Highland Middle School's Mission Statement
Highland Middle School is situated on the highest piece of land in the Toronto area, and was named accordingly. Our logo has three mountain peaks - one for each grade. Since our opening in 1975, we have had a proud tradition of addressing the needs of early adolescents, offering a transitional and high achieving program which takes students who arrive in Grade 6 and prepares them for high school. Our feeder high school is A.Y. Jackson Secondary school. We are committed to promoting student well-being, academic success, an equitable, safe, respectful, and inclusive space for all students, parents, and staff. We promote an environment that is free from hate and discrimination.
Our school is located in a quiet neighbourhood. With the exception of a small plaza to our north and a cemetery to our southeast, the area is a residential one. The community uses our grounds for activities such as softball and soccer and is fortunate to have a park across the street with tennis courts and a play area. Our school is enriched by our diverse population. Many students born outside of Canada come from Hong Kong, Iran, China, Korea and Taiwan. The majority of our students have a primary language other than English, and we have a full and Active English as a second language program to deliver support.
Our Mission
Borrowing from our name, we stand for the following:
High standards in effort, achievement, conduct and fitness;
Involvement in our own education, extra-curricular activities and advocates for an inclusive and anti-oppressive environment;
Good citizenship by showing responsibility, consideration, care for our environment and co-operation;
Helping others by participating in our volunteer and community service programs, being peacemakers and contributing positively to our learning environment.
More Information About Highland Middle School
Literacy
Literacy is a priority across the curriculum. Each class has a literacy plan that focuses on a comprehensive literacy program. Enrichment activities include public speaking, poetry publication, and leadership development. All students participate in the Reading Challenge in Program. Our library is the hub of the school where every student feels welcome.
Mathematics
Students learn to apply and communicate their thinking in our math program. One form of enrichment involves the preparation for and writing of math contests such as the Pascal and Gauss tests. Students are well-prepared for the E.Q.A.O. Math testing in grade nine.
Student Success
Teachers offer Tutoring for both English and Mathematics during the lunch hour. Student voice assemblies develop leadership skills and helps to promote good character using an equity lens. Parent evenings are offered at each grade level to help students with transition and course selection. Our students have opportunities for both remedial and extended enrichment.
Safe and Caring School
We teach Character education through Cyber and Anti-Bullying presentations and student voice assemblies. We promote Anti-Racist education through class discussions, units of study and social justice topics. We encourage student involvement in leadership activities such as Student Ambassadors and Student Council. We encourage major events for countries in need.
Additional Features
- A modern, well-kept building
- Social Justice and Anti-Oppression
- A well-equipped Library
- Two Computer Labs
- Hardworking Students
- Dedicated Staff
- String/Band Music Programs
- High Academic Standards
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
We offer a variety of student activities that provide opportunities for student leadership and involvement. Our Student Council meets monthly and plans school spirit events such as School Dances and initiatives. Our Student Ambassadors assist during Open House, Parent Interview Evenings and Course Selection Assemblies. Students take part in Peer Tutoring to assist other students in English, Math, Science and Geography. Students in volley ball and basketball travel with their in-school coaches to compete against other teams in Toronto. Our Band students, Strings and Show Choir perform at concerts for staff and families as well as Canadian and International competitions. Students in math and science have opportunities to enter the Pascal and the Gauss Math contest. Students are chosen as library helpers and others can apply to be in the annual Spelling Bee of Canada.
At the start of each school year, there is a Student Activity Registration fee of $30. Included in this fee, is the Student Agenda and Yearbook.
WHAT SETS US APART
At Highland MS we have a fine tradition of High Standards, Involvement, Good Citizenship and Helping Others. We encourage and expect effort and academic achievement, participation in clubs and sports, respect for the environment and participation in the wider community. We believe that education is like a ladder that helps you reach your personal goals. No matter what you want to be--education is the way to get there. The staff at Highland is here to help students and families along the way. Parents continue to have an important role to play in supporting student learning at the intermediate level. Studies show than students perform better in school if their parents are involved in their education. By becoming familial with the curriculum, parents can determine what is being taught in the courses their students are taking and what they are expected to learn. Parents can also support their children's learning by attending parent-teacher interviews and becoming involved in School Council Activities. Homeform teachers are the first line of communication for parents.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We are a work site for A.Y. Jackson Co-op Students. We are a school-based practicum site for Nursing students from several Community Colleges. We have a school website that parents can access. We support a variety of charities including North York Food Bank, Disaster Relief and the Free the Children fund. We promote healthy eating programs through liaison with our Public Health Nurse. Our Communication is through our monthly school newsletters, school website, school council newsletters and outdoor sign Monthly School Council Meetings. We have parent and community volunteers. Federally-funded Settlement Workers (SEPT) working in our school provide support and advice for our newly-arrived families from China, Korea and other countries.