Principal’s Message
Welcome to the Ottawa Technical Secondary School website. We are a school that offers a career and technological education to students who are interested in the skilled trades.
We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather and learn is the traditional, unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People. It is our hope that as we learn together, we honour and respect the generations of Algonquin People who have been the stewards of this land. We must fulfill our obligation to fight against the harm done to Indigenous people by the education system as we work to heed the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We are fortunate to work with Jasmine Doig who is the Indigenous Graduation Coach at OTSS. Jasmine has extensive experience working in the community and is dedicated to supporting students in their learning.
Our theme this year is OTSS: A Work in Progress. We are currently under construction as we build an entirely new learning centre for students in our physical support program. In addition, by 2023 over $150,000 of new state of the art technology will be installed so that our students will be able to do anything from print a banner, create designs, fabricate automotive parts, manufacture their own products, and cook gourmet meals in minutes. More importantly, over the past year we have hired over 20 new educational assistants and teachers with a wealth of experience in both industry and in education who really care about kids. These teachers join a team that is already leading the District in supporting both student achievement and well-being.
We feel honoured and privileged to serve students at Ottawa Technical Secondary School. Our school is really two amazing schools integrated into one whole aligned in our sense of purpose. We offer many specialized program classes for students with exceptionalities and we offer a credit program for students who are passionate about technology and the trades. Our school offers many rich learning opportunities for students with a focus on experiential education as well as authentic career-building opportunities including Specialist High-Skills Majors, Co-op, OYAP, and college pathways. As a Trades and Technology School, students can pursue classes in Automotive, Construction, Cosmetology, Hospitality (Baking and Food Services), Manufacturing & Welding, Masonry, Design and Communication Technology (including 3D Printing, Digital Media, Graphics, and Photography).
As a school community we are committed to supporting all students. Our purpose is to engage in relationship-based learning while we create eight conditions for achievement: safety, co-regulation, belonging, engagement, positivity, identity, meaning, and mastery. We are committed to learning more about all of our students - their multiple identities, strengths, gifts, and ways we can better support their learning - with humility and gratitude.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your children’s teachers, student services, or the administration at any time. Working collaboratively with guardians and parents is critical to student success and we really value all that you share with us.
Sincerely,
Amanda Anderson,, Joe Ross, and Jason Rama
The Grateful Administration of Ottawa Technical Secondary School