Excellence for all no matter what it takes!
Elmbank Junior Middle Academy, located at the corner of Martin Grove and Finch Avenue West, in the heart of Jamestown, has been a landmark in this neighbourhood since it was built in 1967. The area is very high in its needs and rich in its ethnic, cultural and socio-economic diversity. It prides itself as a model for harmony among the various groups. The school continues to serve as a focal point for the community. The school serves approximately 600 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 with a variety of educational experiences and diverse needs. Students from the surrounding neighbourhood are joined by those from the nearby Woodbine Centre area (about 1/2 of our school) who are bussed to our school.
Full Day Kindergarten
For the first time Elmbank has 3 classes of full day Kindergarden. It is anticipated that this program will have a major positive impact on student outcomes both socially and academically.
The Elmbank Uniform
Elmbank is a school with a uniform. A uniform assists us with safety by quickly identifying intruders. It also reinforces for students that they are here to work. Uniforms also remove the competition that often arises regarding clothing worn to school thereby further separating those that have more than others.
More Information about Elmbank Junior Middle Academy
Student Activities at Elmbank
There is an elected student council. Co-curricular activities include : basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, chess, cricket, video making club, video game club, animation club, photography club, garden club, Green Team, Boys 2 Men, Young Women on the Move, crafts club, French club, art club.
Partnerships
Elmbank administration, to provide needed supports to students and to enhance the learning environment in the school, developed partnerships with Humber College, Parks and Rec, Seneca College, Ryerson University, York University, other agencies so that the school has access to supports, programs, workshops that can enhance student success and support parent empowerment.
Focus on Student Success and Valuing Diversity
At Elmbank we work to achieve exemplary educational outcomes for all of our students. We focus on enhancing student success and on improving student achievement in an environment that epitomizes racial, religious, cultural and social harmony.We and the community work together to maintain a safe and caring environment. responsibility and a strong sense of teamwork.
Special Programs for Student Support
We are proud to host a number of special programs at our school, including a new Parenting Centre as well as Learning Disabilities, Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Exceptionalities and one Safe Schools Alternative to Suspension Program.
Student Life - Where You Belong
Students at Elmbank have an elected Student Council and participate in many activities: chess, public speaking, spelling bee, girls and boys' groups at each division, arts and crafts clubs, animation club, video club, sports activities such as floor hockey, volleyball, basketball, track and field, soccer, badminton, ping pong.Students enjoy an itinerant music program (strings, band, steel pans and recorder). They participate in fundraising for those less fortunate than themselves; Terry Fox run, Jump Rope for Heart, raising money for a school in Kenya, collecting books/shoes/clothing for Haiti, Pakistani flood relief initiatives. Elmbank students have opportunities to attend outdoor education at Humber Arboretum, the Field Studies Centre and other centres; our Grade 6 students will be participating in a 3 day overnight experience to fine tune their skills. Camp Choice and Camp Smile are overnight experiences for our Grade 7 and 8 students - these help prepare them for making career choices and for planning their secondary school courses. Tutoring is offered at all grade levels during lunch time or after school.
What Sets Us Apart
Elmbankers pride themselves on their dedication and commitment to eco-schools goals. We are trying to reduce energy use, reduce waste and increase recycling in the school and in the area. We achieved platinum status last year and are striving for silver this year. Our "Green Team"" works very hard to build awareness around environmental issues and climate change. With our partners PACT and TDSB we initiated a community garden this year. Staff and students regularly worked in the garden planting, weeding, harvesting. The community had access to a bounty of vegetables and herbs. Excess harvest was donated to the food bank. We hope that more parents will get involved in this important initiative to produce locally grown, pesticide, additive-free organic food. We are supported by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and by small donations from parents. This supports allows us to provide a daily nutritious snack for our students. After all well-nourished children who are not hungry and calmer and learn better.
Parent and Community Engagement
There is an active School Council at Elmbank. Parents volunteer in the school to assist with remedial work in the classroom and to accompany students on trips. There is overwhelming support for activities and such programs as music nights, play days, and concerts. Parents participate in the COPE Parenting Program. The School Council, our settlement worker and organizations such as Humber College work with the school on grant proposals to provide workshops and training to our parents and community. The school also has a large number of Heritage Language classes on Saturday mornings with students from all of TDSB participating in this excellent opportunity. Parents are welcome and encouraged to become more involved in the education of their children various initiatives, school events and volunteering opportunities.
