South March PS

Our Students

Our students come from diverse backgrounds. They represent many countries, such as China, India, Turkey, the Middle East and Russia (to name a few) and 35 languages. There are approximately 600 students enrolled at South March. Upon completion of the grade 6 program, our students will go to Jack Donahue P. S. for grades 7 and 8 before entering West Carleton High School for grade 9.

Our Staff

We have a team of dedicated professionals some of whom have been long serving OCDSB employees and those who have recently joined the profession. They represent 30.5 teachers, 4.5 educational assistants. There is one full-time Principal, a 0.5 Vice Principal, one Office Administrator, one Office Assistant, and a 0.6 Library Technician. Our school grounds and building are maintained by our chief custodian and 2 evening custodians. The staff bring with them their perse backgrounds and experiences to help our students expand their learning.

Our Community

Our community is rural and suburban. Many of our families are new to the area, moving into the newly constructed homes in North Kanata. We anticipate that the school will continue to grow along with the community.

Even before our doors opened on September 1st of 2009, our parents and community have been active participants in the life of our school. The school council began meeting in the spring before the school opened and have been invaluable in their work in setting up our library, establishing hot lunch programs, and supporting school initiatives. The council meets and holds public meetings monthly in the school library.

Mission Statement

Our Dreams – Nos Réalités

Educating for the 21st Century

South March Public School embraces the OCDSB mission statement: Educating for Success, Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship.

Facilities and Resources

South March Public School is an environmentally friendly elementary school. It is a 44 500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility. The school is designed to conform to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Some sustainable concepts include: materials with recycled content, exposed concrete finishes and use of natural wood.

A twelve room extension was approved for the school, and construction was completed in 2014-2015. 

The school houses:

• A fully automated library with student work stations
• Computers in every teaching area
• Computer lab
• Two gymnasiums with fold down stage and servery
• Soccer fields, basketball nets
• Play structures and Kindergarten play area
• Children’s Village Daycare Centre

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

South March offers numerous programs:

• English program with Core French, Grade 1 to grade 6
• Early French Immersion from Grade 1 to grade 6
• Billingual full day kindergarten program JK/SK
• Specialized Autism Program for grade 1 to grade 6 students

Special Education

South March operates with a team approach aimed at providing support for all students. Members of the School Support Team which include the Learning Support Teacher, the Learning Resource Teachers, the English as a Second Language consultant teachers, and our Educational Assistants, work within classrooms and with small groups of students on a daily basis. A Psychologist, Social Worker, Learning Support Consultant and a Speech and Language Pathologist service the school as members of the Multidisciplinary School Team. Gifted programming is delivered using the integrated model. South March is a designated site for a primary and junior Autism Program. The program receives specialized support from a designated Psychologist, Learning Support Consultant for Autism, Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Pathologist.

Clubs and Activities

Our students benefit from our extensive extra-curricular activities that may vary from year to year. They might include:

• A wide range of intramural athletics offered during lunchtime at all levels
• Competitive school athletic teams (tournaments, inter-school games)
• Spirit Days
• Chess Club
• Knitting/Crocheting Club
• EarthCare Club
• Primary and Junior Choir
• Winter Carnival
• Terry Fox Run
• Dance Club
• Primary Games Club
• Sewing Club

Students also have leadership opportunities as:

• Members of the P.T. A.(Penguins Taking Action student advisory council)
• Lunch Monitors
• Library Helpers
• Kindergarten Helpers
• Reading Buddies
• Helpers in the Autism Program

Safe Schools Initiatives

At South March Public School, we are committed to the creation of a learning environment that fosters the development of each child to his/her greatest potential; provides a safe and secure place to work and play; is characterized by courtesy and mutual respect; and, above all, provides a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. In addition to providing our students with fundamental skills and knowledge, we want them to develop an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, to adapt to changing technologies, to think critically, and to value our natural environment.

South March Public School’s Code of Behaviour adheres to OCDSB Policies and Procedures, the system-wide initiative of Community of Character, and a commitment to a school wide restorative approach to student discipline.

Safe School Arrival of students is verified daily through attendance, encouraging parents/guardians to call for any and all absences. Attendance is checked twice daily to ensure our students’ safety.