Located in Ottawa’s east end in Orleans, this secondary school offers an educational experience combining academics, innovative programs, and diverse extracurricular activities. The campus on Tenth Line Road features facilities designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth for students from across the city. The school operates under the leadership of Principal Tim Hawes. Guided by the motto "We Strive for the Highest and Wil Power"—which is based on respect for self, respect for others, and respect for property and the environment—the staff fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive.
🎓 Academics and Language Programs
Committed to academic education, the school provides a comprehensive curriculum including advanced courses in sciences, mathematics, humanities, and arts. It offers language programs in English and French, featuring the opportunity for Grade 12 students to participate in the DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) exam. This internationally recognized certification validates proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing French, enhancing students’ global communication skills and post-secondary prospects. Additional academic pathways include French Immersion, Core French, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs in Communication and Information Technology and Arts and Culture, cooperative education, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), and technology courses. Students can also pursue endorsement certificates in French Immersion, Business Studies, and Technological Studies, as well as certificates in Science, English, Construction, International Studies, Canadian Broadcast Media, and Multimedia Designer. Recognition as an Ontario scholar is common, with a high percentage of graduates pursuing university and college education or entering the workforce.
⚽ Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
An active sports culture thrives here as home to the Lancers athletic teams competing in the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association, with student-athletes competing throughout the school year in a wide array of interscholastic teams. The athletics program includes volleyball, basketball, football, Nordic skiing, swimming, badminton, curling, baseball, soccer, tennis, and both boys’ and girls’ ice hockey. This broad selection promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit. Beyond sports, students participate in clubs such as "You Rock," which fosters inclusivity and unity, "Reach for the Top," and social initiatives through the “Free the Children” group, recognized for leadership and community engagement in Ottawa. Students also have access to leadership courses, including Leadership & Peer Support and Recreational & Healthy Active Living, as well as LINK Crew.
🎵 Arts and Music Programs
The music department offers students the chance to join Junior and Concert Bands, multiple Jazz Bands, Vocal Connections, as well as Guitar and Percussion Ensembles. With frequent community performances, music festivals, and opportunities for international travel, the program nurtures both creative expression and artistic discipline. The school also offers arts programs in Drama and Visual Arts.
🏫 Facilities and Innovative Learning Spaces
As a community-based school located in Orleans, the campus is linked with the Ray Friel Recreation Complex, the Ottawa Public Library, the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, and the River Heights Children's Centre. Students have access to a full-service library and multiple technology labs, including both Macintosh and PC platforms, a graphic media lab, and a radio and television studio that supports a hands-on Communication Technologies program. Innovative learning spaces such as "The Thinker Studio" encourage creative arts, engineering projects, and problem-solving activities, alongside plans to establish a "Makers Space" on the main floor. Physical education benefits from a triple gymnasium, weight room, and adjacent Ray Friel Recreation Complex facilities including a wave pool, fitness center, ice rink, and meeting rooms. Additionally, specialized programs include Special Education featuring Learning Support, Learning Strategies, and the Blue Room, a Dual Support program, and Dual Credit opportunities with Algonquin College.
📈 Student Success and Community
Welcoming approximately 1,100 students from Grades 9 to 12 each year, the school emphasizes individual achievement and community involvement. Over half of its recent graduates proceed to university, while many attend college or enter the workforce ready with practical skills. The balanced focus on academics, athletics, arts, and social responsibility helps students develop a foundational structure for future success.
📝 Admissions
Prospective students should call the school or visit the OCDSB Registration Page to obtain an appointment to register. Out-of-area students must apply for a cross-boundary transfer.
✨ Conclusion
This secondary school in Ottawa’s east end stands out for its commitment to empowering students through academic engagement in sports, the arts, and facilities supporting creativity and technology. It prepares students not only for post-secondary success but also for meaningful contributions to an increasingly interconnected world.
Setting realistic academic goals is an essential component of personal and educational development for secondary students navigating diverse curriculum pathways, language certifications, and specialized programs. Establishing manageable objectives involves breaking larger milestones, such as preparing for university prerequisites or mastering a second language, into smaller, actionable steps that align with individual strengths and time management. When students reflect on their current workload and focus on steady progress rather than perfection, they build sustainable study habits and resilience. Regular self-assessment allows learners to adjust their targets as they encounter new challenges in the classroom, participate in extracurricular commitments, or explore future career interests through cooperative education and community engagement. This deliberate approach to goal setting supports lifelong learning and helps students maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being.
