Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave Junior and Senior Public School's Mission Statement
Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave (AMG), an inner city school in the Dufferin/Dundas area, is comprised of two schools joined together in 1982. The school also houses an alternative school, integrated international languages, adult ESL day programs, a Parenting and Family Literacy Centre and a YMCA child care program. Alex Muir, a Scottish-Canadian poet and songwriter who composed the lyrics to the song, “The Maple Leaf Forever,” was the first principal of the school. At AMG, staff and students work collaboratively to create a positive learning environment where all students are respected and valued as individuals.
Improving our school
Our School Improvement Plan (SIP) continues to focus on providing strong literacy and numeracy programs. All teachers participate in regular professional learning opportunities where they work together to plan and implement our teaching learning critical pathways. Teachers concentrate on collaborative inquiry and we have seen a positive impact as students learn to think critically, ask questions and interact respectfully with each other. Our SIP also addresses student pathways particularly as students move from the elementary to the secondary panel. We continue to work hard to engage parents as partners in all aspects of school life.
More Information About Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave Junior and Senior Public School
Technology
Technology is used widely to enhance the curriculum and engage students in their learning. We have a large computer lab, 5 interactive whiteboards, a mini Mac lab for grade 6, 20 Chromebooks, 30 iPads and 20 mini-iPads, digital cameras. Our special education classes have additional technology that helps students with special needs accurately demonstrate their learning.
A Model School for Inner Cities
We are a Model School for Inner Cities where the focus is on the school as being the heart of the community. Teachers receive professional development to promote innovative teaching and learning practices and support services are used to meet the social, emotional and physical well being of students.
Our classes participate actively in black history events, listen to authors, and experience performances. Grade 6 students participate in researching Asian Canadian contributions in Asian heritage month on-line calendar. We have an active Student Council that engages in outreach by organizing food and toy drives, as well as other fundraising events. Finally, AMG students participate in “Think Pink” day. We wear pink to protest gender based bullying and homophobic taunting. Our grade 7 and 8 teachers have worked closely with the Gender Based Violence Prevention Team to help create a senior school environment of empathy and understanding.
The Arts
The Arts are a vital part of education at AMG. All students learn music through the Orff approach, integrating voice, instruments and movement. The school often engages artists and performers to work with the students. The school’s front foyer features a mural created by every student at the school that reflects the diversity of our school community.
The music program is augmented by the strings ensembles and bands directed by our itinerant music teachers. Students showcase their talents in the performing arts during concerts and celebrations. Visiting artists in music, dance, drama and art inspire AMG students through frequent performances and workshops. One of these artists guided the entire student body to contribute to the striking mural in the school’s front foyer which reflects the diversity of our students and the community, as well a student-created piece called “AMG on the Move” which graces the schoolyard fence.
Integrated International Languages
Our school embraces a large population of Chinese, Vietnamese and Portuguese students. All students have the opportunity to learn Cantonese or Portuguese during our extended school day with two exeptional language instructors. Many students participate in our famous Lunar New Year celebration or in our Portugal Day Community Event in the spring.
Additional Features
- Parenting and Family Literacy
- Full Day Kindergarten
- Collaborative Staff Planning
- Breakfast Program
- Visting Artists and Authors
- Scientists in the Schools
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
At Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave. Jr. many opportunities for learning stem from the wide diversity of cultures and experiences that our families represent. Aside from the academic program, the school provides for and encourages students to participate in extra-curricular activities and events. Our leadership and Character Education programs include leadership camp experience, student council, student announcers, Jump Rope for Heart, and other local and global issues. The arts open up many avenues for participation in choirs, dance, drama and celebratory performances. AMG is famous for its Lunar Day Celebration in February and Portugal Day Celebration in June. Opportunities to engage in sports activities include such sports as soccer, volleyball, track and field, softball, cross country and basketball. Students can also become involved in interest clubs such as the yearbook, photography, and eco-schools. To sum up student life at Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave. – It’s Great to Be at AMG!!!
WHAT SETS US APART
In recent years, AMG has made a commitment to expand its Outreach program for students by engaging community groups to work with students during the lunch hour or after school to give students additional tools for success. This year the program includes Big Brothers/Big Sisters (self-esteem and healthy living for junior and intermediate students); Thinking Forward (arts infused/character education program – primary students); Working Women (tutoring to children from Spanish and Portuguese cultures); Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club (tutoring and physical activities); Roots of Empathy (empathy towards others); and the Fairview Nursing Home (intergenerational program).
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
AMG values support from the community. Parents are encouraged to become active participants in the school council as well as volunteering in the school. AMG staff and students benefit from community relationships with Public Health, Toronto Police, Public Library Association, Faculties of Education and Child and Youth programs, Faculty of Nursing at two universities, and secondary co-op students. AMG works with the YMCA child care on site and the Parent and Family Literacy Centre. The school is most fortunate to have a strong partnership with the Drake Hotel that works closely with AMG to support inner city initiatives, community/school functions, students at risk and families in need of support.