The OCDSB is proud to announce that the new elementary school in the Half Moon Bay community in Barrhaven will be officially named Wazoson Public School.
Pronounced wuh-zoh-sohn (audio pronunciation), Wazoson is the Algonquin/Anishinaabe word for bird’s nest. A nest is a safe place to nurture the young. Birds of all types, sizes and shapes begin life in a nest. As there is a place for all those different kinds of birds in the natural world, there is also a place for every student in our school. Wazoson Public School aligns with the OCDSB Strategic Plan of social responsibility and well being and embodies care and belonging to our community. This name encourages engagement and connection with the natural world around students.
The name was chosen following consultation through the spring of 2023 with students, parents, staff and members of the Half Moon Bay community. Additional input was provided from a member of the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee along with an Algonquin Elder and an Algonquin Knowledge Keeper.
“We are so thankful to all who participated in helping us find a name for our new school,” said Janis St. Germain, principal of Wazoson Public School. “Determining the name is a significant step in framing the school culture we would like to create. We want our school to be a safe, caring and nurturing environment for children to thrive. An Algonquin-named school also sends an important message of our commitment to reconciliation and learning about the rich knowledge, history and culture of Indigenous peoples.”
The new JK-6 school located at 989 Kilbirnie Drive in Barrhaven is dual track English and Early French Immersion, scheduled to open with approximately 645 students. Construction on the new school began in the summer 2022. Students will start the year at a temporary location at 595 Moodie Dr., (D.A. Moodie Public School) before they move into the completed school in January 2024. The students who will attend Wazoson are drawn from the community presently serving Half Moon Bay Public School.