William Burgess Elementary School (Gr JK - 05)

Principal:

Jennifer Zurba

Vice Principal(s):

Office Staff:

Joanne Triebe
Vicki Lohmann

School Council
Chair(s):

Jenifer Albert
Emily Martin

Superintendent:

Mike Gallagher

Trustee:

Cathy Dandy

Address:

100 Torrens Ave, East York, ON
M4J2P5

Phone #:

416-396-2490

Fax #:

416-396-2990

Email:

WilliamBurgess@tdsb.on.ca

Optional Attendance Status:

View Optional Attendance details

Where Inquiring Minds Come to Grow!

William Burgess Public School, originally known as Todmorden New School, was built in 1914. What started as a 12 room building with 13 educators, has now grown into a wheelchair accessible neighbourhood school with 21 classrooms, 39 staff, serving just over 350 students. Legends states that the 1928 addition was built with bricks from the old Don Jail.

In addition, the school has a partnership with William Burgess YMCA daycare housed in the building, as well as an adult ESL program, offering classes every morning.

We have a vibrant and collegial staff who sincerely believe in, and our committed to our purpose: to serve our students. And, our students in turn are welcoming, kind and curious, open to new people, new ides and new learning.

Learning through Inquiry

As a school, we are committed to the process of inquiry, a process that encourages students to discover and explore, to engage in rich personally relevant learning, and to think through problems and questions to uncover solutions themselves. An inquiry approach encourages students to be active and creative problem solvers and deep thinkers, and to come up with their own conclusions; all the while meeting the learning styles of all our children.

Beyond the Classroom

With all the extra curricular options and school wide events, there is never the chance for boredom to set in! Whether your interests lie in the arts, athletics, leadership or games, there is no doubt a club or a team for you! William Burgess is famous for our annual arts celebration, “Nuit Burgess”. This open house evening of music, drama, dance, multi-media and visual arts highlights and celebrates the importance of the arts.

Currently, every student from kindergarten to grade 5 will have the chance to work with and learn from our visiting mural artist in the creation of our “Kinder Garden” and our 100th Years of WB Timeline.

Caring for Each Other

It is our goal to develop empathetic and responsible students who care about their world and the people in it. Our Peace Club focuses on empowering students to stand up for what they know is right.This year,we introduced a grade 5 ambassadors program. These trained students take on a variety of leadership roles,including peer mediation to our younger students at recess.

Caring for our Earth

With a newly formed student Eco Team,and a strong parent organized Grounds Committee,we are moving forward with some exciting goals. We have recently received an aquaponics set, and are involved in a tree renewal program which will ensure shade in our yard. As well, we are working to create a pumpkin / butterfly garden to bring student learning outdoors.

Active and Engaging Parent Council

William Burgess has a dedicated Parent Council who work in partnership with staff to enhance our students' educational experiences.In December, council volunteers create holdiay hampers made up of food,gift cards,toys and clothing for our families in need. This is just one of many examples that make WB the special community it is! Visit http://wbparentcouncil.weebly.com

Teachers are Life Long Learners

Our teaching staff meet regularly to share best practices,collaborate on curriculum planning and implementation,and investigate student work. Currently,we are focused on the teaching strategies of accountable talk and descriptive feedback. Our goal is to increase student engagement while allowing them immediate opportunities to apply feedback to their work.

Read more about Teachers are Life Long Learners

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