City View Alternative Senior School's Mission Statement
City View Alternative is located on the 3rd floor of Shirley Street Public School near Dundas St. and Lansdowne Ave. If you are interested in education for peace and social justice, this is the place for you. Many of the subject areas are taught through the lens of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability. We share a common philosophy; parents and students choose the school in order to be engaged in social justice, both locally and globally. Academic expectations are very high. We expect a high level of commitment to the program.
Equity Initiatives
- Global and social justice education is infused throughout the curriculum
- City View is committed to increasing diversity amongst its student population
- Active QSA (Queer Straight Alliance)
More Information About City View Alternative Senior School
Language and Literacy
- Guest authors
- Weekly literature circles
- Play writing
- Trips to theatre productions & workshops from Humber College or York University's drama programs
- Hot Docs week at school and at Bloor Cinema
- Media: Gr. 8 Independent Study Project
- Poetry - City View students are often published in Urban Voices Poetry Anthology
Math, Science and Technology
- Problem-solving approach
- Real-life, social justice focused programme
- Outdoor education in the fall and spring
- STEM activities - building solar ovens, bridges, and pulleys and levers
Fine Arts
- Integrated, intensive visual arts programme
- Artists in school visits
- Music: guitar, song writing, choir
- Production of 8 student-written plays during Drama Week
- Winter Feast concert
- Art shows of student work
Physical Education and Health
- Focus is on a cooperative programme and not on competition
- City View shares the gymnasium and large school yard and baseball diamond with Shirley Street Public School
- Participation in alternative schools soccer and volleyball days
- Annual ski/snowboarding, rock climbing, skating trips
- Four-day end of year trip to YMCA Camp Pinecrest
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
We have a variety of student-initiated and teacher led clubs and trips:
- Yearbook Committee
- Photography Club
- Dance Committee
- Games Club
- Harry Potter Club
- Art Club
- QSA (Queer Straight Alliance)
- Social Environmental Justice Committee
- Ski/Snowboarding, Rock Climbing, Skating trips
- White Ribbon Outreach Campaign (to raise awareness about violence against women and to raise money through donations for local women's shelters)
- Bi-Annual Community Outreach - 3 days dedicated to community service
- YMCA Camp Pinecrest Annual Trip
- Trips to museums, historical sites, galleries, films, plays
WHAT SETS US APART
To support student well-being and academic success we offer:
- Weekly Discussion Class
- Mindfulness & Conflict Resolution Classes
- Wellness Committee organizes activities for Mental Health Week
- Daily after school tutorials for homework support
- Extended Activity Weeks: chance to get caught up on school work - get individual teacher support - then take part in creative and fun workshops.
- LGTBQ2+Positive Space: teachers trained in how to create and maintain a Positive Safe Space for all students
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We engage with our community in a variety of ways:
- Community Service Outreach program: Amnesty International, Bloorview McMillian Centre, Meals on Wheels, Sistering, Red Door Shelter
- White Ribbon Outreach Campaign
- All Candidates Debates
We have an active School Community Council -
- Parent volunteers in all programs: writing, music, science, health, art, and on field trips
- Parents lead workshops during Extended Activity Week
- Parents support student volunteers on White Ribbon Outreach, and Community Service Week
- Parent Council Subcommittees support Winterfeast, Graduation, Marketing, Fundraising