Mary Shadd Public School's Mission Statement
Mary Shadd P.S. opened in 1985 and was enlarged in 1992. Our motto is "Free to be...the best of me" and is intended as a tribute to Mary Ann Shadd, after whom the school was named. In the 1830's, Mary Ann Shadd and her family helped slaves escape via the Underground Railroad to Canada. Our school has adopted the train as our symbol.
Mary Shadd P.S. is a large, active school whose students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 participate in a variety of co-curricular activities involving many disciplines. Our students represent 18 nationalities. 76% speak another language as well as English. We offer an after school heritage language program for our Tamil community. We take these factors into account in our school planning.
Our mission at Mary Shadd Public School is to empower all students to reach their full potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society. To accomplish this mission, it is essential that we continue to provide a positive, supportive and safe learning environment where co-operation, personal responsibility and respect are valued and exercised.
Language
Our students are taught to be good, life-long readers through the development of critical literacy skills. Our teachers work together to provide tiered instructional support; they have access to a literacy resource room. Our library is accessible to all students with resources that reflect the cultural diversity of our school. We offer remedial support in literacy for all students. For additional support of students with special needs, we have an ESL teacher and HSP and SERT programs. Students' access to technology assist them with demonstrating the full extent of their understanding.
More Information About Mary Shadd Public School
Mathematics and Science
Our focus is on problem solving and the application of mathematical skills in real life situations. Our students use a range of technologies to support math exploration.
Information Technology
We are preparing students to become responsible citizens in a digital world by integrating information technology across the curriculum. We focus on developing problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking skills. School resources are aligned with acquiring a variety of technology for student use, increasing the level of engagement in the learning process.
The Arts
We have two music specialist teachers on staff. Our vocal music teacher works with our primary grades and uses orff instruments. We offer choir as well as instrumental bands. We also offer a variety of clubs and activities.
Physical Education
We have a physical education specialist on staff and two gymnasiums. Students participate in daily physical acitivities for at least 20 minutes per day. A variety of co-curricular sports teams for grades 4 - 8 are offered.
Student Life - Where You Belong
GO TEAM
At Mary Shadd we try to offer our students as many opportunities as possible for them to try a new sport or activity in order to enrich their schooling experiences. We have at least two concerts each year and an annual musical. Students learn about acting and performing as well as behind the scene requirements such as sound, lighting, costuming and props. It is a very enriching experience for our students. At present the school offers many sports teams such as Basketball, Track and Field, Flag Football, and Soccer. It is important to us that Student Voice is honoured and shared. Through ongoing discussions with their peers, student leaders make the opinions and aspirations of all students known to the staff, School Council and school administration. In addition to organizing many special events in collaboration with the School Council, our students gain a range of invaluable leadership experiences as Prefects, Morning Announcers and Office Helpers.
WHAT SETS US APART
The opportunities we provide for our students' academic, social and emotional well-being is what sets us apart. Mary Shadd is a school where students are "Free to be the best of me". Each child is encouraged to work hard to achieve their goals and to take on new challenges with the knowlege that our teachers and support staff are right there behind them. Unique to Mary Shadd is our Caring Adult Program. Every student in Grades 1-8 has been paired with a staff member, and once a month, these groups get together to take part in cooperative games. The end result ... a strong school culture and community! We are also offer full time kindergarten. We are proud of our school and our students feel that each and every day!
PARENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We offer links to the community through various agencies. We work with local Police to provide educational programs in street safety, bullying and internet safety. Fridays we host the Heritage Language program: Tamil. Afterschool, Malvern Family Resource Centre provides daily afterschool programs in our School: grade 1-6 for homework support and grade 7 & 8 for leadership. We link with outside support agencies i.e. Big Brothers & Sisters, Early Years Resource Centre, etc.