By Christine Kilfoil
Jonathan Coupland, the new principal of York Street Public School, does not wait for things to happen, he makes them happen. His motto is “What can I do to make this happen?”. At the same time, he is taking his time to build trust with the students and the community by listening, observing and reaching out to them. Each morning you will find Mr. Coupland at the corner of York and Beausoleil streets welcoming parents and students to the school. He also acts as a crossing guard, assisting students to navigate the difficult four-way stop at that corner. He takes the time to talk to the families and listen to their feedback.
Mr. Coupland brings experience and enthusiasm to the school. This is his first time as a principal, but he has been with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board for 23 years. He served as vice principal at Hawthorne Public School for three years, worked for seven years as a special education consultant with the Board and was principal of the autism summer-learning program, administering a staff of 52 people. In his spare time he also coaches basketball.
Mr. Coupland may say he is taking things slowly, but he has already put in place positive change at the school. Since he started at the school in June 2023, he has overseen the schools 100-year celebrations with a welcome BBQ and an open house. The classrooms, hallways and stairwells have received a fresh coat of paint with a brighter new colour. The gym now has air conditioning, and the school has been fitted with new lighting. He wants to welcome students and parents each morning with a bright learning space.
The school is a hub for the community and open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., providing learning and community services. The breakfast program is an important feature of the school, offering a healthy breakfast for students. As a result of Mr. Coupland’s support and advocacy, the school will be receiving a commercial kitchen that will include a double sink, as well as laundry services. It will be used by the school and community groups such as the Lowertown Community Resource Centre’s afterschool program (Club 310). The Mission food truck operates at the school on Saturdays, and the possibilities for use by other community groups are endless.
Another way to address food insecurity is through gardens. York Street School has three garden beds and plans to raise that number to eight. The students are involved in putting in the garden beds and maintaining them. They will share the food that is grown with The Lowertown Good Neighbors Community House that operates across from the school. The school also offers families help with clothing needs. With the assistance of a corporate sponsor and partnership with Broadview Public School, York Street offers at no cost children’s clothing, boots and shoes. Families can access the clothing room by contacting the school. This has been particularly beneficial to new families to Canada. York Street School receives new students on a weekly basis from families who have come to make Canada their home. The school is there to help them adjust.
Currently, Mr. Coupland and his staff have exciting projects planned for York Street School. They are working on creating an outdoor learning area, installing an elevator in the school and constructing a new play structure for the kindergarten students. The school is also planning a ” Spirit week” which will involve activities such as bake sales and a pajama day to raise school spirit. Also planned are school dances. Traditionally, the dances were for only grade 7 and 8 students. However, this year dances will also be held for students in grades 3 to 6.
Mr. Coupland is committed to York Street School. He regularly attends Parent Council meetings, as well as meetings with local community groups such as Ottawa Community Housing and the Lowertown Community Resource Centre. He sees his role as an advocate for the students. “I want to build community and I see this school as the York Street Community School.” Mr. Coupland believes everyone has a story, and that the school itself has a story, and he wants to listen and learn. He is excited for the future of York Street PS, which is celebrating 100 years as a school.