Our School
A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School opened in 1991 in Stittsville. The school is named after a former Carleton Board Superintendent of Schools whose contribution to the development of special education programs was recognized throughout the province.
The notions of community and family are very highly valued at our school. Teachers and parents work together in all aspects of school life, with the best interests of children as our primary focus. We are dedicated to making our school a place where students achieve in an atmosphere that is comfortable, focuses on the development of their character and offers lots of opportunity for developing all aspects of each student as a person. Our school is a vibrant place that offers much to every student, each and every day.
Our Students
We have approximately 590 students enrolled each year. 17% of our students are presently enrolled in English programs and 83% are enrolled in French Immersion programs. Once our students complete grade 8 they attend South Carleton High School in Richmond. Some go on to the Arts program at Canterbury High School.
Our Staff
Our talented staff represents a wide range of educational backgrounds, interests, and expertise. The teachers work co‐operatively to provide a consistent delivery model for instruction. We are able to deliver a great deal of in‐house training because of the talents of several master educators. Teachers are assisted by a committed team of Educational Assistants, office staff, a Library technician and a Chief Custodian. Staff provides organized activities including intramural sports, a band, and the Students Leadership Team.
Our Community
Our School Council’s mission is “to help make the whole school environment the best it can be.” The Council strives to enhance communication between parents, teachers, children, and administrators; and to address current educational issues, trends, and curricula. It has been proactive on Board issues, participating on committees, compiling parent input and ensuring its voice is heard. The School Council liaises with nearby schools to work on common issues and devise joint solutions. Council committees coordinate volunteers and fundraising. Many volunteers take part in organizing charitable events; providing services such as pizza, sub and hot dog days; fundraising activities to support and enhance school programs; and assist in the classroom, and at extracurricular events.
Mission Statement
The acquisition of the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values required to successfully participate in, and contribute to a competitive and rapidly changing global society begins early in life and continues throughout one’s school career and beyond. ALC is thus a learning community where all strive to grow and achieve in an atmosphere of cooperation, consideration and respect for self and others. A positive school climate and a strong partnership between staff, students, parents and the wider community provide the foundation for each of our students to become active, responsible citizens. We all share the common goal of helping each student to develop to his or her personal potential.
Facilities and Resources
A. Lorne Cassidy is a welcoming facility characterized by open spaces, and large windows. We have portables organized in a “port‐o‐pac” on site. Facilities also include a kindergarten complex, double gymnasium, and specialty areas designed for music, art, design and technology, and science. Attached to the school, but operating independently is a cooperative nursery school.
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
- English Program
- Early French Immersion Program
- Middle French Immersion
- Instrumental music at the intermediate level
- Integrated Special Education Learning at the Primary/Junior and Intermediate levels.
Special Education and ESL Programs
Our learning support staff work in collaboration with the classroom teachers to support planning, program delivery, monitoring of progress and differentiation for students with special needs. In-School team meetings are held to support teachers in their efforts to meet the needs of the diverse learning styles of the students in their classrooms. Our learning support staff includes a Learning Resource Teacher (LRT), a Learning Support Teacher (LST), and Educational Assistants.
Clubs and Activities
Organized activities include sports such as:
- Cross‐country running
- Touch Football
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Track and field
- Borden ball
Throughout the year, students may participate in:
- Lego Club
- Concert Band
- Student Leadership Team
- Skipping Club
- Field trips to various locations in the National Capital Region
- Skating at the local arena and at the rink on our field, and Grade 3 Swim to Survive.
Students are given opportunities to demonstrate leadership and citizenship by working as lunch monitors, recycling assistants, and kindergarten monitors as well as participating in charitable events such as the Terry Fox Run, Food Drives, emergency relief efforts and student-chosen activities to build school community.