About Us

Oakville Ridna Shkola

Oakville Ridna Shkola families participate in cultural activities with their children preserving cultural traditions. Musical and dramatic productions, Ukrainian Holidays celebrations, field trips, Ukrainian dance classes add to the engaging and lively atmosphere of our vibrant school community. 

Oakville Ridna Shkola parents are expected to attend the school wide assembly (usually held at school on the first day of studies).  

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School Council

The School Council actively supports the teachers and students of Oakville Ridna Skola and helps developing a sense of belonging to the Ukrainian community in a positive environment. The School Council actively supports our school by fundraising and creating opportunities for social interaction, including Christmas and Mother’s Day concerts, shared lunches, photo day, classroom volunteering, and more. We have a vision for the future of the school with great enthusiasm and would welcome your support.

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History

Our school was initially in Burlington at 419 Pearl St. known as St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Heritage School.  It was founded to provide Ukrainian language education for children on Saturday mornings as well as cultural and community awareness for parents wishing to have their children learn about their Ukrainian heritage.  The history of the school at the parish in Burlington is remembered fondly by generations of students.  The school was located at Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church for almost 50 years.

The school moved to Oakville in 2008.  The name was originally changed to “Halton Ridna Shkola” and in 2012 to “Oakville Ridna Shkola” to reflect the school location.

We are pleased to see the growth of students’ population of Oakville Ridna Shkola every year.  The school is continuing to provide a vital service to our Ukrainian community in Halton region, Peel region, and beyond.  Oakville Ridna Shkola closely cooperates with the Halton Catholic District School Board,the Ukrainian Canadian School Board, Toronto Branch.

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Philosophy & Values

Oakville Ridna Shkola encourages independent thinking and cultivates individual talents in a supportive classroom environment. Students are encouraged to explore their unique interests and develop Ukrainian Language skills. We nurture the development of self-confident and positive contributors.

Oakville Ridna Shkola creates learning environments that are engaging, diverse and supportive; where talented, dedicated students are encouraged to interact in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Students are well prepared for the future in a manner that enables them to discover the joys of learning and the importance of Ukrainian community.

Learning is facilitated through a highly trained native Ukrainian teaching staff.

We believe the potential within each child deserves to be recognized and nurtured and that children develop best when there is an active and willing partnership between school and family.

We believe that by learning the language of their ancestors children gain a deeper appreciation of their heritage and culture and better understanding of the Ukrainian community.

We believe that adults are important role models, guides and mentors for children and that those connections between teachers and students are most effective in friendly class settings.

We believe that an enriching, challenging, and supportive environment is necessary for personal development and that our curriculum teaches skills and strategies that foster the acquisition of language, knowledge of Ukrainian heritage and traditions.

We believe that by recognizing, respecting, sharing, and appreciating our similarities and differences, we grow and flourish.

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