Winchester Public School, a SK-8 elementary school, has been serving the students of the Cabbagetown and St. James Town neighbourhoods since 1874. The diverse student population represents over 40 countries and languages, with Tamil students composing the largest non-English speaking group.Winchester is transitioning to a single track French Immersion Centre for SK – grade 6. We offer a dual track in English and French for grades 7 and 8. We place a strong emphasis on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment where all students can and will learn.
Silver Eco School
We work in close partnership with Green Thumbs Growing Kids so that the language, arts, and science curriculum is enhanced through experiential learning in our garden. We have an active Eco Club and opportunities for hands-on projects in our Science and Tech Lab.
Interesting Feature
Edible School Garden
Our 11,000 square foot garden on the corner of our playground provides a habitat for children to explore their relationship to the natural world and food production. Food grown in the garden is served in our daily hot lunch and salad program. The food waste is composted and returned to the garden. The garden also has student art and sculptures, and a rain catchment system. Open to the community in the summer, it provides programs for all ages.
More Information about Winchester Junior and Senior Public School
Library
Our recently renovated library is the hub of our school. From 8:00 a.m., it is open for students to use and enjoy and also get help with homework and assignments. We have an extensive collection of books in English and French. Our librarian partners with teachers in order to enrich the curriculum and provide the resources that students need.
Smart Technology
At Winchester, we use technology to improve student learning and engagement. We have digital document cameras (Elmos) in almost all our classrooms, as well as Smartboards, ipads, learning carpets and bilingual literacy resources. Thanks to the support of our School Council, we will continue to provide additional Elmos and Smartboards to classrooms.
Arts Opportunities
We value arts opportunities. Itinerant teachers help our students develop their skills in orff, recorders, steel pans, string and band instruments. We partner with Luminato Artists and last year, student work was displayed in local venues. In collaboration with Inner City Angels, students painted a mural and created a mosaic of a northern skyscape for our front foyer.
Nutrition Program
We have an extensive nutrition program at Winchester providing a daily healthy snack and hot lunch. Students also have many opportunities to work with our Nutrition Coordinator, Ms. Charmyne Urquart, to make cookies, apple sauce, treats, and other healthy options. All food served is halal and follows the Canada Food Guide.
Student Life - Where You Belong
Our students are involved in many activities including our well-respected basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, and soccer teams. We have an active Student Senate, raising funds for Save the Children, and an Environmental Club which works with Green Thumbs Growing Kids. The library is open before school each day for homework help and there are intramural sports at lunch. Senior students are announcers and ambassadors in our school office. Some of our grade 8 students are selected to attend Central Commerce High School where they earn high school credits in the morning and then return to Winchester for their grade 8 program in the afternoon. Others represent Winchester as part of DareARTS, Model United Nations and Ontario Model Parliament. The Sultans of String will provide a musical backdrop at our kick-off community barbeque this year. Our April concert will coincide with Arts Week and Earth Day. Last year, the renowned Nathaniel Dett Chorale performed at our school, as well as Ballet Creole and Ache Brasil.
What Sets Us Apart
Our community garden with Green Thumbs Growing Kids School within Model Schools for Inner Cities Free after school program and opportunities with Cabbagetown Youth Centre Daily snack and hot lunch program Horizons Tutoring Program for grade 3 and 6 students with tutors from Upper Canada College and Bishop Strachan School Borden, Ladner, Gervais - Reads to Kids Partnership Nurses from York and Ryerson Faculties of Nursing Learning 2 Learn tutoring Mentor athletes from Ryerson University, Ryerson Rams.
Parent and Community Engagement
- Toronto Foundation for Student Success
- 51 Division - School Liaison and Youth Bureau
- Toronto Public Health - Health Workshops
- St. Michael's Hospital - Nutrition
- Faculties of Education: OISE/UT, York University, Ryerson, Queen's
- Central Neighbourhood House Day Care
- Wellesley Community Centre
- Cabbagetown Preservation Association
- School Council: participation in Budget, School Improvement, Garden, Nutrition, Environment, Safe Schools, French Immersion and Fundraising Committees, annual Fun Fair
- Parent volunteers in classroom, garden, library
- Welcome BBQ, Holiday Dinner, Pancake Breakfast to celebrate Family Literacy Day, Spring Picnic
