Westwood Middle School's Mission Statement
Welcome to Westwood Middle School! We are located in East York, just one block west of Pape and Gowan. Westwood has a very active and diverse community of learners with programs that range from the regular classroom setting to programs that support various learning exceptionalities as well as programs for newcomers to Canada. At Westwood we truly believe in learning for all!
We are proud of the ongoing commitments that students, staff, parents and community members have made to ensure that our school is a safe, inclusive and dynamic learning environment in which every student finds success.
Westwood Middle School takes pride in its diversity and long-standing tradition of excellence, striving to support high goal setting and lifelong learning in a mutually respectful and nurturing environment.
At Westwood Middle School, excellence is encouraged through recognition of outstanding achievement in academics, citizenship, sports and participation in a multitude of clubs.
We are a Gold EcoSchool
The EcoTeam has worked hard to foster a school community which respects the environment. Student leaders engage in ongoing projects to advocate for the environment within the school and community.
The EcoTeam continues to challenge the school community to reduce waste and conserve energy.
Remember, an ECOSCHOOL is a COOL SCHOOL!
More Information About Westwood Middle School
"Model Schools for Inner Cities"
Westwood is proud to a part of the "Model Schools for Inner Cities" program which is focused on inclusive practices, community access and high learning expectations to further student success. There is innovation in the classrooms, programs to support students' social and emotional development and TDSB and community partnerships to support student success.
Technology at Westwood
Westwood continues to enhance and diversify student engagement through the use of technology. We live in a digital age where students are surrounded by computers, smart phones, tablets and media players. Westwood strives to engage students through technology with a focus on having students create, analyze, research, evaluate and collaborate through the use of technology.
Currently, each class has access to a PC computer lab and language lab as well at least one PC in each classroom. In addition, each grade 6 core class has a set of MAC laptops. A variety of digital technology is available to all through the learning commons with expanding initiatives to purchase more mobile technology for shared classroom use.
Building a Respectful School Community
Central to our inclusive school culture is helping students develop strong character. Character education and student achievement is honoured during monthly assemblies. Two students from each core class are recognized for their demonstration of the monthly character trait as well as special presentations to reinforce those traits.
Character education is integrated across the curriculum. Each month we focus on one TDSB character trait (i.e., respect, co-operation, responsibility, teamwork, honesty, kindness and caring, empathy, integrity, fairness and perseverance). Students learn that they can make positive changes in themselves, their school and their community through their daily choices. When students value character, our community is strengthened.
Learning is for Life
Westwood staff recognizes that they are important role models of life-long learning for their students. Staff regularly meet to engage in professional learning to ensure the learning needs of our students are being met.
Additional Features
- Equity Focus
- Student Leadership
- Anti-Bullying Initiatives
- Student Voice
- Internet Safety
- Expanding mobile technology
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Westwood offers many activities and opportunities for students to participate and excel academically, in the arts (i.e., Art Club, Musical, Talent Show), in sports (i.e., Football, Soccer, Basketball and more), in clubs (i.e., EcoTeam and TDSB's only Middle School Gay Straight Alliance) and as members of the student council. With the many choices available to our students, they are never at a loss to engage in extra curricular and co-curricular activities.
Our students are encouraged to be active and respectful participants both in the school and in the community.
Special trips and excursions students look forward to are: grade 6 trip to Sheldon Valley; grade 8 trip to Quebec City, Toronto Symphony Orchestra for grades 6/7/8 and a school-wide Winter Activity Day.
WHAT SETS US APART
Westwood values the unique learning styles and needs of our diverse adolescent learners. In addition to our regular grade 6, 7 and 8 programs, we have a number of specialized programs available to support the learning needs of all our students. These include: ESL, HSP, LD, MID, Behavioural and Gifted programs. We believe that all children can achieve and do well when given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The support of our parents and of community members is essential for the success of the students in our school. Westwood encourages and invites the support of parent and community participation such as the active membership in our School Council (i.e., fundraising, milk program, pizza lunch Wednesdays, etc.), support from local business communities, contributions of community volunteers and co-op students, community service activities (i.e., Junior Achievement), neighbourhood safety programs (i.e., Safe Arrival) and community charitable events (i.e., Terry Fox Run, Free the Children, holiday food drives, etc.).