William Burgess Elementary School's Mission Statement
The William Burgess Motto is "We Are All Welcome".
At William Burgess it is important that we engage the voices
of all stakeholders including students, staff, parents and community, in the conversations and actions to eradicate social inequalities, and to promote a climate of inclusivity and engagement for all.
We strive to provide an environment where students are able to see themselves in the teaching and learning. We have access to technology, outdoor education spaces, music and gym programming.
The YMCA before and after care programs are also located in the building
Community Garden - Learning through Nature
This year our active school grounds committee is working to bring nature back to William Burgess. In consultation with students, community and our gardening expert, a master plan is being developed to support the creation of a large vegetable garden, pollinator and shade gardens. These gardens will provide the opportunity for students to explore the curriculum through hands on learning. It will also provide an opportunity for the local community to work with the school in providing a shared space that can be enjoyed and cared for by all.
More Information About William Burgess Elementary School
Restorative Practice
Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. In our school we use a variety of restorative practice methods including community circles, and restorative questions to prevent unnecessary problems and to promote positive school community.
Nutrition Program
Through the support of the City of Toronto and Toronto Foundation For Student Success grants, we are able to provide a health morning meal to all our students every day. Our nutrition coordinator follows the Canada Health Guide to ensure that our students are receiving the proper amount of grains, dairy, fruit and vegetables for their snacks.
Active and Engaging Parent Council
William Burgess has a dedicated Parent Council who work in partnership with staff to enhance our students' educational experiences. The parent council meet once a month and work to provide opportunities for fundraising in order to be able to support the teachers and staff. Parents are also active members of the equity, garden and fundraising committees.
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching staff meet regularly to share best practices,collaborate on curriculum planning and implementation,and investigate student work. Teachers continue to work together to find opportunities to engage our students in reflective and relevant curriculum in order to provide opportunities and challenges for all our learners.
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Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
We believe in promoting the well being of the whole child at Burgess. We offer a variety of extra-curricular activities for students to get involved in. There is a Primary and Junior Choir, the East York Choral Artistry Choir, Cross Country Running Club, FolkFest, Chess, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Yoga, and a Hockey Team to name of few. As well, for the past four years, we have forged a partnership with the East York Community Centre next door, allowing each class to swim for nine one hour blocks. We also have a long tradition of regular school wide skating trips to East York Arena every January and February. In terms of leadership opportunities, the grade 5 students offer their time as office helpers, morning announcers, and Green Team Ambassadors. Our grade 3 students take turns as door monitorsduring recess times.
Although we are a smaller school, the staff at Burgess does their very best to provide students with exciting and challenging opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. We are a small school with a big heart!
WHAT SETS US APART
What sets us apart at Burgess is COLLABORATION! We have a clear school focus across all grades. As a staff, we plan, set goals and review the achievement data of our students regularly. We have Professional Learning Teams in each grade where teachers plan and assess together to ensure that we have common expectations. Every staff member views every student at William Burgess as their own, whether the child is in his or her class or not. The students respond with respect for all adults in the school. Our collaborative spirit extends to our Parent Council where they work hard on intitiatives that directly enhance the programs for our students. William Burgess is a happy place where team work is embraced by everyone!
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We value the positive involvement of parents and caregivers at William Burgess. Parent volunteers run school events such as the popular bakes sales, Spring Carnival, Family Dance/Silent Auction, and Movie Nights. Our Parent/School Council meets monthly to support school programs through numerous fundraising activities. The Council provides active and positive parent advocacy responses to educational and school community issues. Parents regularly assist in school classrooms, on field trips and the library. Our Student Nutrition Program, run by a parent and supported by the help of many students who benefit from leadership opportunities, ensures every student has nutritious snack (made up of three food groups) to start their day.