Independent school celebrates official opening of building

Ottawa students move into new facility

OTTAWA, Ontario – The parent operated independent Ottawa Christian School (OCS) opened its doors to its members and the community recently to introduce its new facilities. The school officially opened with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month.

The new 38,000 square-foot school is located in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven, and has 15 classrooms as well as a music room, science room and full size gym.

The multi-denominational elementary school opened 44 years ago with 50 students and initially was mostly supported by members belonging to the Christian Reformed Church originating from the Netherlands. The school used the recent event as an opportunity to celebrate its progress with people who have been a part of the OCS constituency, as well as other Christian schools and the community of Barrhaven.

Principal Paul Triemstra noted in an official statement that "while the future is not ours to tell, we know that the Lord has blessed OCS in the past and continues to provide for our needs in ways that we couldn’t have imagined. We look forward to educating future generations of children in our new home.”

The new school, built for over six million dollars with no cost to the taxpayers, came in on budget and on time. The opening ceremony occurred exactly one year after the groundbreaking ceremony of June 11, 2009. The move was scheduled for June 25 with the new school year in September starting at the new facilities.

OCS attracts students of families from all over Ottawa and offers extended busing services. New this fall will be before and after school programs.

The tuition fee for a one-student family is nearly $12,500 annually, two students $13,500 and three students about $14,500. The elementary school is associated with Redeemer Christian High School, a separate entity.