Cassandra Public School's Mission Statement
Welcome to our school!
We invite you to browse our profile, which was created by the staff, students and parents of Cassandra P.S. Within our community of learners we ensure a sense of belonging, care of each individual and high expectations of achievement for all persons.
Our Mission
The mission of Cassandra P.S.; a diverse, environmentally friendly school with extensive community involvement, is to empower and inspire each individual to become a responsible, empathetic and successful member of society, through a positive, caring and supportive learning environment.
Cassandra Public School is located near Lawrence Avenue and the Don Valley Parkway. The school opened in 1965, with the planting of a Ginkgo Tree, which is represented in the school logo. Our commitment to ECOschools continues to provide environmental awareness and "greening" of the schoolyard. We are proud of our "Outdoor Classroom", Nature Study Area, Vegetable Garden, Tree Nursery our "Amphibian Oasis" with shade trees and seating for students. We have recently added a Kindergarten Outdoor Learning Environment where our younger students can explore and discover the outdoors.
This Year At Cassandra, we will strive to:
- improve Literacy and Numeracy skills of all students
- highlight knowledge and care of our environment
- update and use information technology as a tool for learning
- establish a safe and caring school environment through Character Education programming including TRIBES
- create opportunities for all students
More Information About Cassandra Public School
At Cassandra Public School:
The learning environment is safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful. The highly professional, caring, and dedicated staff provides equitable learning access for all. Our focus is on high achievement and success for each student. Students, staff, parents, and community members are valued partners. Recognition of positive social and academic skills are highlighted.
ECOschools
At Cassandra P.S., the students, staff and parents exhibit a caring attitude toward environmental issues. As a Platinum Eco School we compost our organic waste, participate in Walk to School and Active Transportation initiatives. We also have a Boomerang Lunch program and our students have learned to appreciate and value the environment.
The greening of the schoolyard began with parents and students planting perennials in the flowerbeds in front of the school. A teaching vegetable garden and composting area was also created. Concern for shade for our students prompted the planting of many trees, and an “Outdoor Classroom” has been installed and growing and an addition of an "Amphibian Oasis" to create additional outdoor learning areas and a solution to standing water issues on the property. Funding for these projects has been secured from Evergreen, TD Friends of the Environment as well as community and business partners.
Student Support Services
We offer programs and services to support the various needs of our students. We try to provide extra support to our students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 who are not yet reading at level. We welcome parents in to assist with this goal.
A School on the Move!
In 2009 Cassandra PS joined an elite group of schools across the province by being recognized as a School on the Move. The Schools on the Move initiative celebrates schools that are making significant and sustained progress in student achievement, and connects them with other schools that have similar backgrounds and challenges.
The goal is for schools to share effective strategies and learn from one another. Schools on the Move began in 2006 with 23 schools from across the province. New schools have joined every year and as of June 2009 there are over 140 schools in the network.
Student Achievement Officers from the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat work collaboratively with school boards. Together, they select schools that have used data and evidence to significantly improve student achievement over three years.
Student Achievement Officers from the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat work collaboratively with school boards. Together, they select schools that have used data and evidence to significantly improve student achievement over three years.
Read our story at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/pdfs/cassandraPS.pdf
Additional Features
- Safe & Caring School Environment
- Nature Study Area
- Amphibian Oasis
- Outdoor Classroom
- Tree Nursery
- Vegetable Garden
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Library / Computer Lab
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
At Cassandra Public School, students have the opportunity to participate in many extra and co-curricular activities. This year students have opportunities to participate on our Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball and Track & Field teams in addition to the school ECO Club and much more! (For a complete list, please check out "Also Offers"). In addition, there are a variety of programs through external partners at lunch and after school. We are involved in our partnership with Roots of Empathy. The school is also very involved in community events, taking advantage of our community library and skating rink as well as community events in the school such as Movie Nights, Literacy Nights, Family Math Night. We also have a very strong partnership with the Muppets Too Day Care which operates in the school.
WHAT SETS US APART
Currently, Cassandra is one of many schools across the TDSB that offer entry into the Junior Extended French Program in Grade 4.
The TDSB currently offers both a Junior Extended French Program and an Intermediate Extended French program.The Extended French programs are designed for students who do not speak French at home.
The Junior Extended French program begins at the Grade 4 level. Students in this program spend 50% of their day in French instruction from Grade 4 - Grade 8 at the Extended French school. The subjects taught in French are: French Language Arts, Social Studies and The Arts. English Language Arts, as well as Mathematics and Science are taught in English.
Designated school pathways have been developed to ensure that students have a continuation of program from the Grade 4 entry to the end of Grade 12.
The Junior Extended French program begins at the Grade 4 level. Students in this program spend 50% of their day in French instruction from Grade 4 - Grade 8 at the Extended French school. The subjects taught in French are: French Language Arts, Social Studies and The Arts. English Language Arts, as well as Mathematics and Science are taught in English.
Designated school pathways have been developed to ensure that students have a continuation of program from the Grade 4 entry to the end of Grade 12.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Cassandra School Council is a partnership between parents, the principal, staff, and other members of the school community. The purpose of the Council is to promote participation in the affairs of the school and to provide a forum for collaboration in support of our children's learning.
Some of the activities we organize and support include:
Whole school programs (e.g., yoga, plays, etc.)
Booster reading program
Booster reading program
Special lunches
Movie nights
Graduation ceremonies
After school programs
Play Day in June
All parents are invited to the school council meetings. We hold meetings 6 times per year starting at 6:30 pm in the Staff Room. At each meeting, the principal provides an update on school activities and the Council discusses issues affecting the school.