Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy

We Feature

What Sets Us Apart

We are an all Kindergarten school located in the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood with over 500 children in attendance. More than 36 different languages are spoken at home by our students and their families. Our students have a wide range of abilities, strengths and needs. We are an inclusive school with a Special Education Resource Team that supports our Staff to ensure that our classroom practices meet the needs of all learners. We set high expectations for our students and our staff work together with families and community partners to help students achieve success.

Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy's Mission Statement

Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy, located in Thorncliffe Park, opened its doors September 3rd, 2013.

The facility includes 23 Kindergarten classes, 1 Diagnostic Kindergarten class, the KELI Program, The Heart (library), various multi-purpose learning areas, a rooftop learning area and a learning yard. There is an on-site child care centre operated by Child Development Institute. The school houses community spaces which include an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and a Community Kitchen. Space is available after school hours by permit.

Fraser Mustard is part of TDSB’s Learning Network 5 in Learning Centre 1.

Play-based learning

Research shows that there is a direct link between play and learning for children. At Fraser Mustard, children develop skills and abilities through play and inquiry. Teachers and Early Childhood Educators together with the students create the environment and the conditions for students to actively engage in learning and to develop Global Competencies. This learning is integrated throughout the day enabling children to develop literacy and mathematical skills as well as their independence, social skills and creativity.

More Information About Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy

Mathematics

Our mathematics program focuses on the development of mathematical thinking. Math skills, strategies and processes are taught in whole group, small group and individual conferences. Students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate and apply their learning with a focus on problem solving while engaged in problem based learning and in play.

Global Competencies

We are preparing our students to become Global Citizens, developing their competencies through problem based learning & deep learning through technology. Students work on solving problems both independently and in collaboration with their peers. Students questions & the sharing of their lived experiences provide the foundation for dynamic engaged learning.

Developing Literacy Skills

Literacy is embedded in all aspects of the program. Specific programming focuses on the development of oral language, and reading & writing behaviours. Students participate in large and small group instruction, individual conferencing and engage in reading with their families through the Borrow-a-book program.

Partnership with Health Access Thorncliffe Park

Our school is partnered with Health Access Thorncliffe Park which is helping to make healthcare more accessible to children in the Early Years. The clinic services children 0-12 who live in the M4H postal code and all services are free. Health services include a family physician, Paediatrician, and referrals to other service providers and community resources.

Additional Features

Monthly Family Story Times
Newcomer programs
Dual language books in library
Autism support programs
Social Skills supports
Motor Skill Focus
Outdoor Learning, Nature Play
Production Studios (Arts and Tech)

Student Life - Where You Belong

GO TEAM

Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy is a school that also houses a Parent and Family Literacy Centre and which also partners with the Child Development Institute on-site, to provide all day child care. This enables Fraser Mustard to make strong connections with families of students whose student life is still very much centred around parents and home life, prior to student actually becoming of school age.

WHAT SETS US APART

We offer a range of programming beyond the classroom that includes Math Studio, Inquiry-play based Music, dedicated Gross Motor space and equipment, Inquiry based Visual Arts, and Aboriginal Perspectives and Environmental Education.

PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

This past year, we were able to offer a five week Literacy series for parents. It covered topics such as the importance of the continuation of home language learning, early readers, reading strategies, questioning and discussions. There were about 180 attendees.
Math Sessions for Parents: Parents of Senior Kindergarten parents were selected to be part
of sessions that reviewed math skills and strategies, involving games that can be played at home to reinforce skills learned at school.
Functional English Literacy Skills Workshops: This past year, we ran workshops in many languages with the help of interpreters. This workshop covered basic English literacy skills in order to support parents in engaging with the school. It also provided opportunities for parents to connect with other parents in the school community who share the same home language skills.