Mary Honeywell ES

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.

Our School

Mary Honeywell Elementary School opened in 1989 serving a triple‐track junior kindergarten to grade 8 student population. After the construction of a middle school (grades 6‐8) in the community, we became a junior kindergarten to grade 5 school. In September 2016, we added grade 6 to become a K-6 school. Our school hosts four specialized system classes, welcoming students with autism from a number of schools across our District. Application to these classes is a centralized District process.

The school was named after the first teacher in Nepean, whose log cabin served as the district’s first school. Our school colours, green and white, reflect those of the former city of Nepean. The school crest was designed by a senior student and is proudly worn by many children during the school day. Our school has many young children in its midst who work and play in happy and productive settings. Large and well‐equipped kindergarten rooms face out onto fenced kindergarten play areas, each with its own play structure.Our main play yard features two play structures,one dedicated to our grade 1 students and one shared by our grade 2 and 3 students.Our junior students have a large area in which to play soccer, basketball and other yard games.

Our Students 

Approximately 30% of our students are in the English program and 60% are in French Immersion. When our students leave Mary Honeywell E.S. they go to Cedarview Middle School. Once they have completed grade 8, students move on to John McCrae Secondary School. Our students reflect a variety of cultural backgrounds and speak many different languages.

Our Staff

Our in‐school and external support staff numbers 60, many of whom are classroom teachers.Our staff includes Early Childhood Educators,education assistants, a library technician, custodial staff, and the administrative team of an office administrator, office assistant, a principal and a vice‐principal. Staff undertake numerous activities in support of students and the surrounding community. Staff members promote their own learning by presenting and attending workshops in curriculum-related fields. The teachers work cooperatively to provide a consistent delivery model for instruction.

Our Community

The Mary Honeywell E.S. Council provides a basis for parents to be involved in school life and to continuously improve the quality of education of our children. It provides an important vehicle for parents to share ideas and concerns, contribute to the resolution of issues and directly influence the education of our children. To this end, priorities for the Council are to: enhance parental awareness with regard to the curriculum, increase safety awareness of children and the school community, continue to strengthen lines of communication, and increase Council representation.

Mission Statement

We are all part of a community of friends.

Comments from Parents:

• “Excellent school program.”


• “Very dedicated staff.”


• “School Council is doing a great job.”


• “Thanks for all the hard work.”


• “Extremely well organized events!”

Facilities and Resources

Facilities include a double gymnasium with a stage, a smaller gym/community room, a well‐stocked library, and access to technology for students. The large playground provides a number of activities for children; two different areas have play structures.Our school property is adjacent to Weybridge Park, which is City of Ottawa parkland, and includes a soccer field and baseball diamond. The school has an adjoining childcare centre, Barrhaven Childcare Centre. Like most OCDSB schools, MHES offers an Extended Day Program (EDP)which provides MHES students with before and after school care.Our EDP program is operated by BCCC.

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

• Dual‐track with regular English and Early French Immersion, Kindergarten to grade 6
• OCDSB Specialized System Classes: Autism Program.

Clubs and Activities

The sports program offers students a roster of activities, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross‐country running, and primary/junior track and field. Arts groups and speakers visit the school to provide students with the opportunity to see and hear dynamic productions and presentations. Noteworthy individuals in curriculum‐related fields are also invited to speak. A number of clubs operate to extend children’s learning and these include a Primary and Junior choir, Friends Group, Scrabble club, dance, and ski club.