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THE FERN HILL ADVANTAGE

Fern Hill School offers children an exceptional place to learn, grow and develop. Located in Ottawa, Ontario’s well-established New Edinburgh neighbourhood, our community is made up of a diverse group, including families from the area, across the city, and around the world.

Fern Hill’s programs and activities include enriched academics, arts, sports, and community engagement, and are all led by experienced, highly qualified teachers. Our classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and resources, such as laptops, iPads and interactive white boards, to enhance the learning experience.

Each of our programs, from Preschool to Grade 8, reflects the same caring, nurturing environment that characterizes Fern Hill as a whole. Our dedicated teachers and student-teacher ratio enable us to provide the supportive setting children need to build confidence and expand their minds. We also have very low staff turnover, ensuring consistency within the school, lasting relationships with Fern Hill families and a continued commitment to instilling our time-honoured values.

Fern Hill School offers a distinct advantage to all students. By thriving in their early years, Fern Hill students develop the confidence and skills they need for success – now and later in life.

If you would like to arrange a tour, you are welcome to contact us. We will be happy to show you firsthand what Fern Hill has to offer.

Fern Hill School is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools and the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

In my many years at Fern Hill School, first as a teacher and now as principal, I have had the daily privilege of watching all our students thrive and excel. It continues to be a pleasure to assist Fern Hill staff in providing strong academic programs and enriching activities that enhance each child’s learning experience. I couldn’t imagine a more rewarding job!

At Fern Hill, we are committed to sparking a lifelong love of learning by inspiring all our students to become actively involved in discovery. Our teachers and assistants provide a safe, secure environment that builds the children’s self-esteem and bolsters their confidence.

All our programs focus on complete development for each child, offering a balanced mix of academics, arts, athletics and extracurricular activities designed to excite and engage our students. Fern Hill’s Preschool program provides a wide variety of opportunities for play-based learning. Starting in Preschool and progressing through Junior and Senior Kindergarten, we emphasize literacy, numeracy and language skills. Our Grade School programs are integrated to provide continuous and connected learning experiences in languages, mathematics, social studies and science. We also incorporate specialty subjects into the curriculum, including art, music, technology, French and physical education.

I’m particularly proud of Fern Hill’s commitment to community engagement. Through ongoing in-school activities and special events within the city, we help foster important character traits in our children, such as respect, social responsibility and positive communication. Fern Hill students leave our school with a strong appreciation for the community around them and confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world.

At Fern Hill, we continue to improve and adapt our programs, evolving to meet changing needs. In response to parent interest, we introduced Grade 7 and 8 in 2017.

I welcome input from all Fern Hill parents as we work together to provide an extraordinary education and experience for our students. My staff and I value the relationships between students, teachers and parents; please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

Thank you for helping to make Fern Hill such a great success.

Deborah Gutierrez

History

Fern Hill’s vibrant community of students and educators has helped broaden young minds for nearly 40 years. When the private school was founded in 1981 by educator Maureen Brookson, it had only eight students. Even then, it was guided by a desire to provide young children with an outstanding, well-rounded education that focused on developing generous, community-minded people, as well as keen intellects.

Over the next few years, Fern Hill flourished into a thriving preschool for children up to six years of age. In 1988, it was incorporated as a non-profit school with charitable status.

Five years later, backed by a group of dedicated parents, Fern Hill began to develop its Grade School program. In 1997, with fundraising support spearheaded once again by devoted Fern Hill parents, the school secured a permanent home at 50 Vaughan Street, where it currently resides.

Today, Fern Hill has grown to offer programs for Preschool (age 3) through to Grade 8. And still the school holds true to its original values, nurturing bright, knowledgeable students who are confident, socially responsible and driven to excel.

community

Community engagement is essential to the Fern Hill experience. Our students have the opportunity to participate in community activities throughout the year, extending their education beyond the school walls and learning about citizenship in a greater context.

Fern Hill collaborates with speakers and experts from within the nation’s capital, including representatives from embassies, universities and outreach programs. By connecting with these esteemed professionals, both in the school setting and in the community at large, our students gain a clear understanding of the difference they can make in the world.

Children in Fern Hill Grades 1 through 8 each have a designated house that includes students from all eight grades, fostering a close-knit community and strong sense of belonging. Through these houses, our students engage in various fundraising activities during the school year, coming up with creative ideas for giving back to a range of causes and organizations that need support. Recipients include the Canadian Red Cross, the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund, the Ottawa Food Bank, and the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa.

We also carry out a number of regular events and activities to contribute to the community. They include:

dress code
GRADE SCHOOL
Grade 1-6
GirlsBoys
Tartan kilt or skort
Tartan jumper
Grey pants
White dress shirt (short or long sleeved) & tartan tie
White "round collar" dress shirt & tartan "bow tie"
Green V-neck sweater or green cardigan
White or green polo shirt
Green tights or green knee socks
Black dress shoes that can be polished
Outdoor shoes
All Grade School students need to purchase a dress shirt and tie.
Grey pants
White dress shirt (short or long sleeved)
Tartan tie
Green V-neck sweater
Grey shorts
White or green polo shirt
Grey dress socks
Black dress shoes that can be polished
Outdoor shoes
Grade 7-8
GirlsBoys
Grey skirt or skort
Grey pants
White dress shirt (short or long sleeved) & tartan tie
White "round collar" dress shirt & tartan "bow tie"
Green cardigan or green V-neck sweater
White or green polo shirt
Grey tights or grey knee socks
Black dress shoes that can be polished
Outdoor shoes
Intermediate students wear the Dress Uniform Monday to Friday (Starting in October).
Grey pants and black belt
White dress shirt (short or long sleeved)
Tartan tie
Green V-neck sweater or vest
Grey shorts
White or green polo shirt
Grey dress socks
Black dress shoes that can be polished
Outdoor shoes
Intermediate students wear the Dress Uniform Monday to Friday (Starting in October).
Junior and Senior Kindergarten
GirlsBoys
Tartan jumper, skort or grey pants
Green cardigan
Tartan skort
White or green polo shirt
Green tights or green knee socks
Outdoor shoes
Black dress shoes that can be polished (indoor use)
Grey pants
Green V-neck sweater
Grey shorts
White or green polo shirt
Grey socks
Outdoor shoes
Black dress shoes that can be polished (indoor use)
Kindergarten students do not wear the dress shirt and tie.
Gym Uniform JK – Grade 8
Green shorts
Green Fern Hill gym T-shirt (available for sale at the school office)
Green sweatpants
Green sweatshirt
White socks
Non-marking running shoes
Kindergarten, Grade 1 - 6 students wear their gym uniform to school on their gym days.
Grades 7-8 students change into their gym uniform on gym days.
Preschool
GirlsBoys
Tartan jumper
Green cardigan or green sweatshirt
Green sweatpants
White or green polo shirt
Green or white tights
Green or white socks
Outdoor shoes
Black shoes and/or running shoes (indoor use)
Preschool students may come to school in any of the uniform item choices on any days.
Grey pants
Grey shorts
Green sweatpants
White or green polo shirt
Green V-neck sweater
Green sweatshirt
Grey or white socks
Outdoor shoes
Black shoes and/or running shoes (indoor use)
Preschool students may come to school in any of the uniform item choices on any days.

OPTIONAL        SUMMER

Uniforms may be purchased through Top Marks.
Top Marks – 5760 Ferrier St., Montreal, QC H4P 1M7
www.topmarks.ca
Toll Free: 1-800-667-7105
Phone: (514) 344-5454
Fax: (514) 344-5350

faq

When does Fern Hill introduce formal French instruction?

We introduce French through song and games in Preschool. Our Core French program runs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. In Grade 7 & 8 both Core French and Advanced French are offered.  Please visit Special Subjects to learn more.

Does Fern Hill offer extracurricular activities?

Fern Hill offers a wide range of enriching extracurricular activities each term. Students are invited to sign up for our many after-school lessons, including dance, music, sports and science, all available in three eight-week sessions throughout the year. Additional fees apply. Please visit Before & After School to learn more about our activities.

Where do students go for field trips?

We organize several field trips throughout the year for our Kindergarten and Grade School students. Each trip complements Fern Hill’s comprehensive curriculum, and takes place during or immediately following the related unit. Our trips include visits to the Canadian War Museum, the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada, as well as to local businesses.

What activities does Fern Hill offer throughout the year?

We organize several engaging activities throughout the school year. They include themed events for our Preschool students, as well as assemblies, concerts, special guest presentations, casual days, pizza days, and a range of community events.

Each year, we also celebrate International Week by organizing enriching activities that foster global citizenship and teach our students about traditions and cultures from around the world. Fern Hill invites guest speakers to the school, hosts multicultural events, and arranges visits to local embassies.

Are Fern Hill school fees tax deductible?

For our Preschool and Kindergarten programs, 100% of tuition paid is eligible for official childcare receipts. For our Grade School program, approximately 20% of tuition qualifies for childcare receipts.

What are Fern Hill’s hours?

The school hours are:

  • Preschool – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
  • Morning Junior Kindergarten – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Full-day Junior Kindergarten – 9:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
  • Full-day Senior Kindergarten – 9:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
  • Grades 1 to 6 – 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
  • Grades 7 & 8 – 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Yard supervision for Grade School students begins at 8:00 a.m. each morning.

Does Fern Hill offer childcare?

Yes. Before School Care begins at 8:00 a.m. After School Care runs until 5:30 p.m. Additional fees apply for both. Please visit Before & After School to learn more.

Is lunch available for students?

Yes. You’re welcome to sign your child up for nutritious hot lunches, which are available at an additional cost.

What is the lunch routine?

Students who stay onsite for lunch must bring a nutritious meal to school. Please note that Fern Hill School is a nut-free environment. We ask parents and students to be aware of the ingredients in the food/snacks they bring to school, and to ensure that it doesn’t contain nuts

Once a month, we host pizza days. Parents can sign their child up on a monthly or ongoing basis. The pizza is available at an additional cost.

Where is Fern Hill located?

The school is conveniently located at 50 Vaughan Street in Ottawa’s established New Edinburgh neighbourhood. It is easily accessible from the Rockcliffe and Vanier Parkways, as well as from many bike paths. Fern Hill is close to Parliament Hill, Global Affairs Canada offices and many diplomatic missions.

Is transportation provided?

Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from school.

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Fern Hill School
50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa ON
Canada K1M 1X1
613 746 0255
| principal@fernhillottawa.com


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Fern Hill School is a proud member of the
Ontario Federation of Independent Schools.