Seneca School's Mission Statement
Seneca is a school for students with developmental disabilities who are in Kindergarten to Grade 8. We provide our students with specialized programs that are based on an alternative curriculum and are designed to meet their individual learning needs. In addition to the learning that takes place in homeroom classrooms, Seneca students participate in an expressive arts program which features elements of visual art, movement, music and drama. In our life skills program, students spend time in a kitchen that is equipped with appliances that are adapted for use with students with special needs and they learn other practical skills. Co-operative games, movement songs and skill development are all part of our motor skills program.
Vision for Learning
Equity and Well Being Goal: Classroom staff will continue to implement culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy that reflects their deep understanding of the diverse identities and lived experiences of students and members of the school community. Student Achievement Goal: To increase independence and opportunities for self-advocacy, classroom staff will implement functional communication systems that are individualized, consistent and accessible for each student. Indigenous Education: Classroom staff will incorporate Indigenous teachings about our connection to the land that we are situated on into programming and instruction.
More Information About Seneca School
Links to Our Community
Our school is situated in an ideal location which enables our students to regularly participate in community outings to: No Frills, The Etobicoke Olympium, Centennial Park, Elmbrook Park Library and Tim Hortons.
Families as Partners
The staff at Seneca School welcome family members and invite them to be active participants in their children's education. We regularly facilitate learning and social opportunities for members of our school community. Maintaining a strong relationship with our families and supporting their growth remains a priority.
Staff Learning
Seneca School staff are committed to attending professional learning focused on culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy; Indigenous education; mental health and well being; and on the use alternative and augmentative communication.
Assessment at Seneca
Seneca School staff use a variety of assessments including the Brigance Inventory of Early Development which allows teachers to assess a student's progress, and create programming goals that are relevant to key areas of student learning (Communication, Functional Academics, Activities of Daily Living, Social Skills and Motor Skills).
Additional Features
- Breakfast Club
- School Council
- Monthly Spirit Assemblies
- Outdoor Classroon
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
At Seneca School we offer a variety of activities that provide our students with an opportunity to explore various aspects of student life. Students participate in arts projects throughout the year in our expressive arts program. In music and dance, they make music with their voices and instruments, as well as moving to the music and interacting with props. In reading buddies, students from Hollycrest Middle School visit our classes to read stories and enjoy literacy activities with our students. This year we hope to be participating in a movement program with students from Hollycrest and a professional artist.
WHAT SETS US APART
A variety of special education services are offered to help meet the needs of all of our students. Our students' exceptionalities are identified through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee process, which results in students being identified as exceptional in one or more of the following categories: Behaviour, Communication, Intellectual and Physical Exceptionalities. A variety of supports exist to offer assistance to our students and our staff. On site specialized supports include health care, nursing and school staff trained in medical crisis intervention. School support team meetings with our professional support staff are held regularly to discuss student strengths and needs, and to determine our next steps. Selected students participate in our communication program which has been developed according to individualized recommendations made by our speech language consultant.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
At Seneca, we welcome volunteers from the community, community agencies and educational settings and we have partnerships Toronto Public Health and Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Parents and other family members are invited to assist in classrooms and on field trips. School Council and Let's Talk meetings are held at least 4 times a year. Several nights for families, such as Winterfest and the Community Barbeque, are held throughout the school year. Parents and staff are also involved in a variety of fundraising activities. Parents and school staff work together to develop strategies that students can use at home and at school. "The Seneca Star", our school newsletter, is sent home every month.