William Burgess Public School, originally known as Todmorden New School, was built in 1914, and we recently celebrated our centennial. What started as a 12 room building with 13 educators, has now grown into a wheelchair accessible neighbourhood school with 20 classrooms, 44 staff, serving over 370 students. Legends states that the 1928 addition was built with bricks from the old Don Jail. We have a vibrant and collegial staff who sincerely believe in, and are committed to our purpose: to serve our students. And, our students in turn are welcoming, kind and curious, open to new people, new ides and new learning. In addition, the school has a partnership with William Burgess YMCA daycare, housed in the building.
A Culture of Greening
For the past five years, our active school grounds committee has worked tirelessly to bring nature back to William Burgess. In consultation with students, a master plan was developed to support the creation of a large vegetable garden, pollinator and shade gardens, a small fruit orchard, a large sand play pit, and the planting of a large number of trees to increase our shade canopy. Our greener outdoor learning space has allowed our students to learn "from", "with" and "in " science, not just about it.
Interesting Feature
Learning through Inquiry
As a school, we are committed to the process of inquiry, a process that encourages students to discover and explore, to engage in rich personally relevant learning, and to think through problems and questions to uncover solutions themselves. An inquiry approach encourages students to be active and creative problem solvers and deep thinkers, and to come up with their own conclusions; all the while meeting the learning styles of all our children. This is reflected in our school motto :"Where Inquiring Minds Come To Grow."
More Information about William Burgess Elementary School
Self Regulation and Mindfullness
Self Regulation is a school focus, and can be defined as the ability to monitor, maintain and change the level of alertness so that it is appropriate to a task. We continue to identify how our "engines" are running and change our speeds to meet our task; and when and as needed, engage in strategies to regulate ourselves, including: breathing, yoga and sensory activities.
The Arts
Working with a visiting artist, students and staff have been actively engaged in the creation of school wide murals that highlight our history, reflect our focus on inquiry and nature, celebrate our diversity, and commemorate our centennial. With two specialized art teachers, music and dramatic arts play an integral role in our school.
Active and Engaging Parent Council
William Burgess has a dedicated Parent Council who work in partnership with staff to enhance our students' educational experiences. In December, council volunteers put together holiday hampers made up of food,gift cards, and toys for our families in need. This is just one of many examples that make WB the special community it is!
Teachers are Life Long Learners
Our teaching staff meet regularly to share best practices,collaborate on curriculum planning and implementation,and investigate student work. Teachers continue to set their own learning goals, reflect on their teaching, and improve their practice; at William Burgess we are all committed to learning!
Student Life - Where You Belong
We believe in promoting the well being of the whole child at Burgess. We offer a variety of extra-curricular activities for students to get involved in. There is a Primary and Junior Choir, the East York Choral Artistry Choir, Cross Country Running Club, FolkFest, Chess, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Yoga, and a Hockey Team to name of few. As well, for the past four years, we have forged a partnership with the East York Community Centre next door, allowing each class to swim for nine one hour blocks. We also have a long tradition of regular school wide skating trips to East York Arena every January and February. In terms of leadership opportunities, the grade 5 students offer their time as office helpers, morning announcers, and Green Team Ambassadors. Our grade 3 students take turns as door monitors during recess times. Although we are a smaller school, the staff at Burgess does their very best to provide students with exciting and challenging opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. We are a small school with a big heart!
What Sets Us Apart
What sets us apart at Burgess is COLLABORATION! We have a clear school focus across all grades. As a staff, we plan, set goals and review the achievement data of our students regularly. We have Professional Learning Teams in each grade where teachers plan and assess together to ensure that we have common expectations. Every staff member views every student at William Burgess as their own, whether the child is in his or her class or not. The students respond with respect for all adults in the school. Our collaborative spirit extends to our Parent Council where they work hard on initiatives that directly enhance the programs for our students. William Burgess is a happy place where team work is embraced by everyone!
Parent and Community Engagement
We value the positive involvement of parents and caregivers at William Burgess. Parent volunteers run school events such as the popular bakes sales, Spring Carnival, Family Dance/Silent Auction, and Movie Nights. Our Parent/School Council meets monthly to support school programs through numerous fundraising activities. The Council provides active and positive parent advocacy responses to educational and school community issues. Parents regularly assist in school classrooms, on field trips and the library. Our Student Nutrition Program, run by a parent and supported by the help of many students who benefit from leadership opportunities, ensures every student has nutritious snack (made up of three food groups) to start their day.
