Driftwood Public School's Mission Statement
Driftwood Public School is located on Driftwood Avenue in the Jane/Finch area, north of Finch. The school opened 50 years ago and was expanded in 1973 to include additional classroom space. Driftwood Public School serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. French is offered at the grade 4-5 level. Our Full Day Kindergarten program began in September 2012. The school serves approximately 465 students serving a diverse cultural population. A large percent of our students and/or parents have immigrated to Canada, however many of our students are Canadian born. As a Model School, we receive additional funding to address Innovative Teaching and Learning, Parent Engagement and Student Well-Being.
At Driftwood Public School, we believe that students can attain a high standard of achievement to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. We strive to foster an environment of care and respect for one another and our diversity.
Nurturing the Whole Child
At Driftwood, we value the growth and development of the whole child. We aim to provide a secure, caring, and nurturing environment in which each student is valued and encouraged. We work with many outside agencies to support the development of our children.
More Information About Driftwood Public School
Our Focus
Our goal is to improve delivery of Literacy and Numeracy by:
-integrating literacy across the curriculum
-examining and reflecting on teaching and learning
-identifying and supporting 'at-risk'students
-involving parents as volunteers
-enhancing the technology skills of our students
-building a safe and caring school
-engaging staff in professional development
Safe and Caring Climate
Driftwood's Code of Conduct (Soar to Success) outlines expectations for students, parents, and staff to work together to promote respect. Students are expected to come to school regularly, on time, and be prepared to learn. A monthly Character Trait focus referred to as "Driftwood Stars" is used to recognize desirable behaviour and build self-esteem.
Many years ago the School Council decided on a school uniform. The current uniform is as follows: khaki or black bottoms and a royal blue shirt with or without the Driftwood logo. A jumper in black or khaki may also be worn. A royal blue or grey vest or sweater with or without the school logo may be worn.
Parent Literacy Centre
The school boasts an active an Early ON Parenting Literacy Centre. Parents, caregivers and children from babies to 6 years old may attend. The Centre is part of our school and offers fun programs that help children get ready for school. Learn about the school and meet other parents and caregivers. The program is free and is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45.
New to Canada
Driftwood P.S. has a Settlement Worker. The role of the Settlement Worker is to help newcomer students and their families settle in their school and community. Settlement services offer different supports including employment, housing, English language classes, health services and much more. Service is available in many languages.
The first few years in Canada are particularly difficult for newcomer students and their families so the Settlement Worker can help to connect newly arrived families to services and resources in the school and the community in order to promote settlement and foster student achievement. Our Settlement Worker is available when requested
Additional Features
- International Language Classes
- Community Support Worker
- Snack Program
- Extra-curricular sports
- Extra-curricular Arts programs
- Book Bag program
- Character Education
- Theme Days
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Driftwood P.S. opens doors of opportunity to our students. Our school plan, as highlighted on the website, focuses on literacy, numeracy, well being and equity. This is aligned with the Toronto District School Board plan. In addition to a strong academic focus in these areas, we aim to integrate literacy across the curriculum areas. We support 'at risk' students in many ways such as through Reading Recovery (grade 1), book bags, and after school programs.
We also believe that the Arts bring richness to the life of our students. Students are involved in performances and activities such as choir and violin. We offer a number of extra curricular physical education activities such as track and field, floor hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Character education is a focus of our School Board. We focus on a particular character trait each month, which culminates in a Driftwood Stars certificates to recognize student success. We also host special event lunches and dress down and spirit theme days. Driftwood is an exciting place for our children!
WHAT SETS US APART
At Driftwood P.S. we don't believe that school begins and ends with the school bell. We involve students in extra-curricular activities both before and after school. As well we offer an extensive International Languages Elementary Program through our Continuing Education department. Thursday nights from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. students have the opportunity to learn additional languages, other than English and French, and to learn about and appreciate other traditions, customs and cultures. Our current roster of programs include: Tamil and Vietnamese. Our primary goal is to build student success and instill values and beliefs that will enable students to be successful members of society.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We endeavour to involve parents as much as possible in their children's learning and success. Our School Council works together with our Model School Community Support Worker to engage parents through BBQ's, workshops and fundraising for the school.
Driftwood collaborates with community organizations such as: York Mentorship Program, Toronto Public library and Toronto Public Health, and University Faculties of Education.
As well, we have partnerships with: - Crescent Private School, Humber College, Ryerson, Black Creek Community Health Centre, Jamaican-Canadian Association & Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and Jane & Finch Boys and Girls Club.