Jesse Ketchum Public School is located at Bay Street and Davenport Road near Yorkville Village. The school was established around 1831 and the present building dates from 1914. The school is named after Jesse Ketchum, a philanthropist who donated the land to the School Board to build the school and to the city for the park. The school serves a diverse population of approximately 450 students, whose cultural backgrounds represent many countries from around the world. There are more than 40 different languages spoken in the homes of our students. At Jesse Ketchum our students build self-esteem and confidence, learn to work together in mutual respect and trust, and value diversity.
Extra-Curricular Activities
There are a wide variety of extra curricular activities for our students to participate in. We field teams in football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country, hockey, track and field and softball. Intra mural sports are often running at lunch. We also offer clubs for students with a variety of interests. From chess club, choir, theatre, art, knitting and of course a homework club. Free the Children's Me to We and Eco Club are prominent club at school and helps organize social justice and environmental programs. Our student council helps to organize spirit days, and dances for the senior school.
Interesting Feature
School Vision
At Jesse Ketchum we believe that all students should have equitable access to opportunities in education so that they may thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in and safe and caring environment. Staff and parents work collaboratively to ensure students success. We also give great value to the arts, and student inquiry. Students have many opportunities to explore dance, drama and visual art - as well as being encouraged to drive the curriculum with their questions and curiosity.
More Information about Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
Storyfest
Our students have many opportunities to perform. Storyfest is a long standing tradition at Jesse Ketchum. From grade one to grade eight students learn about the art of story-telling, practice their stories, and get the opportunity to perform in front of peers and parents. We celebrate Storyfest with a community pot-luck dinner.
School Yard and Eco Schools
Construction on our newly renovated playground has just completed. Our yard is comprised of an artificial turf field, primary and junior playscapes, an eco garden, basketball courts and a variety of other seating and play areas. Our garden is part of our Eco Schools initiative, and we recently reached a bronze level in recognition of our efforts.
STEM
Jesse Ketchum is a STEM focused school. We have both a science room and a Design and Tech room for our senior students, and a STEM room that can be accessed by all classes. For primary and junior students science is taught as part of home room.
Field Trips
Students learn both in and out of school. We augment our program with trips to Pioneer Village, the Zoo, the ROM, TSO, TUSC, skating at Ramsden Park, and to the YLCC Camps to name a few Every other year, students in grades 5 and 6 attend MonoCliffs for 3 days of outdoor education. and our senior school students have the opportunity for a trip to Quebec City.
Additional Features
- School-wide Snack Program
- Library and computer lab
- ICT-classroom focus
- Steel Pan, Band and String programs
- Language lab
- Professional and student Inquiry
Student Life - Where You Belong
Jesse Ketchum is an exciting place
Hands on experiences in science and technology with our Design and Technology room. Projects using computer programs for our Media Studies program. Regular assemblies and performances. Intramural sports. Special workshops for music and dance. School Dances. Sports teams. Camping. Outdoor Education. Me to We breakfasts. Pizza Days. Spirit Days. Borrow a Book program. ESL classes for English language learners. Yearbook. Skills Trades Canada Competition. Field Trips. Silver Birch and Red Maple Reading programs. Varsity sports teams. Computer lab. High expectations for learning. Caring committed teachers who make a difference in their students' lives.
What Sets Us Apart
Jesse Ketchum is diverse in every sense of the word. We have students come to us from all over the city and all over the world. Our students are excited to learn, and do so in a caring, active environment. With that in mind we try to allow our students the opportunities to have their interests reflected in the curriculum. Grade 7 and 8 students participate in an 80 minute inquiry block each week. They explore topics such as mural making, technology, cooking, science, fashion, drama and physical education in small groups with teachers who share the same interests and passions. Our music options for grade 7 and 8 students also offer choice. Students can take a full year program in band, string or steel pan, or a half year music program complimented with a hands-on learning opportunity for the other half of the year.
Parent and Community Engagement
- Public library class visits (K-8)
- Community volunteers (K-Gr.8)
- After 4 Programs
- One-on-One mentors
- OISE-UT student teachers
- Regular permitted use of the school for community groups
- Regular parent volunteers who assist in Early Reading program, classroom and library
- Public Health Programs
- School Community Officer visits
