Welcome to Barrhaven Public School. My name is Sue Christie and I am proud to be the principal of this energetic, caring, and creative school community.
We are a K-6 school located on unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin people. We recognize their enduring presence on this land and acknowledge the incredible contributions of Indigenous people in the arts and sciences, and the ways in which our lives are enriched by those contributions.
Barrhaven Public School was the first elementary school to be built in modern Barrhaven in 1968. We are now home to just under 500 students, and offer Early French Immersion, Middle French Immersion, and a Regular English program, as well as two specialised classes: a Primary Special Needs class and a Primary/Junior Autism class. We have access to a forest where outdoor education and nature walks bring the curriculum to life. We are within walking distance of the Ottawa Public Library, the swimming pool and the ice rink at Walter Baker which enhance our opportunities to be engaged, healthy and active. Joining me at BPS are 50 caring and dedicated teachers, education assistants, Early Childhood Educators, office staff and custodial staff, who are committed to help our students achieve their full potential, in a safe and nurturing environment.
As a Public School, we are committed to ensuring that all our students benefit from a wide variety of rich experiences and engaging learning opportunities related to the Ontario Curriculum. It is our shared goal in public education that the diversity of our students’ lived experiences; racial, cultural and faith backgrounds; sexual orientation and gender identities are represented throughout the curriculum. Respecting and welcoming all perspectives fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion which in turn positively impacts learning outcomes for all.
Finally, we are fortunate to have the support of a wonderful community of families at our school who attend our School Council meetings, volunteer on field trips, attend our community functions and join us in the school helping our students in a multitude of ways.
We look forward to making the 2023/2024 school year the best one yet!
Sue Christie