First Avenue PS

Our Students

First Avenue has an enrolment of 150 students from Kindergarten to grade 6. Many of our students go on to Glashan Public School for grades 7 and 8 and to Glebe Collegiate, Canterbury or Lisgar Collegiate for the secondary years. Our students are keen and motivated learners who enjoy the advantage of home support.

Our Staff

 First Avenue has over 25 staff. We have an ideal partnership of mature, experienced educators who mentor the enthusiastic newer members of the teaching profession. Our staff enjoys working collaboratively and takes pride not only in our strong academic achievement, but also in the balanced programming that pays attention to developing well-rounded learners.

Our Community

A great feature of our school is the deep sense of community.

Mission Statement

Public education is a shared responsibility at First Avenue Public School. Together we achieve the extraordinary where all learners reach their full potential in a safe and caring environment.

Facilities and Resources

Our very elegant and spacious heritage building provides a wonderful learning environment.

We have a well-equipped library overlooking the canal and a spacious gym.

Students enjoy a large number laptops and other devices for use. Wi-Fi is available throughout the school.

The primary and junior play structures provide enjoyable play-space 7 days a week.

Daycare facilities are available on site, and several before and after school programs are available near the school.

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

First Avenue has an English program, a Middle French Immersion program, and a congregated gifted class.

We supplement the curriculum with many enriching cultural experiences, music, drama, science and athletics. The curriculum is also enhanced with many field trips and special guests.

First Avenue offers a wide range of physical education activities to complement its strong academic program such as skating on the Rideau Canal that is steps away from the school.

Classroom Organization

We presently have one kindergarten class and 8 classrooms from grades 1 to 6.

Special Education and ESL Programs

Our Learning Support Teacher provides special education support to students. The special education team coordinates assistance needed by students with special needs that have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and who may be identified by an IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee). They also provide assistance to students who are experiencing temporary difficulties throughout the school year.

An OCDSB social worker, speech and language pathologist, and psychologist are available to assist our staff and assess students. We also have access to services such as occupational therapy provided to us through Community Care Access Centre.

Clubs and Activities

Cross country club – Over 75 students from Grade 3 to 6 participate each year. The running club and track and field teams are also popular activities at our school.

Choir – Over 20 students enthusiastically take part in different choir performances throughout the year.

Soccer, volleyball, bordenball and basketball teams

Chess Club, Robotics, Dramatic Society

Skating on the canal and Ski Club

Student Council (grade 6)

Scheduled assemblies throughout the year and Holiday Sing-a-Long

Through all these activities, leadership is encouraged and developed.

Safe Schools Initiatives

As part of our Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, we use the WITS Program. This approach emphasizes appropriate responses through problem-solving and gives students and staff a framework for thinking about interpersonal issues.

 First Avenue staff, students and parents have developed a Code of Behaviour that meets the expectations of the Provincial Code of Conduct.