Community
We believe that a healthy, trusting home/school relationship enhances and speeds the growth of each child.
Welcome to our Community
Our student body’s size lends itself to a ‘family’ atmosphere, where all teachers and administrative staff know students by name. Many groups contribute this OCS culture of community, with a common goal of learning, growing together, and having mutual respect for one another. We believe a healthy, trusting home/school relationship enhances, and even speeds, a child’s growth.
OCS students have the opportunity to develop relationships not only with their peers, but also with younger and older students. Before 2020, students in different grades were interacted with each other through the Reading Buddy and Computer Buddy programs. Our student body is encouraged to develop Christian character and exercise leadership skills when they interact with one another. As we adapt to changes around us, we find more ways for our students to use their God-given talents, while being nurtured in a caring community. Everyone is encouraged to be the best that they can be.
OCS Student Council is a group of dedicated children in Grades 5-8 who, under teacher supervision, volunteer to benefit the OCS students and staff. They engage in a variety of ways to raise awareness of needs within our local community and around the world. Members are expected to be role models for their fellow students, exhibiting respectful behaviour in the classroom and on the playground, while maintaining their schoolwork. These students are encouraged to give action to their faith and make a difference in the lives of others.
Several years ago, we adopted the “OCS House System,” which includes the designation of House and Sports Captains from Grades 7 and 8. These captains, along with additional students from Grades 5-8, collectively make up the OCS Student Council. You can learn more about OCS Houses on this Community page.
Highlights
- Promote positive school spirit
- Organize special theme days, bake sales, candygrams, and other events
- Raise money for local and international charities (ie: Free the Children)
- Leadership training opportunities
- Weekly meetings
- Participate in special service projects
Our parents enjoy participating in our community and their children’s education. Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education, students achieve better results. At OCS, we value parent involvement and prior to 2020, welcomed parents to volunteer in the classroom according to their talents and areas of expertise. Our community is enriched by the presence of our parents and their willingness to help out and be involved. For the safety of our students, all volunteers must have completed police checks on file.
Our Parent Teacher Association enhances our community in many ways. This group of caregivers has always been a vital part of our school. Although the current situation has temporarily halted physical contributions within the halls of our school, the PTA keeps working and finds creative ways to bless students and staff “from a distance.” We appreciate the efforts of these volunteers, who are willing to give their time, energy, and resources to make our students’ school experience a rich one. Learn more about our PTA by visiting the PTA page on our website.
Our Graduates
We place an emphasis on academic excellence, ensuring our OCS students leave Grade 8 with a solid foundation for success in high school. Each student’s success is supported by excellent study skills and homework habits. Exam preparation in Grades 7 and 8 prepares our students for their Grade 9 experience.
Our students go on to succeed in public, separate, and independent secondary schools. Our annual graduate survey indicates that OCS students adapt well, both academically and socially in their Grade 9 year. Graduate survey feedback enables our staff to constantly improve our program and meet the needs of our students. Our alumni frequently come back to visit, sharing positive memories of their OCS years.
Our Alumni
OCS has served the community for over 25 years. We are always interested in hearing from former students and friends of OCS. Please contact us to update your information and join our growing alumni database.
Our House System
The House System provides an opportunity for students of all grades and ages to work together as a family, to encourage each other, and develop leadership skills in students.
The traditional school structure is linear, which does not always encourage interaction between different age and year groups. The House System provides a structure for school spirit and fun competition.
After enrollment, each child is assigned to one of four “houses.” Students receive opportunities to participate and lead in academic settings, on the sports field, on the stage, and in service to others. This wide range of opportunities help students develop into well-rounded people. The variety means every student has a chance to shine.
HOUSE POINTS are assigned through participation in special events and activities throughout the school year. At the end of the year, the house with the highest point total wins the “House Cup.”
The STRUCTURE of this system includes two House Patrons (staff members), two House Captains, and two Sports Captains (chosen by staff members following an application process).
House and Sports Captains lead and motivate students in their specific house, while encouraging high levels of participation from students of all ages. They work with each other and within the Student Council to organize “house events” and to help share information about the activities. They are committed to their positions and act as role models for all students, always treating others with respect and showing a servant’s heart.
The OCS House System / Verses and Values
Every enrolled student will belong to one of four “houses.” Siblings belong to the same house.
CHAMPLAIN / INTEGRITY
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kind of things.
FRANKLIN / DETERMINATION
I Corinthians 9:24,25 – In a race all the runners run. But only one gets a prize. You know that, don’t you? So run in a way that will get you the prize. All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
MACKENZIE / COURAGE
Joshua 1:9 – Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
THOMPSON / WISDOM
James 3:17 – But the wisdom that comes from heaven is pure. That’s the most important thing about it. And that’s not all. It also loves peace. It thinks about others. It obeys. It is full of mercy and good fruit. It is fair. It doesn’t pretend to be what it is not.