Sir Alexander Mackenzie Senior Public School's Mission Statement
Sir Alexander Mackenzie Sr. P.S. (SAM) officially opened on January 20, 1972. Our school name honours a man who demonstrated integrity and perseverance while exploring his way across Canada. Sir Alexander Mackenzie was born in Scotland. He was a fur trader and the first white man to cross North America north of Mexico, charting and exploring huge expanses of Canada. One of the rivers he explored, the Mackenzie River, bears his name. His voyages were published in 1801, he was knighted in 1802 and in 1804, he was elected to the House of Assembly of Lower Canada. SAM is located in Agincourt and has a history of responding to the changing needs of its community. SAM is a dynamic, multicultural school with a host of opportunities for students.
Extended French and French Immersion
More Information About Sir Alexander Mackenzie Senior Public School
Athletics
SAM has many aspiring athletes who, with the help of teacher coaches, have the opportunity to develop their skills in all aspects of our phys. ed. program. Team pennants adorn the gym walls displaying the many East Conference and/or City Finalist or Championships. Basketball, volleyball, football, slo-pitch and track and field are samples of sports for student selection.
Music
From choir to jazz band, from wind ensemble to orchestra, our music program is second to none! All students at SAM learn a music instrument as part of their studies, and it shows! Our halls are filled with the sounds instruments and voices working towards a high level of excellence. Enriched learning opportunities include concerts, music festivals, retreats and travel.
The Arts
SAM's visual art department offers a rich experience through its social justice based curricula. The programme’s unique mandate is to develop critical thinking through arts based problem solving. All units of study cover historical significance, social context and visual indicators. Some of the projects include clay sculpture, graffiti, stencil graffiti, and serigraphy.
More about SAM
We are committed to excellence by promoting personal goals, recognizing student’s individual strengths and acknowledging the role multiple intelligence plays in student success. Our goal is to achieve an atmosphere that includes cooperation, kindness and caring, respect and responsibility. SAM's secret is cultivating interdependent relationships among staff and students.
Additional Features
- Safe and Caring Schools Committee
- kids.now
- Strings, Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choir
- Nutrition/Snack Program
- 7 Habits Certificate Award Program
- Overnight Out-of-Town Excursions
- Me to We Human Rights Club
- Grade 8 Grad Trip to Niagara Falls
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
At SAM, we look to excel in all aspects of school life, from academics, athletics, to the arts and beyond. The art room is a great place to hang out if you’re artistic and there’s the cooking room too. It’s always full of delicious treats. Take a peek in the library and also consider joining the Red Maple Club. From the Green Team taking care of our environment to the Math Challenge, all are welcome. At SAM, there are many activities happening. We have basketball tournaments and sell treats to help with fundraising, school walks like the Mustang Marathon, amazing school trips, and school celebrations for many occasions. Whether it’s during the fall, winter, or spring seasons, there is always something happening. We hold fundraisers, such as the Terry Fox run to help cancer research. At our science fair, you can discover new inventions and make your imagination come to life. When walking through the halls, you see students displaying their talents and expressing feelings with emotions. Everyone at SAM is treated the same. It doesn't matter who you are, it's participation that counts. All of us, from students to staff and administrators are proud of what happens everyday at SAM.
WHAT SETS US APART
At SAM, we know all schools in the TDSB are working with teachers and support staff to develop programs that are second to none. Similar to all of the schools in the TDSB, SAM truly wants the very best for our students and we care tremendously about their academic success and emotional well being. What sets us apart is our commitment to inspiring students to be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win/win, and seek first to understand then to be understood. These are just a few of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens program at SAM. We truly believe that embracing Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits every day authentically transforms our school culture into one that demonstrates and establishes empathy for others, teamwork, fairness, honesty, and integrity for all. This is just one example of the many phenomenal initiatives taking place in the Toronto District School Board. Make it a habit to visit the TDSB homepage regularly to see what is happening at all schools across the Toronto District School Board!