a large exercise room,
music rooms, upgraded science labs, computer labs, large
athletic fields, and classrooms equipped with Smartboards
and/or digital projectors.
Students and staff at Borden comprise a community dedicated
to creating an environment in which learning for everyone is
valued. Borden has a tradition of excellence in academics,
athletics, and the arts; students consistently perform above the
provincial standard in EQAO math and OSSLT tests.
Our Students
Borden is enriched by its diverse ethno-cultural and multilingual
population. Students attending Borden are from over 45
countries. Nearly one third of our students speak a language
other than English in their homes. We celebrate in our diversity
and use this strength to promote acceptance and global
citizenship. Elementary feeder schools include Greenbank
Middle School, Frank Ryan Elementary School and Hillel
Academy. Some students from outside our community attend
Borden for our special programs. Typically, more than 85% of
our graduates continue their studies at university or college.
Our Staff
Our 65 highly educated and committed teachers and 20
dedicated administrative and support personnel are the school’s
foundational resources. SRB Staff draw from their wide range of
interests to support both the learning environments of the
classroom and extracurricular activities. Borden supports
teacher education by hosting and mentoring a number of
student teachers from Ontario universities.
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
1
Our Community
The school is located in the heart of a well-established residential community which
includes Arlington Woods, Centrepointe, Craig Henry and Graham Park. Housing in the
area is primarily a mixture of single-family homes and rental townhouses. Most of our
students live within walking distance of the school.
Sir Robert Borden High School works closely with students and parents and with the wider
community to achieve our mission. The Sir Robert Borden School Council meets in our
library on six Tuesdays during the school year at 7p.m. Details are available on the school
website. Parental involvement is an invaluable resource in providing support and direction
for our community school. Parent and community members also offer volunteer support of
extracurricular activities such as student clubs and sports.
Mission Statement
The students and staff of Sir Robert Borden are dedicated to creating an environment in
which learning is highly valued. Our goal is to inspire learning in all students while
promoting well-being, creativity, critical thinking and leadership.
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
2
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
Most of our students take courses at the academic level and are on a pathway toward a
post-secondary University or College education. SRB offers a complete academic program
with enrichment courses in Science, English, and Math. An advanced placement (AP)
course in Calculus is offered. We also provide opportunities for our students to follow other
pathways. Examples of alternate pathways include: cooperative education, the Ontario
Youth Apprenticeship Program, and OCDSB Focus Programs (house building, landscape
& design, cabinet making, manufacturing & graphic design).
Students enrolled in French Immersion may complete the requirements for the Immersion
Certificate. SRB also offers French proficiency testing through France's Ministry of
National Education (DELF testing).
SRB offers an extensive Cooperative Education program wherein students earn credits
and valuable workplace experience. Past placements have included: Ottawa Heart
Institute, T.V., Italian Cuisine, automotive service, automotive body repair, architectural
firms, emergency services, and event planning services. Other specialty programs include:
International Languages, Outdoor Education, Fitness, Broad-based Technology, Computer
Science, and Fine Arts. Borden is the site for two OCDSB Specialist High Skills Major
programs: (1) Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services; and (2), Architectural
Design. For college-bound students we typically offer 1 or 2 “Dual Credit” courses that
students earn a college credit in addition to a high school credit for the same course.
Complete 4-year programs offered from the Music Department include: traditional music,
vocals, and keyboarding.
Sir Robert Borden has had a rich tradition of success and participation in curricular and
extracurricular areas of Physical Education over the years. The school's curricular program
offers students the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of courses in either English or
Immersion French. Students can choose from regular Physical Education, Personal
Fitness, Outdoor Education and Exercise Science programs. To complement these
programs the school has invested heavily in upgrading the school's fitness center which is
now second to none in the city.
Classroom Organization
Sir Robert Borden is a large semestered school with four 75 minute periods that provides
flexibility in course offerings and credit attainment. Students in grades 9,10, and 11 take 8
credits per year. Senior students can slightly reduce their course workload as appropriate.
Every Friday, the entire school participates in DEAR (Drop Everything and Read). This
program encourages reading proficiency and enjoyment - key traits of a lifelong learner.
SRB has school-wide wireless internet access and well equipped computer labs. Borden
promotes the curriculum-directed use of student-based devices. SRB has five Smart
boards (in Math & Social Science) and most classrooms are equipped with a digital
projector. Elmo document cameras and Mobi Clicker technology are used in many
classes.
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
3
Our Social Science Department encourages self-directed learning through Constructivist
learning practices. This method of learning is used in all grade 10 history classes and is
employed by several teachers in the department at all grade levels.
Special Education and ESL Programs
The Special Education team at SRB supports and serves students with varied learning
needs. These students benefit from a continuum of services including in-class support,
resource assistance, technology support, and learning strategies courses. Our school is
one of three OCDSB sites with a Learning Disabilities Program. Although SRB does not
offer an ESL program, this year we hosted 14 international students from 10 countries
wherein English is not a primary language.
Clubs and Activities
Student involvement is promoted by an active Students’ Council and the Athletic
Association. We have a number of clubs in the school, including: Key Club now connected
to Amnesty International, the Ski and Snowboard Clubs, Anime Club, AV Team, Fitness
Club, B.A.S.E. (Borden Active Students for the Environment), Gay-Straight Alliance, the
Dramatic Society, Jewish Culture Club, Christian Club, Jazz Band, Muslim Prayer Group,
Multicultural Club, and Link Club. Our school also offers intramurals, a fitness club, archery
club, yoga, and gym activities.
We promote active and healthy lifestyles through the LIVE-IT-UP program (sponsored by
the City of Ottawa), an on-site Sexuality Clinic, and fitness-related programs.
Extracurricular athletics are offered in a wide variety of sports spanning 30 teams. With the
help of dedicated coaches these teams have regularly been competitive and commonly
make playoffs. Recently, Borden teams competed at OFSAA in baseball, tennis, crosscountry, track, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and badminton. Borden has developed a
reputation as a basketball school; in the last eleven years, the school has represented the
city 5 years at provincial championships.
Students have the opportunity to display their talents and achievements in drama
productions, visual arts displays and music performances. Our Art students were
recognized and awarded prizes by the Dutch Embassy for their art work related to Van
Gogh. An international travel and cultural experience is generally offered to students. In
the past, students have traveled Ghana, Paris, Belize, and New York.
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
4
Safe Schools Initiatives
At Sir Robert Borden, our aim is to create a positive school climate that is a safe and
harmonious environment for learning. We base our school practices on the principles of
character development, progressive discipline and restorative justice. We nurture the selfesteem and self-discipline of each student through shared responsibility of families,
students, and staff. Other safe schools initiatives include: First Aid/CPR/AED Training,
Self-Defense Training, Anti-Bullying Campaign, Character Development, Equity
Committee, Diversity Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, and Ontario Students Against Impaired
Driving. A positive school climate is also promoted through Student Council activities, our
School Resource Officer, student assemblies and conferences, and an on-site
Rideauwood counselor.
Facilities and Resources
The 650-seat John Henderson Auditorium at SRB is a focal point for special school related
activities. A large library houses an extensive collection of books as well as additional
computers for individual work and internet access. The library is open every day at 8:30
am and after school every day so students can complete research, homework, and
assignments. The school’s well equipped music facility, fitness centre, new gym floor, and
communications labs provide programs designed to meet the evolving needs of our
students.
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
5
Achievement and School Improvement Planning
Measures of Student Achievement and Success
In June 2013, Sir Robert Borden graduated 208 students; 126 were Ontario Scholars
(average mark over 80%); 41 were OCDSB Silver Medalists (average mark over 90%);
and, 74 earned Immersion or Extended French Certificates. Many SRB graduates are
recognized for their academic excellence through scholarships and awards. Our grade 9
through 11 students also demonstrate high levels of achievement. Last year 67 students
in grades 9, 10, and 11 earned Silver Medals and 265 earned Honours Certificates.
Borden students also commonly place in the top 25% of students competing in Canadian
math, computer science, and business competitions. Additionally, Junior and Senior
Concert Bands consistently qualify for National Music Festival.
Standardized test results are another measure of student achievement and success. Over
the past 5 years, EQAO grade 9 math results show that our academic students meet the
provincial standard at a rate that is 8-10% above the Board and provincial rates. Last year,
an impressive 94% of our students met the provincial standard. Our applied students also
perform better than the Board and provincial rates; last year, they met the standard at a
rate of 13-15% above the Board and provincial rates. Our students also consistently pass
the standardized grade 10 literacy test, the OSSLT, at a rate of 5-10% above the board
and provincial success rates. Last year, 91% of our students attempting the OSSLT for the
first-time were successful.
Borden’s upward trend in credit accumulation continues. This is a result of our Student
Success program along with resources focused on student achievement. In particular,
early intervention for students not meeting expectations results in credits being rescued or
earned on time rather than being recovered at a later date. We also support struggling
math students with an after school Continuing Education class. Rather than fail an
academic course, these students meet the expectations of an applied course and earn
that credit instead. Last year, eighteen students were successful in this endeavour.
School Improvement Plans and Initiatives
Our school’s focus this year continues to be centred on instruction (engaging tasks) and
assessment, evaluation, and reporting practices. Our staff is actively adopting the
OCDSB’s direction on these practices leading to improved student learning. Sir Robert
Borden’s School Learning Team monitors a number achievement and school climate
indicators required for an excellent and safe school. Major initiatives address literacy,
numeracy, character development, cultural diversity, boy’s achievement, perseverance
and resiliency, and bulling prevention and intervention.
SRB has had a sustained focus on OCDSB’s Community of Character attributes. Our
students plan activities that promote respect, perseverance and appreciation within the
school community. Students also have the opportunity to take part in different conferences
and workshops that are offered around the city. Examples include conferences presented
by Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa and a “Free the Children” assembly from the
organization “From Me to We”. Our school also participates in campaigns such as Phones
for Foods, Schools for Schools, Canned Food Drives, and Operation Christmas Child.
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
6
Leadership Recognition
“Leadership in the OCDSB is the demonstration of personal initiative
to achieve a positive outcome.”
Students
SRB’s Students’ Council provides leadership to the student body through its active
promotion of school spirit, weekly foyer activities, and planning and implementation of
school events. Numerous and varied leadership roles within Link Crew, wherein senior
students mentor grade 9 students, encourages positive character development. Through
Students’ Council and Link Crew, students organize and run: dances, Casino Night,
Student Show Case, and a BBQ & Movie Night. SRB students are actively involved in the
community, leading activities such as canned food drives, phones-for-food campaign,
snowsuit funds, etc. Key Club organizes numerous successful student-lead fundraising
events for charities. Our students are also recognized for their leadership in individual and
team athletics. School bands and senior drama students participate in a number of public
events in our community. Recognition is provided both formally and informally through the
granting of awards, especially the Fall Awards Ceremony and the June Graduation
Ceremony, and through celebrations such as the Athletic Banquet and the Arts Show.
Staff
Administration, teachers, educational and technological assistants, office and custodial
staff, form the Sir Robert Borden team which provides leadership, direction and support in
the achievement of our educational goals. Our staff members have a wealth of
professional qualifications, including Bachelors and Masters degrees in Arts, Fine Arts,
Physical Education and Sciences, as well as additional qualifications in Special Education,
English as a Second Language, Music, Visual Arts, Guidance, and Computers in
Education. Staff actively participated in numerous Board-wide professional development
activities in literacy, numeracy, character education, differentiated instruction, restorative
justice, safe schools, and assessment and evaluation. Many of our staff put in countless
hours supervising extracurricular clubs and bands, coaching sports teams, convening and
organizing OFSAA events, charity fundraising charity, and leading professional learning.
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
SRB benefits from an active School Council that serves in an advisory capacity to the
governance of the school. Parents participate in the Music Department’s Parent Council,
coaching of sports teams, and assisting in the supervision of school activities and field
trips. Our Parent Council has organized and hosted presentations for our community.
Community
Sir Robert Borden has strong links with the community; for example, through co-op,
students engage with community in workplace learning. Our co-operative education
employers are honoured at an annual reception for their close affiliation with our students.
In addition to the required 40 hours of Community Involvement, our students contribute
numerous hours to various community organizations and events. Local businesses
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
7
support many of our fundraising activities and the school yearbook. Community
representatives attend school events, ceremonies, assemblies and commencement.
Further information about the school can be found at the following websites:
1
– http://www.sirrobertbordenhs.ocdsb.ca/
2
– http://www.ocdsb.ca/
3
– http://www.ocdsb.ca/ab-ocdsb/
4
– http://www.eqao.com/
Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship
8