The Toronto District School Board officially celebrated the opening of the new Dennis Avenue Community School building on April 22, marking an important milestone for students, staff, and families. The new, state-of-the-art facility is designed to support student achievement and well-being, while continuing a long-standing tradition of community connection in the Mount Dennis neighbourhood.
The school’s history dates back to 1890, when classes were first held in a two-room farmhouse on Lambton Avenue. Over decades, the school expanded and adapted to meet the needs of a growing community with new rooms, portables and shared spaces.
“The word ‘community’ is in the name of Dennis Avenue Community School, and a community is built over time through care, shared responsibility, and moments of connection between students, staff, and families,” said Interim Director of Education Stacey Zucker in her remarks. “A community is built by people who show up for one another, and that is exactly what has defined Dennis Avenue Community School for more than a century.”
In addition to remarks for Interim Director Zucker, the celebration featured welcoming remarks from Superintendent Alex Tracey and Principal Tony Di Biase, a performance of O’ Canada by a Grade 1 class, a drumming performance, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with school representatives.
The opening also marks the coming together of the Dennis Avenue and Cordella Junior Public School communities in this new shared space.