Our School
Jack Donohue Public School opened in September 2004 and was named after the late legendary Canadian National Basketball coach Jack Donohue. JDPS is dedicated to providing an enriched and stimulating learning environment for students from JK to grade 8. JDPS is a dual-track school which offers both English/Core French and Early French Immersion programs. The staff and students at JDPS work closely with the community and our families to support each other in developing life-long learners in a safe and positive learning environment.
Our Students
Jack Donohue Public School has an enrollment of approximately 620 students from various cultural backgrounds. Most of our students will attend West Carleton SS when they enter grade 9.
Our Staff
JDPS staff members have a wide range of expertise in many areas. They actively pursue professional development through workshops, conferences, inquiry based learning opportunities, professional readings and courses.
The staff at JDPS collaborates to best address students’ needs. Many of our teachers mentor student teachers with partnerships with several universities. We also have formed connections with other secondary and post-secondary institutions. To maximize student learning, we have made every effort to schedule common planning time for our teacher teams.
Particular areas of staff expertise include music, drama, computer technology, physical education, special education, teaching English as a Second Language, Balanced Literacy, math and science. Our homeroom teachers use an integrated, cross-curricular approach to literacy.
Our Community
JDPS is located in North Kanata, a fast growing area. We serve the communities of Morgan’s Grant and rural Kanata. Adjacent to the school is a community park called W.C. Bowes Park.
JDPS welcomes parent and community volunteers to work in partnership with staff in order to provide positive, caring and safe educational experiences for all students.
The Jack Donohue School Council is comprised of a volunteer group of school community members, parents/guardians, community representatives and staff representatives who work collaboratively to enhance the learning environment at JDPS. School Council meetings are open to all parents and take place the first Tuesday of each month in our library at 7:00 p.m.
Mission Statement
Jack Donohue Public School is a cooperative endeavour where the school community supports each other through moral, physical, academic and social means. We are dedicated to fostering learning for our diverse student population in a safe and caring environment where all students are provided with every opportunity to reach their full potential.
Facilities and Resources
- At JDPS, we are proud of our school. We are fortunate to have:
- A library with an ever-growing collection
- A book room with many resources to support our students
- Large, bright classrooms
- A computer technology in every classroom and a mobile computer lab
- Ceiling mounted projectors installed in every classroom
- Specialized Music room
- A Design and Technology room
- A double gym with a retractable wall, stage and change rooms
- A play structure in the Primary/Junior yard and a separate play structure in the Kindergarten yard
- A kitchenette which is used for Pizza Days, and on special occasions
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
- English Program with Core French
- Early French Immersion Program
- Additional support for children with exceptional learning needs and for English Language Learners is provided within the classroom by ESL and Special Education teachers and Educational Assistants
- An Instrumental Music Program is provided for our Intermediate students
- Extended Day Program for students in grades 1 through 6
Special Education and ESL Programs
Tiered Approach to Intervention
An English as a Second Language teacher offers both in-class and targeted booster support for our English Language Learners
Our Support Team consists of 3 teachers and 3 educational assistants with expertise in special education, behaviour management and English Language Learners. Support is provided in a variety of ways; including within the regular classroom, individual Read to Me support and through targeted booster groups. We also offer the Class Act Phonologic Program offered to grade 1 English students, the Leveled Literacy Intervention Program to support primary and junior aged students as well as the Empowered Reading Program offered to students in grades 2 through 4.
Clubs and Activities
Students may participate in a variety of organized activities such as:
- Recycling
- An annual Musical
- Student Council
- A Terry Fox Run/Walk
- Solar Powered Cars Club
- Let’s Play, Student Ambassador Club, Reader Leader
- The World of Work Program
Intramural sports including:
- Soccer
- Cross-country Running
- Volleyball
- Touch Football
- Basketball
- Track and Field
- Borden Ball
- Badminton