About Us

Our School Community

Students

W.E. Gowling’s diverse student population represents many countries of origin. We believe our school is stronger due to our cultural backgrounds and the variety of strengths that students and staff bring to our school. W.E. Gowling assists students by offering a nutrition program and assists families by offering a Clothes Closet program. Our motto is “Be kind to each other.”

Staff

W.E. Gowling staff is a dedicated group of professionals composed of teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, office staff, custodial staff, and a library technician. Focusing on the whole child, staff work to ensure that each child progresses to the best of their potential both in the classroom and through co-curricular activities. Teachers at W.E. Gowling are actively involved in training and supporting teachers new to the profession. Our Professional Learning Community focuses on supporting teachers to meet the needs of our diverse students. A parent wrote:

“The staff at W.E. Gowling works hard each and every day to meet the specific needs of all the children. I am thrilled that my children have the opportunity to be educated at W.E. Gowling.”

Parents/Guardians and Community

W.E. Gowling is situated in the Carlington Community. This community is socially active, providing many services to its population. We work cooperatively with the Carlington Community Health Services and the Alexander Community Center to provide a wide range of services to the community. New initiatives are regularly discussed and implemented, making W.E. Gowling a true hub of the community. Many parents and community members volunteer at W.E. Gowling. Their contributions are always appreciated. We have many partnerships with our community. The following associations are involved in making our school a better place to be for our students: Ottawa Network for Education, Rotary Club, Reach Center, and Caldwell Food Center.

Facilities and Learning Tools

W.E. Gowling houses:

• A spacious Library houses a collection of 13,500 items.
• Wireless technology in every room
• Two gymnasiums
• The Annavale Nursery School program, Carlington Community and Health
• A large school yard with a soccer field and two play structures
• Growing mobile technology collection with handheld devices in every classroom for student and staff use

Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Education

• We recognize and acknowledge the diverse voices within our school community and are committed to ensuring these are welcomed and heard.
• We endeavour to provide a safe, inclusive and respectful place for our students, staff and school community.
• Our school participates in the Student Achievement Through Equity (SATE) Initiative.
• Support for newcomer families are available at the school, including connections to our board’s Community Education Liaison (CEL).
• Our students are supported by a Multi-Disciplinary Team consisting of a Social Worker, Psychologist, Speech Pathologist, Learning Support Consultant, and by Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre, which offers the School-Based Mental Health program at our school.
• Anti-oppression, anti-racism and human rights is ongoing work embedded in daily learning throughout the year. Activities and performances take place throughout the school year including presentations from BIPOC and Indigenous community members, and ongoing PD for staff including addressing anti-Semitism training, and more.
• Indigenous families and students are able to connect with our Indigenous Student Coordinator.
• We offer a variety of clubs, for example, Student Council that foster a caring environment and support student voice.