Cordella is a small community school with Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, and two primary special education programs. We are part of the Model Schools for Inner Cities program. We are located near Black Creek Drive and Weston Road. 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. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and nurturing learning environment where each student is valued as an individual and is encouraged to strive for the highest level of achievement. The school serves approximately 130 students representing many different cultural groups which enhance and enrich our school community.
Student Demographics
Cordella JPS currently has a total of 130 students; 66% of students are of primary age (JK to Gr. 3), and 34% are of junior age (Gr. 4 to 6). 48% of our students are female, and 52% are male. Only 3% of our students were born outside of Canada; however, 44% of our students have a primary language other than English. The primary languages are: Somalian (10%); Vietnamese (9%); Spanish (5%); Portuguese (5%); Swahili (2%); Other (13%).
Model Schools for Inner Cities
Cordella JPS is part of the Model Schools for Inner Cities program. We are committed to providing our students with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to participate fully and equitably in school & their community. This program has enabled us to improve student achievement & engagement through the following: forming stronger partnerships with our local agencies through the help of our Community Support Worker; provide staff with a variety of professional development; and purchase additional classroom resources, including technological equipment.
More Information about Cordella Junior Public School
Extra-Curricular Activities
We strongly believe that extra-curricular activities play an important role in student achievement. We offer a variety of athletic extra-curricular activities throughout the year: softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, soccer baseball, and track & field. In addition we have several clubs, such as Leadership, EcoSchools, and strategy games.
Literacy Focus
This year, we are enhancing our guided reading programs in both divisions. One strategy is to make regular use of running records to carefully track the progress of specific students. Teachers will then modify their programs to meet the specific needs of the students with the goal of increasing the percentage of students who are reading at grade level.
Early Learning Program
Cordella JPS was one of the first schools to pilot the Early Learning Program. This initiative is a partnership with the TDSB & the Ministry of Education, and brings full day learning to the Kindergarten program. This initiative has many benefits on the development of our children's academic and social skills, and provides an easier transition to Grade one.
Special Education
A variety of Special Education programs and services are offered to meet the needs of all students, including students with exceptionalities, such as intellectual, communication, and multiple learning disabilities. At Cordella JPS, we host a Kindergarten Diagnostic program, a program for Primary students with Developmental Delays, and a Home School Program.
Additional Features
● Daily Breakfast & Lunch Programs
● Monthly Recognition Assemblies
● Student Leadership Program
● A Variety of Parent Workshops
● Focus on Character Education
● Vision Screening Clinics
● Concerts & Performances
● Activities for Students at Lunch
Student Life - Where You Belong
Our students continue to make positive gains in all areas. We are committed to implementing programs, acquiring needed resources and developing strategies that will continue to enhance achievement. We are also committed to maintaining high expectations for all our students in all areas of school life. Our goal for our students is to continue to promote academic achievement, equity, self-esteem, a healthy lifestyle & an appreciation of both the arts & sciences. Student safety is paramount for our staff. Children are offered a variety of ways to actively engage in play and behavioural expectations are clearly outlined. Extra-curricular activities are offered, including sports, choirs, computer and dance. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive remedial support in Literacy & Math after school. Several trips are offered throughout the year for a minimal cost, such as Royal Ontario Museum, the Science Centre, the Toronto Zoo, Warren Park & Sheldon Outdoor Education Centres, Toronto Symphony, the theatre and apple farms. A highlight for the staff, students and parents is the monthly recognition assemblies where student achievement is acknowledged.
What Sets Us Apart
Cordella JPS's action plan focuses on the continuous improvement of our students' reading, writing and mathematics performance, and our students' social, emotional and physical well-being. We will continue to implement the following strategies: daily uninterrupted literacy & numeracy blocks; balanced & critical literacy program; teaching-learning critical pathways; frequent professional learning communities for staff; team meetings to identify at-risk learners & to plan effective programs for them; differentiated instruction; enhancing student and staff technological skills; providing a variety of extra-curricular activities; providing student leadership opportunities; acknowledgement of student success through monthly recognition assemblies; participation in spirit days; providing daily breakfast and lunch programs; providing parent workshops that demonstrate skills to use at home to help their children; encouraging active parent participation in school-wide activities; and forming partnerships with local community agencies to support our students and families.
Parent and Community Engagement
A big part of Cordella's success is the result of the partnerships we have formed with our local community agencies: Toronto Fire Services; Toronto Foundation for Student Success; Toronto Public Health Services; Model schools for Inner Cities; Parent Council; Parent Volunteers; Student Teachers; Co-op Students; Community Support Worker; TDSB Social Worker; and Etobicoke Children's Centre.
