Our School
W. Erskine Johnston P. S. supports all students in developing confidence in their own self-worth through rich learning experiences across all domains of the curriculum. A commitment to providing diverse learning opportunities for our students, well grounded in district and school wide initiatives, is our priority. Literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills guide our program, while character development is embedded in the daily lessons and routines throughout the school. We keep the interests of all of our students at the forefront of our decision-making and maintain regular communication and cooperation among parents, staff and students.
About WEJ
Our elementary school services students in kindergarten through grade 6. Following Grade 6, most of our students attend Earl of March S. S. We are situated in the established neighbourhood of Beaverbrook in North Kanata. The Early Learning Program - full day Kindergarten is a two year program for our four and five year old children. The program is 50% English and 50% French. We also offer Middle French Immersion in Grades 4, 5 and 6.
At our school, we participate in the Litterless Lunch Program. Please send your child’s lunch in reusable containers in order to avoid creating extra waste. Any litter remaining from your child’s lunch will be sent back home in his/her lunch box. Thanks for your participation!
Our Students
W. Erskine Johnston P.S. has an enrollment of approximately 670 students, representing many countries and languages. We have students from Korea, Russia, China, Vietnam, India, Iran, Grenada, Albania, Romania, Greece, England, and the United States, to name but a handful of examples. For students meeting the requirement for second language support, we have ESL teacher support working in collaboration with classroom teachers. We have the Early Learning Program (full day kindergarten). Our family of schools includes Earl of March Secondary School, West Carleton Secondary School, as well as Roland Michener Public School, Stephen Leacock Public School, South March Public School, and Jack Donohue Public School.
Our Staff
There are approximately 50 professionals working at W. Erskine Johnston P.S
Currently, we are following the inclusion model for special education delivery. This model allows a student with special education needs to remain in the regular classroom for most of the instructional time. The special education teachers act as the second support where they are able to help learners within the regular classroom.
An active physical education program, coupled with many clubs, house league athletic opportunities, regional cross-country, track and field and other sports teams, provide for a balanced life at school.
Our Community
WEJ is fortunate for and extremely appreciative of our community partnerships. Our open door and welcoming environment has enabled our school to be a contributing member of this community. We are proud of our school and we are proud of our friends and families that contribute to this wonderful and rich learning environment.
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
Our parent and community volunteers contribute regularly to activities that support and benefit our students. Our dedicated school council meets monthly and contributes a great deal of time to initiatives designed to continue making WEJ a wonderful place to learn. As invaluable partners, we thank our parents, guardians and volunteers, and look for opportunities to acknowledge them such as school announcements, school website, principal’s report to school council, and our volunteer appreciation event.
In recent years, School Council volunteers have helped to raise funds to enhance resources for our students. They have provided funds for books for our library. Outdoor equipment has been purchased to improve the health and well-being of our students. Parent volunteers, co-op students, volunteers and family members enrich our school and we value their contributions. A major focus this school year is a play structure for the Kindergarten yard.
Mission Statement
W. Erskine Johnston Public School is committed to educational standards that fulfill the mandate defined by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the OCDSB.
OCDSB Mission
Educating for success – inspiring learning and building citizenship
OCDSB Vision
The OCDSB is a dynamic, creative learning organization that fosters the achievement, well-being and dignity of every student.
Facilities and Resources
W. Erskine Johnston was built in 1967. We currently have the following resources:
- Computer technology in every classroom
- SMART Board technology
- A library equipped with a mini computer laboratory
- Parent resource library
- A primary & junior book room
- A gymnasium with change rooms /shower facilities
- Large playground with a play structure
- A soccer field (City of Kanata)