Students
As representatives of the student population, our Students’ Council demonstrates excellent leadership. They plan an eclectic range of activities from dances to fundraising events to support those for those in our community and beyond. The students of Bell High School have been recognized by the United Way for their outstanding contributions during the annual fundraising campaigns over the years.
The annual student leadership camp, planned and run by students, has become a model for others to follow. Bell students have consistently maintained involvement with Live It Up, a city of Ottawa healthy lifestyles program that encourages participation in physical activity. We also have an active group of students working on environmental issues through various EarthCare initiatives. Through peer tutoring and LINK, many students work in classrooms to assist other students to develop their academic and interpersonal skills.
In addition to informal recognition on a regular basis, we also acknowledge student contributions through school announcements, assemblies, our principal’s report to school council, and our October and June award ceremonies. In addition, we recognize student leadership by incorporating their suggestions into our planning. Our V.I.B. Award recognizes seven students who have demonstrated positive attributes such as academic improvement, academic excellence, leadership or perseverance.
Staff
Members of our staff team continue to take on active leadership roles at the District level, working with curriculum and evaluation initiatives. Several of our colleagues are leaders as part of district initiatives and committees. We are engaged in blended (both electronic and in class) learning in many of our courses here at Bell and several of our staff are teaching courses online. In these online spaces, our students are meeting students (electronically) from across Ontario.
Our staff are actively engaged in supporting the next generation of teachers. Some of our colleagues teach at the Faculty of Education and several staff members support teacher education programs across the province by working with student teachers from the faculty.
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
We welcome parents, guardians, and volunteers in many aspects of school life. We have very active volunteers in a number of areas around the school including our library and Community Living classrooms. Thanks to our hard working volunteer, our school grounds look attractive all year round! Our supportive School Council meets regularly throughout the school year. As invaluable partners, we thank our parents, guardians, and volunteers on an ongoing basis and look for opportunities to acknowledge their efforts.
Community
Bell High School relies on the generous support of our community. General Dynamics Canada has a long standing partnership with Bell H.S. and we continue to value their support. Through Interact and Peace Clubs we have successfully adopted and support a sister-school in Munyu, South Africa. Bell’s fundraising efforts have successfully contributed $4000 to the school over the past three years and physically helped to fund their brand new four room school just completed; a life-changing addition supporting youth and education! Many of the businesses in Bells Corners support the school through donations of advertising space, prizes, and discounts on purchases.
We recognize our community partners through our school announcements, school newsletters, principal’s report to school council, on the website, and thank you cards. We also invite them to events such as awards ceremonies and commencement.