School Name

Over the last many weeks, we have received close to 100 name suggestions from the community for our new OCDSB elementary school in the Fernbank area. Thank you!


We have worked with students, board staff, teachers from the school, the area trustee, members of the Algonquin community and a committee of community members to narrow the suggestions down to a preferred list of 6 considerations. 


Now, we want your help to create a shortlist to choose the final name.


To do so, we’ve created a simple ThoughtExchange survey where you can select your favourite name, offer comments and feedback. The survey will be open until June 8th, 12pm.
This survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

 

Next steps


Following the completion of the ThoughtExchange, the community input will be shared with the committee and our Algonquin advisors to review and submit to the OCDSB Director’s Executive Council for review and deliberation. The name selection will be then submitted to the OCDSB Board of Trustees for final approval by June 21, 2022.


Once again, thank you for sharing your ideas as we move toward naming our new school. 


If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]

Shortlist for Public Consultation

Below are the name suggestions (in alphabetical order) with more detail and description submitted by members of the community:

Note: Where an Algonquin name is presented it is the desire to have both the English and Algonquin name included.

Airwood Public School
  • This name was preferred by the students at Westwind Public School.
  • The rationale was provided by a member of the community.
The air in the name represents the open and acceptingness of students that would be welcomed to the new school. The wood part of the name would represent our love of nature and freedom represent in Canada.

Blackstone Public School
  • This name and the rationale were provided by members of the local community.
Blackstone is the best neighbourhood and it shows the location of the school. It is the community name. The stone represents nature. Most people are very aware of the neighbourhood of Blackstone. While it was named by a builder almost all the homes and lots surrounding the school and in the neighbourhood have been pre-sold so naming the school won’t act as a pseudo/free marketing campaign for the builders. It celebrates the community we are a part of. Our beautiful neighbourhood is named Blackstone and what a unique name for a school it could be.

Chimaanen (Little Canoe) Public School (Chimaanen - Pikwakanagon dialect)
  • This name and the rationale were provided by Nopiming Inini Chip McHugh, Algonquin and an Ohiskwabawis.
This name reflects both the children and the land on which the school sits. It is an Algonquin name when spelt in English is Chimaanen, with the word meaning Little Canoe. The school is located less than a block from a pond which connects to a creek (Monohan Drain Creek, which leads to the Jock River which flows to the Rideau River, which flows to the Ottawa River. The little canoe is representative of young students on their journey of learning. Out of respect for the Elders, and to be in good relationship with the Algonquin Anishinaabe people who offered this name, we should accept it, as a small step towards reconciliation.

Little Eagle Public School
  • This name and the rationale were provided by Albert Dumont, Algonquin Elder.
By including the name Little the name reflects the elementary age students that will be attending this school. The rationale behind the eagle is that it is a symbol of strength and is held in high regard. The eagle soars higher, sees further than any other bird and is the bravest.

Little Pine Public School (Shingwaakons - Kitigan Zibi dialect)

  • This name and the rationale were provided by Albert Dumont, Algonquin Elder.
By including the name Little the name reflects the elementary age students that will be attending this school. The pines in the Algonquin Territory are some of the strongest, straightest and tallest. Their branches are longer facing the east welcoming each new day as a new beginning. They are a resource and can be used for sustenance.

Morning Star Public School (Ojigkwanong)
  • This name and the rationale were provided by members of the local community.
Morning Star is in honour of Chief William Commanda. He was named Ojigkwanong by his mother because he was born under the Morning Star, a symbol of enlightenment and vision. He lived a life dedicated to learning and teaching. Described as a man who was humorous, kind, intelligent, dignified, and open, Commanda lived the changes he wished to see. His life's mission was dedicated to a "Circle of All Nations" in which the races would all join in racial harmony but he was also committed to aboriginal self-determination and often made Canadian politicians uncomfortably aware of their failure to honour their obligations to native peoples and protection of the land.
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