Portage Trail Community School is a JK to Grade 8 school, which opened on September 7, 1999. It is named for its proximity to an old portage point on the Humber River. Our school is located in a new subdivision just off Weston Road near Jane Street in the former City of York. The over 600 children who attend Portage Trail are from diverse cultures, races and ethnic backgrounds, who require English as a Second Language support. In 2003, we implemented school uniforms under the direction and organization of our School Advisory Council and the students wear their uniforms (white shirts with school crest and black pants, skirts or shorts) with great pride. Children in Gr. 1-8 must wear one uniform piece with the school logo visible.
Intensive Support Program (Physical)
Students with medical needs and physical needs are supported in a small class environment, along with complete integration in classes of students of same grade level. Inclusion is facilitated by highly trained assistants, with the goal being inclusion wherever feasible. The ISP Physical teacher is also available for small group instruction to support the demands of the Individual Education plan for students. Physical needs are supported by a physiotherapist in conjunction with the teacher and the assistants. Door to door busing is provided and students are supported during lunch hour by the assistants in a small setting.
Interesting Feature
Intensive Support Program :Junior Language Class
This is a class for students who have been declared exceptional at an Identification and Placement Review Committee meeting and require support mainly in the areas of Literacy and Mathematics as stated in their Individual Education Plan. In a small class environment with a Special Education teacher and an assistant (half- time), students develop their academic skills while being integrated with students of their own grade where feasible. These students are encouraged to become fully involved in the Life of the school.
More Information about Portage Trail Community School
Nutrition Program
Each morning our students receive a healthy snack consisting of three food groups . This snack is delivered to the classroom. This gives students a great start to the day. Parents support this snack financially, but the TFSS is the main support for this healthy initiative.
School Council
Our school council is comprised of the following members:
Marian Thompson - Co-Chair
Michelle Orchard-Hylton - Co-Chair
Safe and Caring Schools Guides
Working with several teacher counsellors students have skills reinforced that will allow them to identify responsible, caring attributes and actions and to encourage this in others both on the playground and in the classroom.
Model Schools Cluster School
The Model Schools for Inner City initiative allows us to access many extra supports for our students such as a free Hearing and Vision Clinic and free eyeglasses if needed, excursions to many special locations in the city to broaden students' knowledge and vocabulary.(MSIC) financial assistance increases our ability to purchase culturally relevant literature.
Additional Features
- Music Program
- Athletic teams
- Family Activities
- Choir
- Mentorship groups
- Community Support Worker
Student Life - Where You Belong
With a focus on healthy active learning , our students are encouraged to take part in the many special physical activities offered by our Phys Ed teachers with the support of teacher colleagues and nursing students from Ryerson and York. A range of activities is offered during lunchtime intramurals (non-competitive), morning activities (walking and skipping clubs) and frequent whole school Health Hustle and Daily Physical Activities.Teams in basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, track and field and cross-country provide our energetic young students an opportunity to run off energy, fine tune their athletic skills, round out their interests and develop leadership potential. In music our students are offered both primary and junior choir. Students can also participate in both primary and junior Orff Music and Recorder.These activities are showcased in tournaments (sports) and evening events for parents (music) and also highlighted in our monthly recognition assemblies.
What Sets Us Apart
As a JK-Grade 8 School, we are pleased to present students with opportunities to work with teachers of various specializations and students to experience some instrumental music, blend choirs and participate in assemblies to highlight important events. Through the Learning Buddies program, Grades 6-8 students are encouraged to mentor our younger students in outdoor activities and literacy.
Parent and Community Engagement
Learning Enrichment Foundation offers a Before and After School Program at Portage. A homework program (Gr. 3&4) is run by McCauley three evenings a week. With a School and Community Clean-up in spring , announcements and class lessons, we focus on supporting our community along with an annual Holiday Food Drive, Terry Fox Walk, Student placements ( local high schools, Ryerson, York, Humber College, the Faculty of Education at OISE/University of Toronto and Niagara University allow us to reach out . School Advisory Council has been working together, to address common goals and concerns. Parent volunteers regularly assist in classrooms, excursions, and in our nutrition program At Kindergarten registration parents experience the Kindergarten environment . All parents are encouraged to get involved in the school.
