Dorset Park Public School's Mission Statement
The Toronto District School Board is the largest school Board in Canada and the fourth largest in North America. We have nearly 600 schools and serve more than 250,000 students each year.
Dorset Park Public School is a Kindergarten to Grade 8 School located at the intersection of Kennedy and Lawrence. The school opened its doors in 1957. Our mission is to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society.
Our School: High Academic Expectations
Students at Dorset Park are inspired passionate learners who, along with their families and teachers, value personal excellence. Our teachers use a variety of strategies and assessments to guide their planning for the continuous learning of their students. They provide them with an exciting and supportive environment and engage their students actively in meaningful learning opportunities that involve challenging and authentic tasks. Our goal is to give students the opportunities to assume ownership of their learning while they develop strong academic skills, and become active, healthy and life long learners.
More Information About Dorset Park Public School
Character Education
The virtues of Character Education underline all of our teaching and learning here at Dorset Park. The ten TDSB character attributes are integrated into our day-to-day learning. Through our monthly Character Education (PRIDE) assemblies, students are exposed to, reminded of and recognized for exhibiting positive character traits.
Our PRIDE assemblies are facilitated by our Student Council members. This opportunity allows them to demonstrate their leadership and further develop character traits such as Responsibility, Perseverance and Respect.
Literacy
The Literacy program emphasizes a high level of competency in critical and creative thinking, reading, writing, oral communication and media studies. Formal reading and writing instruction begins in Kindergarten. Leveled books and Developmental Reading Assessments are an important part of our literacy program.
At Dorset Park, we have fantastic Literacy support materials and Professional Development resources which are all housed in our "Literacy Room".
Numeracy
Our students are encouraged to develop strong knowledge and skills as well as a positive attitude towards mathematics. Teachers integrate problem solving and communication skills by using authentic learning experiences and the “Mathematics Makes Sense” program, encouraging students to develop strong connections between mathematics and the real world.
Many of our classrooms are equipped with Elmo's which assist in providing interactive math lessons.
A Safe & Caring School
We are committed to providing a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, welcoming and respectful. We emphasize Conflict Resolution and Anti-Bullying. To improve the conflict resolution skills of our students, we equip them with tools for resolving their own conflicts. Empathy is developed as students learn to express their feelings.
Additional Features
- Extra-curricular programs
- Library Resource Centre
- Upgraded Computer Lab
- Revitalized Playground
- Model School
- Morning Meal Program
- Smart Bd, Elmos & mobile computing
- Kdgtn Diagnostic, Pr./Jr DD Program
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
Dorset Park is a small school with a family atmosphere. Our school has had a long tradition of meeting the academic and culturally diverse needs of the students in the community. The students at Dorset Park bring a diverse and eclectic range of experiences and backgrounds to the classroom. This community has become representative of the cultural and racial diversity that is characteristic throughout Toronto. Parents, staff and students work closely to set high expectations for academic achievement and courteous behaviour. Our students are involved in many extracurricular activities. In the area of athletics, students participate in a variety of sports: Kilometre Club, Cross Country, Houseleague, Soccer, and Track and Field. We are an inclusive community school with a wide range of co-curricular programs such as: Speed stacking, Drama, Dance, Eco-Club, Folk Dancing, Card Club and Student Council. We encourage students to participate in these programs during and after school to discover unique experiences.
WHAT SETS US APART
Dorset Park Public School is a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive learning community dedicated to advancing student learning through meaningful engagement, a strong academic base, collaborative and effective teaching practice, excellent co-curricular programming. Students are encouraged to be actively involved in school. There is an atmosphere of respect, compassion and responsibility in a safe and caring environment that promotes optimum learning. Differentiated instruction for students with special needs as well as Second Language learners are supported by all staff members who offer appropriate instruction and interventions. There is a strong sense of community and belonging, nurtured by a number of partnerships with outside agencies and a community of volunteers. Our parent community and School Council remain highly involved and extremely supportive of our school. We promote an active, healthy lifestyle through our sports and clubs. We also have a growing number of students that ride their bikes to school.
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our School is home to the 97th Beavers/Cub/Scout groups. The school takes part in the Risk Watch program with the local fire department. Community volunteers and co-op students assist in a variety of school programs. We collaborate with community/social agencies: Aisling/Discoveries, COTA, Surrey Place. We regularly participate in Jump Rope for Heart or MS Readathon, Twoonies for Autism and the Out of the Cold program. Our school also coordinates visits to the local library. We participate in clothing and food drives for local agencies. Parents assist on trips, in the library and in individual classrooms. Special student luncheons are organized by parents. Parents assist on school field trips, play days and skating at a local arena, etc. Parents fundraise to support special school programs. The School Council meets regularly throughout the year.