Parkside Elementary School's Mission Statement
We are students from Parkside Elementary School. We have a very diverse population of students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 including three Special Education programs. Our families speak over 23 languages representing people from all over the world. We focus on the TDSB character traits to work toward becoming responsible and respectful citizens. Parkside was built in 1953 and the Parkside name comes from the fact the school borders the beautiful Taylor Creek Valley. We also have two playgrounds on site, one for the kindergarten students and one for students in grades 1 - 5. We are a small school community where everyone knows each other. This makes us feel very safe. No one is excluded at Parkside, everyone is welcome.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
A caring, safe, and enthusiastic school culture lays the base for learning at Parkside. Families, the school, and the child care centre work together to build a neighbourhood focus on developing socially responsible children. Character Education is an integral part of school and community life. Every month one of the TDSB's ten character attributes is highlighted and developed throughout the school. The attributes help to build teamwork, create a positive culture and safe environment, and enhance citizenship through local and global outreach projects. Students are recognized at monthly assemblies for their personal character growth.
More Information About Parkside Elementary School
Academic Success
Focusing on maximizing factors that most positively influence individual student learning, Parkside staff members continually hone teaching skills through professional learning community work and reflective practice. Full-day Kindergarten, special education support, school library as a learning hub, and beyond-the-classroom programming nurture literacy and numeracy skills.
Special Education
Four Special Education programs support our students: the Resource program supports those with learning challenges who may be successful within a regular classroom setting. The partial-integration Home School Program supports children with learning disabilities; full-time Intensive Support Programs support those with developmental disabilities or behavioural challenges.
Arts and Athletics
A dedicated Music program develops vocal, recorder, and performance skills. Visual arts, drama and dance skills are developed across the curriculum. Our Physical and Outdoor Education program is enhanced by skating; swimming; school-wide Daily Physical Activity "workouts", led by staff and students; special sports events; and a rich intramural program.
Healthy Body - Healthy Mind
A mid-morning snack (fruit, dairy, and grains) and a milk program at lunch provides participating students with nutritional support for physical health, concentration and self-regulation. Financially-supported student health, dental, and vision care are offered through our Model Schools for Inner Cities partnership with the clinic at George Webster Public School.
Additional Features
- Student Council/ Leadership
- Dedicated Parent Volunteers
- Boys' and Girls' Clubs
- Citizenship Initiatives
- Reading Buddies
- Excursions
- Sports Teams
- Expert Visits to the School
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Parkside students participate in school spirit days, play days, field trips, self-esteem and leadership development activities and clubs, sports teams, intramural sports,primary and junior choir, concerts, skating at our local arena, public library partnerships and visits, bake sales, student council, candy-gram sharing, school-wide DPA, Parkside Stars character recognition events, reading buddies, office helpers, PA announcers, author visits, Me to We, Scientists in the School events, curling workshops, cross-country running, 5K running, track and field, Terry Fox Run, and much more!
School Council members and other parent volunteers work to their talents and timelines to raise funds and plan events, fostering school spirit and student/family memories, including pizza lunches, popcorn days, family movie nights, school yearbook, Parkside Shuffle dance-a-thon, skating, sports events, family barbecue, and more.
Through our Eco-Schools initiative, students learn green strategies to minimize waste, use resources responsibly, and help protect our school and home environments.
WHAT SETS US APART
A lot of great things come in a small package! Our small size supports our dedication to knowing our individual students and families and focusing on the highest positive impacts on student critical thinking; in an ever-growing culture in which all our students, families, neighbours, and staff are welcome and valued; and where each person can become their best, academically, emotionally, socially and physically. We continually pursue community connections and partnerships to strengthen our school and our diverse neighbourhood.
The Parkside demographic is diverse, and we continually grow in understanding and supporting each other to build healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. Through the Model Schools for Inner Cities Schools Initiative, families who need additional support (networking, community-service connection, skills development, or financial) are empowered to broaden and strengthen their, and their children's, opportunities and access to success.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our small and enthusiastic School Council plays a vital and integral role in setting school direction, giving input on staffing models, program initiatives, Caring and Safe Schools initiative implementation, school photographer selection, IT support initiatives, etc. They also support classroom programs and extra-curricular initiatives, and tirelessly enhance student life.
Our monthly newsletter, the Parkside Post, goes homes on the first Friday of each month, along with the month's calendar. Regular communication between home and school is also maintained through phone calls, email, student agenda use, and formal and informal parent-teacher meetings. Upcoming events and key dates are regularly updated by parent volunteers on the exterior school sign. Our web site is under construction and coming on line soon!