Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School's Mission Statement
Bessborough is a JK to grade 8 school located in the Leaside area of Toronto, a well-established community of mostly single-unit homes. It was the first public school in Leaside and at one point the Town Hall. Bessborough celebrated its 75th birthday in 1998. We now planning the 100th anniversary celebration in the year 2023.
Bessborough is a dynamic neighbourhood school with a tradition of academic excellence. Active and involved parents participate in the daily lives of their children. As well, many former students are now parents and grandparents of children attending the school.
Bessborough is a dynamic neighbourhood school with a tradition of academic excellence. Active and involved parents participate in the daily lives of their children. As well, many former students are now parents and grandparents of children attending the school.
At Bessborough we strive to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society. We value and are committed to providing a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, positive and respectful. Our Code of Conduct is rooted in commitment to our duties, respect for others and pride in ourselves. Safety is a priority and permeates all aspects of school life.
Our Mission Statement
Our Environment, Programs and Beliefs Support Student Success!
Our Guiding Principles:
* We shall create a school that fosters respect of self, other people and the environment for the well-being of our mutual future.
* We shall develop programs that foster personal achievement, the dignity of each person and a curiosity for life-long learning.
* We shall support the equality of access to learning, the responsibility of each individual for his or her own learning and a respect and acknowledgement of individual differences.
* We believe that community interaction (local and global), communication with the public, and co-operation in decision-making will produce a school that is safe, productive and enjoyable.
More Information About Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School
Bessborough's Five Agreements
* Mutual Respect: Yourself, Others and Things - recognize and appreciate individual differences
* Participation / Right to Pass - Everyone needs to participate, but may choose to observe quietly or contribute at a later time
* Appreciation - No put downs
* Attentive Listening - Listen Carefully to the opinions and feelings of others
* Do your Personal Best
2011 Choral Project
Our grade 5 students have had the privilege of working with Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, an internationally renowned musical director, clinician and vocal coach. He is founder and director of the Nathaniel Dett Choral. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor has been involved in choral projects in TDSB for many years.
Mr. Blyden-Taylor will work on vocal music with our teachers and those from 13 other schools at four teacher workshops over the four spring months and he will model the teaching of the music with the students at five mass rehearsals. Students will be bussed to these rehearsals. He will also visit individual schools twice for additional rehearsals. All parents will be invited to the Evening Concert on March 29th, at 7:00 pm at East York Collegiate.
Toronto School Scrabble Tournament
This year, we hosted the Toronto School Scrabble Tournament, organized by our very own Ms. Bigall. There are 20 schools involved, each sending 6-8 of their Gr. 4-8 students to this challenge. The top 8 players from the Tournament advanced to play in the US Nationals in Florida. This year's tournament is Tuesday, March 8th all day in the Bessborough's large gym.
School Musicals and Caberate
Every two years, our staff and students stage a major musical production. Our next musical will be in the 2011 - 2012 School Year. This 2010 - 2011 School year the Bessborough Home and School is hosting Cabaret. Please see http://bessboroughcabaret.com/.
On the other years the Home & School organize the Bessborough Cabaret, where students audition their 2 minute acts and get entered into the big eveing. This year our event is being held at Leaside High School on Friday, march 4 at 7 pm.
Additional Features
- Home and School Association
- May Fair - Annual Event
- Cabaret - Every Other Year - 2011
- Critical Learning Pathways
- Technology Focus on Smart Boards
- Eco School - Bronze Level
- Safe and Caring School
- Transitions Focused
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Students are involve in a wide arrange of sports, clubs and school activities.
Bessborough has a strong instrumental and vocal music program.
Every other year students are involved in a musical or cabaret.
WHAT SETS US APART
Bessborough has a dedicated staff of Professionals that make it their goal to make a difference for each and every student. The years at Bessborough School will offer many new experiences, new challenges and a variety of activities for every student.
We Offically Run the Annual Toronto Scrabble Tournament for Toronto District School Board students.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Active Home and School Parent Council - more than 200 families are members - Extensive volunteer program with parent and community helpers for classrooms, library, field trips and athletics - Successful fundraising endeavours that help to support programs in all grades - Coordination of the After-Four Program that includes an assortment of classes such as Sportball, Kids 4 Kids, Madscience, Dance, St. John's Ambulance Babysitting Course, Beading and more. - Participation on various committees including Graduation Committee, Pizza Lunches, etc. - Responsible for the School's Safe Arrival Program - Community outreach including clothing, food, books, toys and other contributions to schools and community organizations - - -