John Fisher is the largest French Immersion Centre and oldest elementary school in the TDSB. The French program begins in Senior Kindergarten, and all instruction is in French until the end of Grade Three. English language instruction is introduced in Grade 4. Of our 485 students, the majority (86%) come from homes where English is the primary language.
Green is In at John Fisher
Ecole publique John Fisher is committed to making this planet a better place. Our students, staff and community have worked diligently for many years to make it an example of eco-conscious learning. We were recognized for five years running with a Gold EcoSchools award and have received the Platinum level for the last three years (2019 - 2012). This past year, we received Gold status.
Interesting Feature
History
John Fisher Public School began in 1816 as a log schoolhouse in the agricultural community of Eglinton. Located steps from historic Montgomery’s Tavern, it was known as Eglinton School. It burned down and was rebuilt as a one-room schoolhouse on Yonge behind what is now the Capitol Theatre, in 1850. In 1887, a two-storey, four-room school was built on Erskine Avenue.
More Information about John Fisher Junior Public School
Le fait français
John Fisher PS is one of only four single-track French Immersion centres in the TDSB. We are dedicated to the promotion and ongoing use of French within the school; "Ici on parle français"; we learn and live in French. Through the Ontario Curriculum, students develop their oral and written skills in French. Speaking French also builds students' confidence.
Character Development
Character development is an important focus for John Fisher and the TDSB. The 10 Character Traits have been widely promoted, and this initiative benefits both staff and students by fostering a climate of respect and cooperation conducive to creating a kind and caring learning environment for all students.
Student Success
Student success is the fundamental mandate of all educators. Through Professional Learning Teams, working with Family of Schools coaches and instructional leaders, the school looks to identify areas of need and develop the most effective strategies to support student success. We believe that every student can reach her/his potential.
Community, Culture & Caring
Ecole publique John Fisher benefits from a deeply committed and caring parent and caregiver community that partners with staff in all areas and at all levels in the life of the school. From School Council to class volunteers, and coaching to graduation, our school is a place where the community feels at home. We value the contribution of our parent partners.
Additional Features
- Platinum EcoSchool
- Award Winning Choir
- Me To We participant
- Concours d'art oratoire participant
- Excellent EQAO scores
- Top performing in athletics
- Dictée PGL participant
- Roots of Empathy participant
Student Life - Where You Belong
A students' at Ecole publique John Fisher enjoy an exciting learning environment every day. We offer many learning opportunities and activities. The days can at times start quite early if a student is involved in athletics, morning choir practice or drama rehearsal. It can go beyond school hours if he or she participates in the After-4 program, with activities such as Art, Science and Computer Game Design are offered. Students love Carnaval, which is held each Winter, where they join with schoolmates of all ages to play games and celebrate this wonderful aspect of French-Canadian culture. Others always remember their trip to the Island School in Grade 5, or to St. Donat in Grade 6. For some, being part of a school team raises their level of confidence and self-esteem and they are proud of how well our school performs in competitions. Finally, all agree that John Fisher is a place where everyone can make friends and everyone is welcome.
What Sets Us Apart
As one of only four French Immersion Centres in the entire TDSB, Ecole publique John Fisher offers a unique opportunity for students to experience French in all aspects of school life. Our teaching and support staff speak excellent French. Our Daycare, French Connection, complements our efforts to develop French skills in our students and we enjoy a strong partnership with them. Ecole publique John Fisher has an excellent Physical Education program and a long history of athletic success in boardwide competitions. Our choir program has been recognized as one of the best in the TDSB. We have a strong focus on the arts - our drama program, talent show and showcase concerts provide ample opportunities for students to develop these talents. Parent fundraising efforts provide funds for enrichment initiatives like performers, dance and theatre workshops, scientists in schools and presentations by professional storytellers.
Parent and Community Engagement
The Ecole publique John Fisher School Council meets monthly, and has many active sub-committees such as Safety, Educational Issues, Staffing, Fundraising, Athletics, Environment, and Arts and Cultural Enrichment. Over 200 parent volunteers assist in a wide range of school programs including library, classrooms, excursions, special events (e.g., Carnaval, Terry Fox Run), sports clinics and teams, and environmental initiatives. The School Council advocates with Board and provincial decision-makers to ensure quality public education for all children. All initiatives to upgrade the interior of the building, to green the school yard, to improve traffic safety (a successful Kiss 'n Ride Program was instituted in 2006) and to enhance the school's information technology capabilities have resulted from significant parent involvement.
