Programs and Services
Academic Programs
There are two academic programs at Stittsville P.S.:
1. English program with Core French - In this program, students in grades 1 to 6 receive 40 minutes a day of French instruction.
2. Early French Immersion - In this program, French is the language of instruction for 50% of the time in full day bilingual kindergarten program and 80% in grade 1. From grades 2 to 6, students receive two hours a day of English instruction. The balance between the languages of instruction is about 60% in French and 40% in English, including mathematics.
Classroom Organization
Stittsville P.S. is a JK to grade 6 dual track school. In the English program, we have eight classes: grade 1/2, 2, 2/3, 3/4, 4, 5, 5/6 and 2 grade 6 classes. In the Early French Immersion program, we have 16 classes: 3 grade 1 one classes, 1/2, 2 grade 2 classes, 2/3, 3 grade 3 classes, two grade 4, two grade 5 and two grade 6 classes.
Special Education and ESL Programs
At Stittsville Public School, we have 2 teachers who work in Special Education.
Stittsville P.S. embraces the practice of inclusion; all exceptional students remain in their regular classes for instruction in literacy and mathematics. The 2 special education teachers and 3.5 educational assistants join the classes during this time. Sometimes small groups of students are withdrawn from the classroom for targeted interventions. This is a short term approach with a specific goal.
Learning Support Teachers (LST) also provide support for teachers who have students with special needs, including remedial, consultation and Empower Reading programs.
Special Education Staff conduct educational assessment of students, prepare Individual Education Plans, and coordinate the Identification, Placement and Review meetings. Learning Resource Teachers provide support to teachers, co-teach in classes, and also prepare required documentation.
SPS students have diverse backgrounds and speak a wide variety of first languages. We have an Itinerant Teacher who provides support in the form of resources for ELL students
Clubs and Activities
Throughout the year staff volunteer to run a variety of sport programs, various clubs, and activities that vary from year to year. Examples include:
- Cross country
- Track and field
- Soccer
- Inter-school volleyball, basketball and borden ball competitions
- Spirit Days
- ECO Club
- Lego Club
- Knitting Club
- Reading Club
- Primary choir
- Junior choir
- Student Council
- Free the Children
Safe Schools Initiatives
The Stittsville Public School Code of Behaviour was developed with input from students, parents, and staff. It is published in the Parent Handbook which is available on the school website. As well, teachers and the student body follow a Positive School Discipline plan that encourages students to act responsibly and demonstrate respect to self, others, and the environment. Character Education is incorporated into lesson plans across the curriculum. Parents provide telephone numbers where office staff can reach them should their child be absent without advance notice.
Teachers implement the Inclusive, Safe and Caring School initiative of the Ottawa- Carleton District School Board in their program delivery. SPS uses the WITS program to help students deal with conflict. As part of our Safe and Caring School Committee we have implemented some new initiatives, for example, the OURSchool survey, GOTCHA program to focus on catching students being good, three assemblies to celebrate Character Education, anti-bullying presentations, Pink Day and Restorative Justice Circles.