Diefenbaker Elementary School

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School History

Originally called Plains Road School, Diefenbaker Elementary School was renamed in honour of both Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, John George Diefenbaker and his father William Thomas Diefenbaker.

John Diefenbaker was a student at this school from 1900 to 1903 and his father taught here during those years. In 1903 the family moved west.

The original Plains Road School bell still hangs in the front hall along with a plaque commemorating the Diefenbakers.

Wm. Thomas’s encouragement led 4 of his students from this school to serve in the House of Commons by 1940.

The original school was built in 1891. It was rebuilt and renovated several times. In 1956 core of the school we now see on Plains Rd was built. The most recent renovations were completed in 1998 adding a large gymnasium and physically connecting Cosburn Middle School (the school just south of us) and Diefenbaker Elementary School

Diefenbaker Elementary School's Mission Statement

Diefenbaker Elementary School is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 school. Located in the former borough of East York, historically known as Woodbine Heights, the school is in a quiet residential neighbourhood of primarily single family dwellings. Our school population is just over 400 students. We have an Extended French program which begins at grade 4. The extended French program is comprised of a blend of students from Diefenbaker and several nearby schools. Diefenbaker ES has a highly regarded academic program and offers a broad range of co-curricular activities. In September 2013, Diefenbaker will be offering the full-day kindergarten program to all of our junior and senior kindergarten students.

We're an Eco School!

Our students', staff and community's commitment to our school environment has earned us a Gold Eco Schools standing with the Toronto District School Board. At Diefenbaker, we have an Environment Club comprised of staff, students and parents. Each year we introduce new initiatives that engage our whole community in reducing, reusing and recycling activities, from litterless lunches to greening our outdoor space.

More Information About Diefenbaker Elementary School

The Seven Correlates of Effective Schools

- A clear and focused mission

- A safe and orderly environment

- Positive home and school relations

- High expectations

- Frequent monitoring of student achievement

- Multiple opportunities to learn

- Instructional leadership

On-going professional development for staff

Our staff members are dedicated to life long learning. The Inquiry Process and how to implement Differentiated Instruction are two areas of professional growth. Teachers also meet on a regular basis to discuss student progress, using date to inform their teaching practices. All teachers are trained to engage all students via multiple intelligences.

Science and Technology

We have a dedicated computer lab that allows every student to have access to a computer for work completion and/or to access reading/writing tools, such as Read and Write Gold. We also have Smartboards, data projecters, a document camera, laptops and danas to enhance teaching and learning styles. Scientists in Schools visit our classrooms throughout the year.

Student Life - Where You Belong

GO TEAM

Build Character - Build Success!

- Commitment to Character Counts focus: Leadership, Perseverance, and Respect

- Student Council

- Commitment to Eco Schools initiatives
- Intergenerational links with local senior citizens

- Education programs with the police and fire departments

- Visits to the public library, parks and recreational facilities

- Pen pals with a variety of members within and outside our community

- Various high performing sports teams (in particular, soccer!) and school clubs, such as choirs, the Environment Club, cross country

WHAT SETS US APART

- high academic standards and expectations

- strong commitment to our environment - Gold Eco-School

- MI Lead School - teachers are trained in addressing the multiple intelligences when teaching so as to engage all students in their learning

- a strong, dedicated and involved parent community

- focus on Character Education - Perseverance, Leadership and Respect

- Me to We - soial awareness and commitment to assisting children at a local, national and international level

PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

School Council and Home and School Association

At Diefenbaker we have a very active and engaged school council. Our School Council meets on a regular basis with the school principal to discuss school business and share ideas around how to best support student achievement and provide workshops for our parent community.

Our Home and School Committee also meets on a regular basis with School Council and the principal to discuss the fundraising needs of our school. Thanks to our Home and School Committee, our students are exposed to a variety of performances, Scientists in Schools and visiting artists throughout the school year.