Presteign Heights Elementary School

We Feature

Collaborative Inquiry Learning (CIL)

The Presteign Heights teaching staff engage in job-embedded professional development, release time to co-plan, co-teach, lesson and book studies, lunch and learns, and design rich tasks/ assessment practices. They engage students in critical thinking, 21st century competencies, and global connections through technology, STEM connections where students' thinking define the playing field.

Developing innovative use of computers, new technologies, data collection to inform decision making set our students apart.

Presteign Heights Elementary School's Mission Statement

Presteign Heights Public School is located on St. Clair Avenue East in the Parkview Hills community. Formerly as part of the East York Board of Education, the school first opened in 1951. The school started with 5 rooms and 1952, 4 more were added. In 1976, the gymnasium and the library were added. The school has become an important meeting place as a community hub.
The staff of Presteign Heights in partnership with the community, parents and educational partners support and motivate students as they strive for excellence.
We deliver excellent educational programmes characterized by relevancy and accountability in a safe, peaceful and nurturing environment where individuals are respected, valued and expected to make a contribution.

We take pride in our uniqueness and diversity. We have diverse families that embrace caring about each other and living together. Learning through a balance of the arts, academics and physical and health education promote literacy by participating in literate rich activities at school, home and community.

Global Citizenship/ Character/ Self-Actualization

Global citizenship requires that all citizens have the skill set to compete in a global economy. We engage all students in social justice themes connected to literacy and numeracy curriculum. Students learn through a CRRP (Culturally Relevant Responsive Pedagogy) to empathize and relate with local and global issues. We focus on the TDSB's Character Education Program, PALS (Playground Activity Leaders in Schools), Right to Play, Me to We, Eco Club, etc. and we have integrated these opportunities into school improvement and planning. This has established a positive culture for learning and human development throughout our school community.

Integration of the arts: drama, dance, visual arts, and music ensure we are cultivating students and citizens of the world. We have a Brass Band club that integrates musical instruments and singing/ vocals.

More Information About Presteign Heights Elementary School

STEM Meaningful Connections/ Problem Solving

The Presteign teaching staff capitalize on design thinking to facilitate problem solving, group collaboration, in order to resolve or address issues. Our Staff continue to focus on integration of Science/ Social Studies, Technology, Engineering, and Math connections. Students become tasked with solving clean drinking water feats, excavating artifacts, wiring robots, etc.

Customized Student/ Differentiated Instruction

Presteign Heights offers a number of support services to ensure all students are receiving the support that they need to excel. Equality and equity are two different things. We offer student supports to ensure student success but that doesn't mean everyone should have the same things. We offer ESL, Resource and reading intervention to assist in meeting all needs.

Technology

We have a brand new STEM lab outfitted with chromebooks, and ipads for all student use. We teach with interactive whiteboards and utilize multimedia projectors for all classrooms. We have a chromebook cart with 10 books for one class use as well. We use web and app tools, and explore new technologies to ensure we have cutting edge and state of the art tools.

Sports/ Crafts/ Arts/ Culture Building Activities

Our students have been actively involved in a variety of supporting events throughout the school year. We annually participate in the Terry Fox Run, Cross Country Meet, Basketball, Soccer, Gymnastics, and Track and Field. We offer many extra-curriculars that will appeal to all students and interests from Hip Hop, African Drumming, Brass Band, Logistics Club, etc.

Additional Features

Scientists in the School
Literacy Games
Walking Wednesdays
Chess Club
Earth Day Activities
Inclusiveness
Safe and Caring Environment
Yoga Club

Student Life - Where You Belong

GO TEAM

In continuing to build a respectful school climate our objective is to nurture these characteristics through the Toronto District School Board's character education program. In order to foster attributes such as respect, responsibility, empathy, caring, sharing and teamwork we provide sports teams, clubs and assemblies. In-class dialogue and the integration into the daily learning of the students are becoming the foundation for student appreciation for the needs of others. We also provide our students with opportunities to shine and serve as leaders within our school. Our junior students serve as announcers as well as reading buddies to our primary students.

WHAT SETS US APART

There is a strong sense of community that has developed between the students, parents, staff and the community at large. We believe in addressing the needs of the whole child and engaging our families and community in this effort. We continue to work with our community to provide rich experiences for our students both inside and outside the school community.

PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

There is a very strong focus on parent and community involvement within the school through fundraising and program enhancement.

Presteign Heights in the past has offered programs that serve the local community such as ITLC, the Intergenerational Program and Junior Achievement, business skills for our Grade 5 students. Furthermore the school is involved in the Terry Fox Run, New Christmas Toy and Food Drive and the Winter Clothing Drive.

Other events and activities have included trips to the National Film Board, the Star Lab presented by the ROM and Downsview Park sponsored by our Home and School.

Regular parent volunteers assist in the library and in the office with Safe Arrival. There are also monthly Pizza Lunches, Fall Fair, Turkey Lunch, Dance-a-thon, Kindergarten Orientation and End of Year BBQ all supported by the SAC/Home and School Association.