Hilson Avenue PS

Our Students

Hilson serves a population with diverse languages and cultures. We currently operate as a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 school with an enrollment of 360 students. Programs offered at Hilson Avenue Public school include the Regular English Program, a Language Learning Disability Junior Program, Middle French Immersion and Gifted Early French Immersion for Grades 5 and 6. Grade six students leaving Hilson attend either Fisher Park/Summit or Broadview Avenue P.S. for Grades 7 and 8.

Our Staff

Hilson Avenue Public School has a caring, creative and dynamic staff! This committed team of professionals have a wide range of experience. Many teachers have earned additional educational qualifications through ongoing professional development. These qualifications include Special Education, English as a Second Language, French as a Second Language, Reading, and Computers in Education. The efforts of our staff are significant both inside and outside the classroom. Hilson teachers are very involved in extra-curricular activities for all our students. We also have 2 Educational Assistants who support our students both in and out of the classroom. We currently have two Registered Early Childhood Educators who co-teach our Kindergarten programs. Our office staff includes 1 Administrator and a half time Assistant who set a very positive and welcoming tone to the office. Our half time Library Technician works hard to stock and manage our library. Our Chief Custodian and 2 evening Custodians ensure that our building is clean and safe.

Our Community

• Hilson Avenue families represent a variety of Ottawa-Centre communities. Our community boasts a rich diversity of people.
• Volunteers are heartily welcomed into our school. Many parent volunteers support school activities, including literacy and support programs, organizing fund-raising events, charitable events, accompanying students on field trips, etc.
• The Hilson Avenue Public School Council is composed of members of the school community, parents/guardians, community representatives and representatives of the staff. The council is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities and partnerships with the community.
• The Children's Centre is directly linked to the Hilson Avenue Public School building. The Children's Centre is an exceptional childcare facility that offers early childhood education and care for children, eighteen months to ten years of age for families in our community. For more information contact the Children's Centre at (613) 728-1797.

Mission Statement

Hilson Avenue Public School is a school where every child is embraced as a member of the school community. Academic progress, social development, and positive attitude towards self and others are cornerstones on which the Hilson philosophy rests.

Facilities and Resources

• Library/ Computer resource centre with over 7500 books
• Mobile technology and projectors available in every classroom
• Large gymnasium and a Grand Hall with a grand stage area
• Fenced-in large yard
• Large play structure/sandbox
• Parenting & Family Literacy Centre
• Link with The Children’s Centre Daycare

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

• Full Day Bilingual Kindergarten Program
• English with Core French Grades 1-6
• Middle French Immersion with Math and English to Immersion (Gr. 4-6)
• General Learning Program Junior (Gr. 4-6)
• Language Learning Disability Junior (Gr. 4-6)

Classroom Organization

Hilson Avenue P.S. offers Regular and Middle French Immersion Programs:

• Regular Program: Kindergarten A, B and C, Gr. 1, Gr 1/2, Gr. 2, Gr. 3, Gr. 3/4, Gr. 5/6
• Middle French Immersion: Two classes for grade 4, one class for grade 5, and two classes for grade 6
• Junior Language Learning Disability program (one class, grades 4-6)
• Junior General Living Program (one class, grades 4-6)

Special Education and ESL Programs

• Language and Math support by our Learning Support Teacher and Learning Resource Teacher using both a co-teaching and withdrawal model
• English as a Second Language Support provided by OCDSB itinerant staff

Clubs and Activities

• House league and team sports include: volleyball, basketball, cross country running, track and field, bordenball and more.
• Charitable fundraising: Terry Fox Run, Education Foundation, Emergency Food Cupboard, The United Way,  The Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Club include: Chess, Lego Robotics, Computers, Cultural, Student Ambassadors, Glee Club, Youth in Action, Coding, 
• Student Mentors: Kindergarten Lunch Buddies, Kindergarten Helpers, Lunch Monitors, Reading Buddies, Hilson Ambassadors
• Skating (outdoor at local Iona Park rink)
• Recycling
• Daily Milk and Healthy Snack program
• Regular pizza and Lunch Lady program (organized by the Hilson School Council)

Safe Schools Initiatives

Hilson’s Code of Behaviour was developed by students, staff, and parents. It is communicated to parents in our agenda and via newsletters.

The OCDSB’s ‘Community of Character’ Wheel is embedded into daily life at Hilson and teachers talk about these characteristics in class. Many Hilson staff have been trained in Behaviour Management Systems, non-Violent Crisis Intervention Strategies, Collaborative Problem Solving and/or First Aid/CPR. Whenever possible, as part of our Progressive Discipline approach, we attempt to restore and build healthy relationships between students when there is a conflict. We strongly believe that developing these social skills will greatly benefit our students in becoming responsible citizens. Visitor identification badges are required for adults on-site.

Other safe school initiatives:

• WITS Strategies integrated in curriculum
• Schoolwide growth mindset focus
• instruction in mindfulness and self regulation strategies