Our Students
Canterbury students come from Eastern Ontario, West Quebec and a variety of international locations. They form a diverse and culturally rich group spanning all socio-economic backgrounds and, as a result, are very accepting of each other's differences and needs. All students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of school life. Our graduates return on a regular basis to share their experiences in the world of work and academics. We are proud of their successes.
Our Staff
Canterbury is fortunate to have over 110 teachers, educational assistants, technicians, custodians and administrative and support staff members who are dedicated professionals, committed to providing students with an educational experience of the highest quality. All are highly trained in their individual fields of expertise and bring both theoretical and practical knowledge of their disciplines into the school. They work together and across disciplines to enable our students to achieve at the highest level possible.
Facilities & Resources
CHS is accessible for the physically challenged. Our facilities include 5 computer labs, a library with networked computers, a communications technology studio with video and audio recording capabilities, 4 drama studios, 3 dance studios, a fully-equipped auditorium, music rooms for vocal, string and wind instruction, visual art rooms with separate photography, ceramics, drawing/painting and printmaking areas, a large gym, a weight room and a cardio workout area.
Measurement of Success
Following our objectives to nurture well-rounded individuals who understand all aspects of the world, our performance measures are focused on achievement and recognition within the broad spectrum of contemporary society.
Graduate Performance
- 50% of CHS graduates achieved Ontario Scholar status or higher.
- 15% of CHS graduates achieved marks of 90% or higher.
- 22% of CHS graduates received an Extended French Bilingual Certificate.
- CHS graduates were awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships in 2009.
- Over 50% of CHS graduates received entrance scholarships.
- 30% of Arts graduates continued in arts-related post-secondary programs.
- 70% continued in areas such as sciences, engineering, computers and humanities.
CHS students were nominated for Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards in the areas of Global Citizenship, Entrepreneurship, Arts & Literature, Philanthropy, and Academic Perseverance. Three of the nine awards went to CHS students.
Canterbury's Literary Arts students received over half of the awards in the 2008 Carleton University High School Writing Competition.
The Canterbury Visual Art Department, in partnership with the Ottawa Art Gallery, launched an exhibition showing the prestigious Firestone Collection together with senior students' works of art.
Eight senior Dance students were selected by a professional choreographer to perform in an original piece, along with professional dancers, at the National Arts Centre, as part of the Canada Dance Festival in June 2008.
A senior Media Arts student won top honours in the High School category of the Ottawa International Animation Festival.
Communications Technology students won first prize in the City of Ottawa COMPOST Radio Announcement Competition and honourable mention in the Skills Canada Photography Competition.
A grade 10 student won first place in the Provincial French Concours de L'Art Oratoire. Of the eight finalists in the OCDSB French Public Speaking Contest, five Canterbury students received gold medals and one received a silver medal.
CHS Music Ensembles have excelled at the regional, provincial and national levels. Our Concert Band won the Most Outstanding Band trophy at the National Capital Kiwanis Festival and the CBC Music in the Schools Award of $1,000.00. Our Senior Saxophone Quartet won the Ottawa Temple Choir Trophy and the Ronald Duck Memorial Scholarship of $1,000.00 as the most outstanding Chamber Ensemble in the Kiwanis Festival.
Senior Drama students are taking their June Grad show to Scotland during the summer of 2009 as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Of the 2400 schools that applied, 60 were selected with only 8 from Canada.
Over 350 students in grades 9, 10, and 11 achieved averages of over 80%.
Student Leadership
CHS students are well known for their involvement in, and commitment to social and community issues. Students live our credo of respect for themselves and others. This stems from the leadership of a very active Students' Council. Each member is a leader whether as a grade representative, a sports organizer, an activities coordinator or a committee chair. Some of the group and individual initiatives which have taken place over the past year include: Canterbury's Children's Theatre performed for students in 18 elementary schools and several Lighthouse programs.
The Canterbury Social Awareness Club fosters a healthy understanding of community issues.
In partnership with the Ottawa Hospital, senior Visual Arts students have painted murals at both the General and Civic Campuses.
Over 400 students, staff and parents participated in a 12-hour Relay for Life and raised over $35,000 to support the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Canterbury Dance Company performed and conducted workshops in elementary schools throughout the city. Dance students also participated in the Ontario Dance Festival in Cornwall and the OCDSB Dance Festival. This was all part of their continuing emphasis on community outreach and dance education.
Communications Technology students produced a video for the 'Dare to Dream Program' documenting the challenges faced by a 12-year-old girl with a rare form of epilepsy.
In collaboration with the City of Ottawa, Canterbury students promoted the 'Live It Up' and 'Eat Smart' Campaigns
O.S.A.I.D. Students presented information to other students on the dangers of impaired driving.
Canterbury Ensembles are in constant demand in the community and were recently featured in community performances including the National Peace Officers Memorial on Parliament Hill, the Trees of Hope fundraiser for CHEO and various events with the Salvation Army.
96 Winds, Strings and Vocal students travelled to Austria and Hungary in March 2009. They presented five concerts to very enthusiastic audiences, including one at the prestigious Haydn Conservatory in Eisenstadt.
Successive graduating classes have averaged over 100 hours of community service hours per student.