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Our School

Berrigan PS

Berrigan Land Acknowledgement:
(This is a combination of language written by our primary and junior students)

We would like to acknowledge that we are living, learning and playing today, and everyday on the traditional  land  of the Algonquin people. We recognize that the Algonquin people lived here first. We need to make a fair promise to share the land and we should treat the land the way they want it to be treated and respect it. We give thanks for food, water, trees, animals, oceans, skies, sunsets and clean air. We will try not to waste any resources. We hope that we can all live together in peace.

Our School

At Berrigan Elementary School we provide a safe, supportive environment where student learning is the focus of an  educational partnership among dedicated staff, parents and the community.Our priorities are student success, a focus on literacy and numeracy, character education and an inclusive approach to education.

Our Students

Berrigan has an enrollment of just under 900 students representing over 35 countries and more than 20 languages. Our students have a variety of cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds and are proud to be Canadian.Our students will go to Longfields Davidson Heights Secondary School following the completion of Grade Six.

Our Staff

Berrigan employs a full-time equivalent of 51 teachers, 2.5 educational assistants, 2.5 office administrators, 4 custodians, a library technician, a full time Vice-Principal and a full time Principal. Our staff works together as a team to create the most positive learning environment possible for our students. At Berrigan we are dedicated to the promotion of academic excellence. Literacy imbued with arts education, numeracy and character education continue to be the main areas of focus for our school. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board also provides support in terms of a psychologist, social worker and a speech-language pathologist. Through regular visitations and consultations, these professionals assist teachers and serve the needs of our students. Community Care Access professionals such as physio and occupational therapists also serve our students. A part time MLO, Multicultural Liaison Officer, works with staff and families to help ensure the successful integration of immigrant students and their families in our school. A School Resource Officer (SRO) from Ottawa Police Services also supports our school.

Our Community

Berrigan parents represent a rich diversity of people, languages and countries. Our parents are very active education partners and work in our school assisting children in all areas of their development: academic, social, emotional and physical. Parents arrange for Pizza and Subway Days, milk is available daily, as well as the hot lunch program, Mommy’s Yummies. Parents also assist with Early Literacy and Numeracy programs and volunteer many hours in a great variety of ways within and beyond the classroom. Our active School Council meets monthly, usually on the first Thursday of the month, and strives to enhance communication between parents, teachers, students and administrators. In addition, our Council addresses current educational issues, trends and curricula.

Mission Statement

Educating for Success- Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship 

Facilities and Resources

Kindergarten classes are found in the lower west wing of the school, while other grades are spread throughout the school and two portables. The school yard includes two play structures, two basketball courts, many mini soccer fields, a large soccer field and a fenced-in Kindergarten area. Inside our building there is a large double gymnasium with a stage; a spacious library with a wide variety of books and resources; an English Book Room, a French Book Room; an open stage located in our main lobby; Each classroom is well equipped with internet access, whole-school WIFI access, digital technology peripherals and digital projectors; a fully operational community kitchen where Breakfast Club is offered daily to all students who enrol in the program. The school is surrounded by terrific neighbours who keep a close eye on our building and schoolyard.

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

Berrigan offers:

  • Regular English Program 1-6
  • Early French Immersion JK-6
  • Core French to our students in the Regular English Program 1-6
  • English to French Immersion Grades 1-6
  • Special Education integrated into the homeroom classes (Primary and Junior Programs)
  • International Language Classes Monday and Wednesday, after school.
  • English as a Second Language

Classroom Organization

Berrigan is a dual track community school offering both Regular English and Early French Immersion Programs. We have 11 classes in our English Program. We have 22 classes including Kindergarten in our Early French Immersion Program.

Special Education and ESL Programs

We have Integrated Special Education Learning Support in our Primary and Junior classrooms. We also have two Learning Support Teachers who provide remedial support and administer educational assessments. These Special Education Learning Support Teachers (LST’s) oversee the interests of students with exceptionalities or special needs, and provide support for all students who are identified through the IPRC process. They work closely with classroom teachers in developing IEP’s (Individualized Education Plans). We also have English as a Second Language support, JK through Grades 1 to 6.

Clubs and Activities

Organized sports activities for primary and junior students include: bordenball, soccer, track and field, cross country running, basketball, and volleyball. Various clubs and activities are available:

  • Homework Club
  • ECO Club
  • International Dance
  • Coding Club
  • Computer Club
  • Lego Stop Animation
  • Knitting Club
  • iMovie Club
  • Art Club
  • Ping Pong Club
  • Sewing Club
  • Ukulele Club

Our students are encouraged to demonstrate their leadership skills by being bus, lunch and kindergarten monitors. Our annual Bread Festival provides an opportunity for families to share a part of their culture with our school community.

 

Safe Schools Initiatives

At Berrigan our “Code of Behavior” stresses respect and safety. In addition, the District’s ‘Community of Character’ Wheel is embedded into daily life at Berrigan. Other Safe School Initiatives include:

  • A ‘Kiss and Ride’ student drop off area
  • Staff and visitor badges for all adults on-site
  • Staff trained in Non Violent Crisis Intervention
  • Staff trained in First Aid, CPR, use of AED and Suicide Prevention.
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