Our Spotless Space is the school’s front lobby—a pristine, welcoming area that greets visitors upon arrival. With abundant natural light, a polished terrazzo floor, and modern LED lighting, it creates a bright and inviting first impression.

What specific measures do you or your team implement to ensure this space meets the highest standards of cleanliness and embodies the value of clean?

The custodial team regularly monitors the lobby throughout the day, ensuring it remains free of spills, trip hazards, and other potential issues. To maintain its polished appearance, they use diamond pads to keep the terrazzo floor shining.

How does cleaning this space contribute to the health and safety of those who use it?

Dr. FJ McDonald School is designated as a “Support School,” meaning that due to the needs of the school community, additional financial and educational assistance is required. Because of this designation, we believe it is essential for students, staff, parents, volunteers, and visitors to have a school they can be proud of.

Since both students and visitors use the space throughout the school day, maintaining a safe and healthy environment is a top priority. The lobby serves as the first point of contact for visitors, making it crucial to leave a positive impression. A clean and well-maintained lobby reflects the overall care given to the rest of the school. Additionally, as a fully accessible space, it must remain clean and free of hazards to ensure continued accessibility for all.

The terrazzo floor is polished using a green process that relies on diamond pads and water, eliminating the need for floor finish. Since no harsh chemicals or strippers are required, this practice minimizes VOCs in the school environment. The Ottawa Catholic School Board is committed to green and sustainable initiatives, and polished terrazzo flooring is an important part of these efforts.

What does having a spotless space mean to you and your team?

To our Caretaking team, a spotless space reflects the dedication, attention to detail and the pride they take in their work. A spotless space means that not only is the area visually appealing, but also safe, hygienic and welcoming for everyone that uses it. A spotless space is clean and doesn’t have any dust, spills, stains or clutter. The surfaces shine, the floors are gleaming and the indoor air quality is fresh. A spotless space indicates both a standard of excellence and a high level commitment by the Caretaking team. A spotless space shows the Caretaking teams commitment to maintaining a high level of cleanliness and professionalism. For the custodial team, it’s about going beyond the visible to ensure that every corner is clean, every potential hazard is addressed, and every visitor feels confident in the quality of the space.