Our School

York Street PS

We acknowledge that our learning is taking place on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Territory. We thank the Algonquin Nation for hosting us and recognize their enduring presence on this land.

York Street Public School “The Castle”

York Street School is a large, heritage school located in Lowertown Ottawa in the Laurier/King Edward/Cobourg area. This heritage building, in the core of the city, has served its community for over 90 ears. Due to its regal appearance the school has been nicknamed, “The Castle”. Our JK to Grade 6 pupils come primarily from the immediate neighbourhood. Grade 7 and 8 students come from the area and our feeder schools: R.E. Wilson, Queen Mary, Rockcliffe Park, Manor Park and Viscount Alexander Public School.

The EarlyON Child and Family Centre is also located in our school. This centre is part of the Ministry of Education’s Early Learning Initiative. The centre helps prepare children (aged 0 to 6 years) for starting school and encourages families to be a part of their children's learning. York Street provides a daily breakfast/snack program for all students. We also have an after school club run by the Lowertown Community Centre.

Our Students

Our school very much represents a culturally rich community. There are over 40 languages represented in our extremely diverse student population.

Our programs are inclusive and celebrate our differences and similarities. Our programs are designed to promote the many talents of our students

in the areas of academics, the arts and recreation, both at school and in the community.

Our Staff

The York Street staff is dedicated to providing exemplary education to every student in the school. We embrace challenges and strive to foster the

love of learning in an inclusive and positive learning environment. All curriculum areas are solidly represented in the expertise of York staff. We

take pride in the wide range of activities that the staff provides for our students that promote their physical, social, emotional and academic development.

In addition, the staff at York includes a Multicultural Liaison Officer, a School Resource Officer, a Social Worker and a School Psychologist.

Our Community

Our multicultural community is striving to ensure that resources are accessible to all. Community resources for youth are available in French (Le Patro) and English (Lowertown Community Resource Center). The area became widely known through Brian Doyle's novel Angel Square, a book that continues to intrigue the current population of York students.

The Lowertown Community Resource Centre, located at 201 Friel St, offers a variety of programs for children and youth, including Club 310, a free after-school program that operates out of York Street P.S.

Within walking distance of our school are museums, swimming pools, a public library, a skating rink/Jules Morin Baseball Park, Winterlude festivities, the NAC, Parliament Hill, and City Hall. We are able to enhance the curriculum with immediate community resources.

We appreciate the work of our School Council who organizes events to raise funds for the school.

Mission Statement

“With the support of staff, parents and the community, students at York Street Public School will strive to be life-long learners by achieving their highest potential within an inclusive environment that promotes caring,responsibility and respect.”

We believe in maintaining and supporting high expectations for all students. We believe a safe and attractive environment promotes effective teaching and learning. We are willing to examine all practices in our school and their effect on learning.

We believe that the success of our students hinges on our ability to communicate and collaborate effectively as a professional learning community.

We believe that family involvement is an integral part of the academic and social development of our students.

Facilities and Resources

  • Computer lab
  • Games Room
  • Gymnasium with stage facilities
  • Instrumental Music room
  • Large playground
  • Library/ Resource Centre
  • Literacy Room

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

York is a single-track school offering regular English programs from JK to grade 8 with core French instruction. We provide ESL support to students who are in the process of acquiring English language skills and Special Education support through an integrated program delivery model.

Classroom Organization

Total enrolment: 200
Number of homerooms: 9
Full day Kindergarten
Grades:  JK/SK, 1/2, 2/3, 4/5, 5/6, 7, 8

Special Education and ESL Programs

Students who need additional support to achieve academic success have access to our effective Special Education and ESL programs. Our Special Education staff work closely with classroom teachers to monitor student progress and to develop and implement Individual Education Plans for students “at risk”. Those students may spend some time in small groups with a specially trained teacher. More often, those teachers work with the students in their regular classes.

Clubs and Activities

The staff members at York volunteer their time to provide a wide variety of extra activities for students. Although the exact list of what is offered may vary from year to year, generally students benefit from the opportunity to participate in the following clubs and activities:

  • “Every Child Attends” Outdoor Education Program (grade 3 and 7)
  • “Heart of the City” Music Program
  • Art Club, Chess and Games Club
  • Band for intermediate students
  • Eco-club Environmental Program
  • House league and inter-scholastic sports
  • Terry Fox Run
  • Mini-enrichment courses: the University of Ottawa & Carleton University
  • Public Speaking contest
  • Reading Buddies
  • Skating and Winter Carnival Activities, Ski Club
  • Spirit Days; Spring Funfair organized by the York Street Student Leaders
  • Leadership Club
  • Drama Club

Safe Schools Initiatives

Children come to school to learn. One of the many areas in which they need to develop skills is how to get along appropriately with others. We have many initiatives that help support the development of positive social skills and that allow children to feel that school is a safe, happy place for them.

  • “Swim to Survive” Program for grade 3 students
  • Big Brother/Big Sisters mentoring programs
  • Breakfast Program
  • “Crossroads” student support program
  • Guidance/Student Services
  • Ottawa Health Dental screening
  • Ottawa University mentors program
  • Support from Ottawa Police by our School Resource Officer (SRO)
  • Progressive Discipline Policy
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2023 Intrado Corporation. All rights reserved.