White Haven Public School's Mission Statement
In 1968, White Haven began serving a new subdivision built on what were once farmers' fields. In the Spring of 1999, our school's third building addition opened, providing more classrooms and a second gym. Our school is wheelchair accessible. At White Haven, we believe that all students are capable of excellence. In a caring, safe and nurturing environment, teachers provide rich, responsive and culturally responsive learning opportunities for all students. White Haven is a vibrant and diverse school community. We value the parents, caregivers and members of our school community and welcome any assistance to help continue to make White Haven "The Place to Be!"
Social Justice, Character Education & Mindfulness
White Haven is "The Place to Be!" We are committed to creating the conditions in which we reflect on our identities, bias and privilege to create a more just and inclusive society. Teachers integrate social justice themes into the curriculum to reflect this focus. Developing positive character traits are a priority at White Haven. We make time for students to relax and focus on mindfully paying attention to their surroundings so as to help them be more aware and better regulate and plan for the day's tasks. Our aim is for our students to demonstrate positive character traits not only at school but in the community at large.
More Information About White Haven Public School
English Language Learners
In addition to our regular classroom programs, support in learning is provided to students new to Canada whose first language is not English. Our ESL/ESD instructor provides assistance on a withdrawal basis to students in all grades who require extra language support.
Library and Computer Lab
Classes at White Haven are supported in partnership with the library. Our teacher-librarian works with classroom teachers to identify themes or units of study so that classes are partnered efficiently and the resources can be available when needed. Our computer lab is attached to our library and classes are timetabled so all students can have equitable access.
Music
Instruction in music by a specialist teacher on staff is provided to all students. Students in the Junior/Intermediate grades have the opportunity to learn and play a musical instrument. In addition, we have an Itinerant Instructor who teaches some of our students to play string instruments.
French
Starting in Grade 4, French becomes part of the students' curriculum and all classes are timetabled to receive the appropriate amount of instructional time. Prior to Grade 4, students and their parents have the option to apply to a French Immersion program that is offered at another school.
Additional Features
- Wide range of sports teams
- Smartboards and iPads K-8
- Numerous extra-curricular programs
- Special Parent Evenings
- Student Leadership
- Recognition Assemblies
- Dance-a-Thon fundraiser
- Social Justice/Restorative Practice
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Engaging our students in a wide variety of programs is at the heart of our philosophy that school life should be rich, rewarding and meaningful. Our primary students have the opportunity to participate in numerous activities. These include: Folk Dancing, Fit Club, WE Club, and Choir. The Primary Choir performs at two concerts during the school year. Our junior/intermediate students have the opportunity to participate on school sports teams. These include: Cross Country, Co-ed Flag Football, Soccer, and Bordenball. In addition, there are opportunities to join the following clubs: Art, Drama, Dance, Band and Strings, Library, and EcoSchools. Some intermediate students are trained to take on leadership roles such as Safety Patrol before and after school, Kindergarten Helpers, Lunchroom Helpers and announcements at the beginning of the day. Students take pride in participating in our annual Dance-a-Thon to raise funds.
WHAT SETS US APART
What makes White Haven unique is the positive culture evident in every facet of school life. From the excellent academic and extra-curricular programs our staff provides, to the caring and polite behaviour of our students, White Haven affords a learning environment rich in experiences and social responsibility. Visitors to our school consistently comment on the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is evident from the time they enter the doors. Respect, responsibility, perseverance, kindness and honesty are the pillars for all who work and learn here. White Haven is a host school for many TDSB Professional Development sessions and community activities. Our school offers the International Languages Elementary Program for Mandarin and Cantonese. These programs are designed to give students the opportunity to learn the language of their parents and to learn about and appreciate other languages, traditions and customs.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our Parent Engagement group is a committed and dedicated group of parents and teachers who care about White Haven students. This group meets at least six times a year to help set the direction of the school, and discuss any issues that come up which directly impact White Haven students. Parents are invited to attend a variety of academic and social evenings including Family Math and STEM Nights, Mental Health and Well-Being Family Night, concerts and Welcome to Kindergarten Night. Parent volunteers play an important role in assisting in classrooms, on field trips and in our library resource centre. The wider community is also invited to participate in educational partnerships designed to promote academic excellence, as well as student leadership.