Our School
Our school is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin people. Students are at the heart of all that we do in our school.
Their ideal school would have strong teaching and curriculum, with kind, understanding, inclusive people and plenty of extra-curricular activities.
Our school staff is committed to:
- high standards for student learning;
- an inclusive, welcoming learning environment for all of our students, staff and families;
- a focus on critical thinking and creative thinking;
- students helping others through service learning and charitable donation opportunities;
- parents/guardians as partners in the education of their student(s);
- effective partnerships with community volunteers;
- bi-weekly updates for families
- working collaboratively with school council
We currently have 350 students in grades 4 -8 across three programs (Special Education Congregated Programs, English Program, Early French Immersion Program).
Our Students
The school is located in the centre of Kanata, nestled in the Katimavik community. Our school serves a culturally diverse population of students with various heritages, backgrounds, cultural affinities and beliefs. Many of our students are multi-lingual, speaking languages other than those they study at school.
Our students engage in a variety of clubs, sports and other activities throughout their time at Katimavik ES. We are especially proud of the student leadership which continues to grow and be fostered here at Katimavik. Our students strive to support one another and the community by holding fundraisers for our local Food Bank, other OCDSB students/families as well as the Terry Fox Foundation and the Education Foundation.
Our Staff
The teaching staff at Katimavik E.S. is a combination of experienced educators and educators who have recently joined the profession. At present there are about 30 staff members in the school, including a Learning Support Teacher, a Learning Resource Teacher, an ESL Teacher, a Library Technician, an Office Administrator, an Office Assistant, a Breakfast Monitor, a Chief Custodian, an Evening Custodian, a Principal and a Vice-Principal.
The educators continue to learn as part of our professional learning community in the school, and pursue varied learning opportunities outside of the school.
Our Community
Katimavik ES is located in the residential community of Kanata. The community is designed to serve families with its many parks, playgrounds, and vast green space. It is truly a community that values the experiences one can engage in outside.
Our school's name and our community's name is Katimavik. Katimavik is an Inuktitut word meaning "gathering place", which, if you visit the school or neighbourhood, you will see there are many places to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
Facilities and Resources
Katimavik is comprised of three indoor sections - a junior section, a central section, and an intermediate section. The school features a gymnasium with a stage, an instrumental music room, a large library/learning commons, literacy room, and a Bear's Den. Our school yard is large and has grassy knolls, trees, painted pavement games, a playstructure, a basketball court and it is adjacent to the City of Ottawa parkland and pathways, as well as a City of Ottawa outdoor swimming pool, baseball diamond and basketball court. In the winter months, we happily host a City of Ottawa skating rink which is maintained by the Katimavik Community Association's dedicated volunteers.
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
We currently have a diverse group of learners; 350 students in grades 4-8 in a variety of programs both in French and English.
At Katimavik we follow a balanced day schedule in order to maximize instructional time and respect the body’s and brain’s need for regular recreation and nutrition. We have the following classes this year:
- English Program in Grade 4 to 8
- Early French Immersion in Grade 4 to 8
- 3 Special Education Programs: (Junior General Learning Program, Junior LD Specialized Intervention Program, Intermediate LD Specialized Intervention Program)
Special Education and ESL Programs
The Learning Support Teacher (LST) is responsible for:
- after initial identification by the classroom teacher, the LST will further identify pupils’ needs through the use of a wide range of diagnostic tools
- consult and support classroom teachers in the delivery of differentiated programs for identified students
- in consultation with the classroom teacher, the LST monitors the progress of identified students
The Learning Resource Teacher (LRT) is responsible for:
- working collaboratively with teachers to support student learning
- supporting identified students in their classrooms
- delivering the EMPOWER Program to qualifying students
The ESL (English as Second Language) teacher is responsible for:
- supporting classroom teachers with implementing their ESL programming for identified students
- supporting qualifying ESL students as they acquire the English Language
We are further supported by a school board Psychologist, a Social Worker, a Speech and Language Pathologist and a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher. These paraprofessionals serve a family of schools and are here to support us as needed.
Safe Schools Initiatives
The physical, emotional and social safety of our students is foremost in our minds. As such, our school is a restorative practices site whereby we strive to teach students and staff about taking responsibility for their actions and the impact they have on others as well as supporting them to determine how they will restore the relationship and correct any harm done.
Ministy of Education Cell Phone Policy at KES
Here at KES, we have a no cell phone policy in place for grade 4 -8. Phones and smartwatches must be powered off and kept in lockers, backpacks etc. during school hours. This includes recess and lunch times for all students. Parents/guardians who need to reach their student during the school day should do so by calling the office at 613-592-5462.