As a school in the Model Schools for Inner City program, George Syme is committed to student achievement by building strong partnerships with families and the community. As a vibrant open concept school, located near Jane and St. Clair Avenue West, George Syme hosts a French Immersion program. Its diversity is seen and heard in the halls and on the playground as students, parents and staff speak in over 30 languages. We strive to deliver curriculum through units of study where students see themselves as agents of change. George Syme is the hub of the community offering many programs for students and parents during and beyond the school day.
Our Learning Community
George Syme Community School is home to four community programs:
- Adult ESL classes are offered three mornings a week
- Syme-Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre offer preschool programs with a focus on school readiness and building a supportive and well informed parent group
- International Language Programs and Escuela Pioneros de la Paz provide programs on Saturdays.
- We also offer a breakfast program, a homework club and many extra curricular sports activities before and after school.
Interesting Feature
Model Schools for Inner Cities
George Syme incorporates the five essential components of the Model Schools for Inner Cities program into its vision and planning for student success. Ongoing collaboration fosters innovative teaching and learning. We strive to be the heart of the community and see partnerships with the community as a priority. Programs are developed to support the social, emotional, and physical well being of students. We monitor, research and evaluate the students and programs.
More Information about George Syme Community School
On Site OISE Inner City Option Teacher Education
We are proud to be the hub for 65 teacher candidates interested in education in our diverse inner city schools. This on site location is ideal for blending the practical experience with theoretical classroom instruction. In partnership with George Syme staff and community partners, the ICO teacher candidates have become an integral part of the school and community.
Right to Play
In partnership with "Right to Play" and Runnymede CI, George Syme students participate in this after school program that uses sports and games to build skills and improve self esteem. Trained high school students lead games and activities once a week. Through exemplary leadership, Runnymede students teach and model the value of play and cooperation to our students.
Horizons Partnerships
The unique opportunities arising from our involvement with the Horizons Program have helped to enrich the learning opportunities for many of our students. Weekly tutoring sessions by parents, students and staff from Upper Canada College, as well as the initiation of a lacrosse program in the school, have enhanced our extra curricular program.
Parents as Partners
With a focus on supporting student literacy, parents are involved in selecting books with their students through Family Library nights and a number of different book clubs. From signing the nightly Readers 100 Log to attending our literacy activities where books and CD's in multiple languages are available, parents take an active role in reading with their children.
Additional Features
- Syme Woolner Family Centre
- Homework Club
- International Language Programs
- Hot Lunch Program
- Breakfast Club
- Adult ESL
- Escuela Pioneros de la Paz.
Student Life - Where You Belong
A strong school spirit permeates throughout George Syme. With a number of varied extra curricular activities including a Junior Choir, Reading Clubs, Sports Teams and the Green Team, students have the opportunity to explore and develop their talents. The Playground Activity Leaders (PALS) act as positive role models on the playground during recesses. The leadership team of grade five students assist with school operations as announcers, ambassadors, office helpers, milk monitors and recycling monitors. Our older students also act as role models and supportive tutors while reading and interacting with younger students through class "buddy" programs. Monthly assemblies and annual concerts provide opportunities for students to celebrate their achievements. The Readers 100 Club celebrates the home reading successes of over 250 students each year!
What Sets Us Apart
Our vision for student success is founded on the Model Schools priorities. In partnership with the Centre for Urban Schooling and Model Schools staff, our teachers have been focusing on embedding culturally relevant and authentic learning experiences into the classroom. Books and learning materials that reflect the experiences of our students with a focus on equity and social justice are prevalent in all classrooms. Additional funding through the Model Schools initiative has helped to enrich teaching and learning by expanding the use of technology and the Arts. Performances and presentations by guest artists and authors as well as excursions into the greater community are carefully selected to enhance student learning. Hearing and Vision screenings and a nutrition program bring support services directly into the school to help to ensure that students receive appropriate supports and interventions in a timely manner. Ongoing collaboration among staff and with our partners promotes ongoing monitoring and evaluation of student programs and learning.
Parent and Community Engagement
Our community partnerships include:
- OISE, Inner City Option and Centre for Urban Schooling
- Child Development Institute
- Yorktown Family Services
- Horizons Child Development Institute
- Settlement Worker
- Toronto Public Health
- Public Library
- Arts for Children
- Community Support Worker
- Roseland Horticultural Society
Our parents are involved in our school in many different ways: School Council; volunteers in the classroom; school field trips; Parent Ambassadors; Action Team for Partnerships; Adult ESL classes; Parent Education sessions; Family Centre programs and drop in.
A significant number of parents attend workshops and activities throughout the year including: Literacy Nights, Facebook 101,and Family Math & Board Games activities. Our community BBQ, Movie Night and annual Fun Fair bring the community together for a time of fun and friendship.
