Willowdale Middle School's Mission Statement
We are extremely proud to be a triple-track school with approximately 430 students in grades 6 to 8 studying English, Immersion or Extended French. Willowdale Middle School embraces a diverse student population with a strong focus on the academics, arts and athletics. Our Science, Physical Education, Music and Visual Art programs are all taught by teachers who are Subject Specialists.
Our school was originally designed as a junior high school, and in 1985 was converted to a middle school. Two years later the French Immersion Program was established, and in 2007 the Extended French Program was added. The school community is nestled in North York, one of the fastest growing areas for commercial and residential development in the city.
Our mission statement was developed by students, staff and parents,
"Willowdale Middle School believes in a caring, supportive environment in which individual students are encouraged and challenged to develop their strengths, interests and talents. All members of the Willowdale community - students, staff and parent community - are equally valued and honoured as partners in the process of education."
Our School Council meets six times a year and works hard to represent the voice of our community as we discuss issues of interest and concern to the Willowdale parents and guardians.
Student Leadership
Willowdale Middle School students are provided numerous opportunities to develop positive leadership skills. These skills are fostered through our Student Council, Eco-Club, and a variety of other clubs and sports teams that are offered at our school.
Our Term Awards Assemblies recognize academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. In addition, we are a Future Aces school and every Friday, students are recognized as Willowdale Aces for demonstrating one or more of the following character traits: positive attitude, cooperation, confidence, courage, sportmanship and service to others.
Our student planner is an important means by which we communicate with our parent community about the daily activities of the school. The planner includes our Code of Behaviour, Dress Code and Homework Policy. We work hard to ensure that Willowdale is a safe and secure school as we reinforce these values through a social skills program and conflict management strategies.
More Information About Willowdale Middle School
French
Willowdale Middle School is very proud to be a triple-track school. All of our students study French (Core, Immersion or Extended). In addition to strengthening students' ability to communicate, learning another language develops their awareness of how language and culture interconnect, helping them appreciate and respect the diversity of Canadian and global societies.
Willowdale Middle School students participate in many activities including school choirs, band ensembles, music festivals, school clubs, leadership opportunities, student council and school athletic teams.
Music
We believe that music is an important part of the education of middle school students. Vocal music is taught in Grade 6, and Instrumental Music (Band) instruction is taught in Grades 7 and 8. All of our students receive their music instruction by teachers who are talented and passionate Subject Specialists in music.
Special Education
Willowdale Middle School is committed to supporting every student, every day of the year. We provide indirect, in-class and withdrawal Resource support to students depending upon their level of need. We have a Home School Program and we house two Central ISP Programs providing intensive support focusing on both the academic and social skill needs of the students.
Extra-Curricular
We offer a large variety of extra-curricular clubs and teams that appeal to our students' needs and interests. Our various inter-school sports include basketball, cross-country, slow-pitch, soccer, track & field, volleyball. Our Wintermurals provide for increased student involvement in the athletics with fun, non-competitive sports for students of all athletic abilities.
Additional Features
- Jazz, Junior & Senior Bands
- Student Nutrition Program
- Junior & Senior Choirs
- Student Council & Other Clubs
- Intramural & Inter-School Sports
- Smartboards & LRC
- Platinum EcoSchools Certification
- iPads, Laptops & Notebooks
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
At Willowdale Middle School, we place a strong emphasis on the academics as well as other aspects of adolescent development. Our School Improvement Plan involves a rigorous planning process with three areas of foci: Achievement, Equity and Well-Being. In addition, we focus our efforts in a number of ways on Character Development and emphasize attributes, such as respect, that are essential in the social, academic and emotional growth of every learner.
We are extremely proud to have earned the highest level of Eco-School Certification (Platinum). This school-wide initiative promotes eco-literacy, personal action and societal responsibility when it comes to energy, sustainability, and the environment. Classroom environmental projects combined with monthly Eco-Club campaigns help communicate information and enhance understanding. Our goal is to produce eco-responsible students who can meet the environmental challenges of the future. Our staff work very hard every day to meet the needs of middle level learners, to provide support and motivation, and to continuously challenge them to become responsible citizens in our global community.
WHAT SETS US APART
- Arts: Holiday Concert, MusicFest, Arts Night, Jazz Band, Junior & Senior Band, Junior & Senior Choir, French Choir, Talent Show, Prologue to the Performing Arts and field trips to live performances (Matilda).
- Eco-School: Platinum Certification, Eco-Club, Mascot Point System, Eco-Conference, Eco-Olympics.
- Academic & Character Recognition: Awards Assemblies, Willowdale Aces, Canadian National Math League.
- Educational Excursions: Gibson House, Forest Valley, Mono Cliffs, Montreal, ROM, Science Centre.
- Science Enrichment: Gecko Program, Science Olympiad, Engineers in Residence, Robotics and Coding Clubs.
- Sports & Clubs: Intramural, Wintermurals & Inter-School Teams. Student Council, Library Monitors, Office Helpers, Silver Birch, Red Maple, French Club, Chess Club and others.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
At Willowdale, we welcome school and community partnerships. Each year we host high school students for Co-Op placements, students in the Child & Youth Worker program at Humber College, and Teacher Candidates from various universities.
The fundamental goal of our School Council is in this guiding intent:
The Willowdale Middle School Council will work to positively and constructively affect the education of its students. The Willowdale School Council is committed to forging a strong school.
We have two annual fundraisers which provide funds for enrichment and revitalization at the school:
- QSP Campaign (Organized by the School/Parent Council)
- Achieve IT! (This fundraiser is to generate funds for enrichment in the area of technology. Families who make a $100 donation have their name engraved on a plaque in the main hallway of the school.)