Emily Carr Middle School is located in the heart of Blackburn Hamlet in the eastern area of Ottawa. It is named after the well-known British Columbia artist and writer whose paintings of west coast native culture have been recognized worldwide. We take pride in our Canadian heritage and the diversity of global peoples who make our country so rich. Our mission, as a school, is to provide a quality education to each adolescent learner in a positive and caring environment by developing skills in the areas of emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth. We acknowledge and celebrate the unique needs of the adolescent learner. We incorporate 'A Community of Character' into all aspects of our school life.
Emily Carr MS provides programs for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. The school serves the areas of Blackburn Hamlet, Chapel Hill and Carlsbad Springs.
The school colours are red, black and white and our logo is a Thunderbird, borrowed from the native cultures of the West Coast reflected in Emily Carr's work. Our students are divided into houses based on our links to the West Coast (Nootka, Bella Coola, and Comox).
Emily Carr has an enrollment of approximately 280 students. We have classes in the regular English program and in the Early French Immersion program. Most of our students come from Forest Valley ES and Glen Ogilvie PS. We strive to set the tone for a positive learning environment for students. When they leave, most students go to Cairine Wilson Secondary School or Gloucester High School. Some attend Canterbury High School, Colonel By High School, and other OCDSB secondary schools.
At ECMS we have a dedicated, caring staff of professionals who work as a team to ensure the best possible education for each student. We have a mentoring program that supports beginning teachers and encourages all staff to be lifelong learners. Staff members seek out opportunities for professional development through workshops, university courses and conferences. Our teachers mentor student teachers in partnership with several universities. Students have commented that "the staff members at Emily Carr haven't forgotten what it's like to be a kid." As a staff, we take pride in supporting our adolescent learners within a very comprehensive framework that attends to each student's needs.
Parents are involved in their children's education and take an active role on School Council as well as volunteering in a number of our programs and initiatives. The ECMS School Council is responsible for many initiatives such as fundraising and hot lunch days. New members are always welcome at the monthly meetings.
As a school, we believe in reaching out as a community leader to support others. Our students reach out to the community through various fund-raising efforts. We encourage our students to be leaders today and identify various charities and community groups to support.
Our mission is to provide a quality education to each adolescent learner in a positive and caring environment by developing skills in the areas of emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth.
ECMS is a dual-track school that offers two programs in grades 6, 7 & 8. Approximately half of our students are in the Early French Immersion program, with approx. half of their instructional time spent in French. The other half of our students are in the English program, with a Core French component of 200 minutes per week. Student support is provided via in-class support or booster groups by special education teachers and an educational assistant. All programs are aligned with the Ontario Curriculum and we strive to provide an authentic, well-rounded educational experience.
Our school is organized into 11 homeroom groups. There are 7 classes in the English program and 4 classes in the Early French Immersion program. We encourage interaction between classrooms, grades, and programs to establish a sense of community and togetherness in our school.
We have Learning Support and Learning Resource Teachers who oversee the support of students with special education and second language needs. They provide advice and support to classroom teachers using an inclusive model. We also have an Educational Assistant who assists students with many various needs. We aim to provide supports to students within their classes, allowing them to remain within their learning community.
Activities may include: contests, field trips (skating at the arena, visits to parks), Math Olympics, public speaking, spirit days, talent show, Winter Activity Day, etc.
Clubs may include: Audio/Visual, Chess, Computer, Drama, Environment, First Lego League French, Games, Helpers, Photography, Robotics, Sewing, Yearbook etc.
Drop-In Centre in the morning for students to complete work or get additional assistance.
Music: Band (Junior and Senior), Glee Club.
School sports may include: cross-country, soccer, basketball, track and field, volleyball, badminton, flag football.