Elmbank Junior Middle Academy's Mission Statement
Elmbank Junior Middle Academy, located at the corner of Martin Grove and Finch Avenue West, in the heart of Jamestown, has been a landmark in this neighbourhood since it was built in 1967.
The area is very high in its needs and rich in its ethnic, cultural and socio-economic diversity. It prides itself as a model for harmony among the various groups. The school continues to serve as a focal point for the community. We believe thin a quote from Elder Duke Redbird, that 'The Pride and Spirit of the People equals the Power of the Land.'
The school serves approximately 350 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 with a variety of educational experiences and diverse needs.
The Elmbank Uniform
Elmbank is a school with a uniform. A uniform assists us with safety by quickly identifying intruders. It also reinforces for students that they are here to work. Uniforms also remove the competition that often arises regarding clothing worn to school thereby further separating those that have more than others.
More Information About Elmbank Junior Middle Academy
Student Activities at Elmbank
There is an elected student council.Co-curricular activities include : basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, chess, cricket, video making club, video game club, animation club, photography club, garden club, Green Team, Boys 2 Men, Young Women on the Move, crafts club, French club, art club.
Partnerships
Elmbank administration, to provide needed supports to students and to enhance the learning environment in the school, developed partnerships with Humber College, Parks and Rec, Seneca College, Ryerson University, York University, other agencies so that the school has access to supports, programs, workshops that can enhance student success and support parent empowerment.
Focus on Student Success and Valuing Diversity
At Elmbank we work to achieve exemplary educational outcomes for all of our students. We focus on enhancing student success and on improving student achievement in an environment that epitomizes racial, religious, cultural and social harmony.
We and the community work together to maintain a safe and caring environment. responsibility and a strong sense of teamwork.
We and the community work together to maintain a safe and caring environment. responsibility and a strong sense of teamwork.
Special Programs for Student Support
We are proud to host a number of special programs at our school, including a new Parenting Centre as well as Learning Disabilities, Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Exceptionalities
and one Safe Schools Alternative to Suspension Program.
and one Safe Schools Alternative to Suspension Program.
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Students at Elmbank have an elected Student Council and participate in many activities: public speaking, Scrabble, STEM, sports activities such as floor hockey, volleyball, basketball, track and field, soccer, badminton, ping pong. Students enjoy an itinerant music program (strings, band, steel pan) and collecting money for the Terry Fox run.
Elmbank students have opportunities to attend outdoor education at Humber Arboretum, the Field Studies Centre and other centres; many classes visit the Albion Library which provides educational programming such as 3D printing and design; our Grade 8 students can attend a 3 day overnight experience at Albion Hills to develop leadership skills.
Key words that speak to our beliefs come from Elder Duke Redbird: 'The Pride and Spirit of the People equal the Power of the Land.'
We want to be the best ‘Elmbank Thunder’ possible!
E quitable and Inclusive
L earning to be Responsible Leaders
M indset of ‘YET’
Be Positive and Resilient
A ccept and Appreciate others
N eed to set High Expectations
K ind, Caring, and Safe Space
J ust Dream, Believe, and Take Action
M indfulness and Well-Being
All Students Welcome
WHAT SETS US APART
Elmbank Thunder prides themselves on their dedication and commitment to eco-schools goals. We are trying to reduce energy use, reduce waste and increase recycling in the school and in the area. We achieved bronze status last year and are striving for silver this year. Our "Green Team"" works very hard to build awareness around environmental issues and climate change.
With our partners PACT and TDSB we initiated a Community Orchard last year in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. Staff and students visit the orchard to weed, harvest, and learn. We hope that more parents will get involved in this important initiative to produce locally grown, pesticide, additive-free organic fruit.
We are supported by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and by small donations from parents. This supports allows us to provide a daily nutritious snack for our students. After all well-nourished children who are not hungry and calmer and learn better.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
There is an active School Council at Elmbank. Parents volunteer in the school to assist with remedial work in the classroom, support students during nutrition breaks, and to accompany students on trips. There is overwhelming support for activities and such programs as music nights, play days, and concerts. We are looking for parents to support student engagement and learning.
The School Council chair, Cindy Kenwell, has worked tirelessly on improving our community. She raised concerns for students crossing Finch and advocated for an additional crossing guard.
The school also has Heritage Language classes on Saturday mornings with students from all of TDSB participating in this excellent opportunity.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to become more involved in the education of their
children, various initiatives, school events and volunteering opportunities.
children, various initiatives, school events and volunteering opportunities.