D. Roy Kennedy PS

Our Students

D.R.K. has an enrolment of 330 students:

• 180 in the regular English program
• 150 in the Middle French Immersion program

Our student body is represented by many cultures. Languages spoken by our students include: Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Somali, Russian, and Vietnamese. Our D.R.K. graduates may go to Woodroffe H.S., Nepean H.S., or one of the specialized programs in the OCDSB.

Our Staff

D.R.K.hasacommitted,caringstaffof23teachers,1.5officeadministrators,2.5EducationalAssistants,2EarlyChildhood Educators,aLibrarytechnicianandcustodialstaff.Thereisone full- timeprincipalandoneviceprincipal.Ourstaffrepresents awiderangeofeducationalexpertise,interestsandtalent,which theyoffertoenrichthelivesofour students.Teachersregularlyparticipateinworkshops,conferencesanduniversitycourses toremainattheforefrontofeducationalinitiatives inordertohelp studentsachievetheirpotential.Primary,Junior,and Intermediateteacherswork co-operativelytoplancurriculum andorganizeschoolactivities.

Our Community

The School Council’s focus is to support and provide advice on school programs to ensure high academic standards, and to organize the volunteer services at the school.

The Council meets monthly during the school year to:

• Identify, discuss, and seek solutions to issues affecting the quality of education
• Participate in the preservation of safety and maintain the quality of the school environment; promote effective communication between parents, teachers, and the community. Participate in the preservation of safety and maintain the quality of the school environment; promote effective communication between parents, teachers, and the community.

In addition, Council members undertake a number of special events to nurture the community spirit at D. Roy Kennedy and to raise funds for program enrichment. The Council takes on responsibility for recruiting and organizing volunteers to support programs both in and out of the classroom.

Mission Statement

D. Roy Kennedy P.S. is a dynamic and diverse learning environment where students and adults strive towards personal excellence. We are lifelong learners dedicated to nurturing, empowering, and motivating students to become positive, responsible, healthy and respectful members of society.

Facilities and Resources

• Computer technology in every classroom
• Smartboard Technology
• Multi-media carts for interactive learning opportunities in the classroom
• Library with: approximately 20,500 volumes; a computer lab, and conference room
• Arts: Music room; art/drama room
• Science lab
• Two gyms (one with a stage)
• Two soccer fields
• Handicapped access/elevator
• Handicapped access washrooms
• Separate primary yard with play structure
• Extended Day Program offered through The Whitehaven Kindergarten School Age Centre

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

• Regular English/Core French ( JK-8)
• Middle French Immersion (MFI)(Grade 4-8)
• Junior Learning Disabilities class (Grade 4-6)
• Primary Special Needs (Grade 1-3)

Classroom Organization

D.R.K. is a community school with a Middle French Immersion entry point. There are 8 classes in the English/Core French program (JK-8) and there are 6 Middle French Immersion classes (grade 4-8). We also have a Junior Learning Disabilities Program class and a Primary Special Needs class.

Special Education and ESL Programs

We have 3 LST teachers (Learning Support teachers) who provide assistance in the classroom to students with special educational needs. We also have 1 English as a Second Language teacher (ESL) who provides support to students who are at various stages of learning the English language.

Clubs and Activities

The staff, parents and community volunteers offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that enhance the school life of our students:

Band, many, many sports teams, Sock Monkey Club, Junior games club, Me to We, Eco-School club, Primary games club, Save the Earth club, Intra-Mural sports, Spirit Days, G.A.L.S. club, Student Council, Yearbook, Math club, Homework Clubs, Open Gym and many more extra-curricular activities throughout the year!  

Sports

Students have the opportunity to join intramural or competitive sports in cross-country, basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, football, track and field and football.

We strive to offer all students the opportunity to participate and enjoy sports while developing an interest in healthy active living. For those students wishing to try-out for teams to represent the school we have a long history of success. Many banners representing a wide array of sports proudly hang in our gym. The D. Roy Kennedy “Bulldogs” continue to be well known for their athletic abilities across the school board.

Safe Schools Initiatives

D. Roy Kennedy is committed to promoting a safe and caring environment which is characterized by mutual respect. We have established a variety of initiatives:

• A code of behaviour developed by students, staff and parents. It is found in all student agendas
• Peace Patrol, junior students help primary students mediate situations out in the yard
• Intermediate Lunch monitors
• Partnership with Ottawa-Carleton Police School Resource Officer
• Guidance assistance
• Lunchtime clubs and activities
• Student Ambassadors
• Adult crossing guards
• W.I.T.S. Bullying prevention and intervention program