John G. Diefenbaker P.S. was named after Canada's Prime Minister, who was Canada's leader from 1957 until 1963. Displayed in the main office of the school are two walking sticks that were used by John Diefenbaker. The school is an attractive two-storey building, with architectural features such as the brick archways in the library and the two Kindergarten classrooms. This school serves over 240 students representing many different ethnic backgrounds. Diefenbaker offers regular programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, as well as a Junior DD (Developmental Disability) Class. We have a principal, 16 teachers, 2 early childhood educators, 1 special needs assistant and a 0.5 educational assistant.
School Focus for This School Year
We are continuing to improve and increase Literacy resources and programs. Teachers use effective assessment strategies such as DRA and CASI to assess students strengths and areas for improvement. We enhance competencies in mathematics through increased professional development and ensuring superior resources in the classroom. The staff will continue to analyze the data that is available to improve student success within our school.
Interesting Feature
School Council
Our school council is made up of a group of dedicated parents who are actively involved in our school. They take part in fundraising activities and volunteer opportunities throughout our school. Meetings take place the second Thursday of each month, except January and March, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. All parents are welcome to join and take part in our school council. The school council plans many exciting activities for the families of JGD: Family Fitness Nights, Scientist In Schools, pizza lunch fundraisers, as well as a grand fun fair/BBQ in the spring.
More Information about John G Diefenbaker Public School
ERI Program
The Early Reading Intervention (ERI) program is an effective tool to work one-on-one with children identified "at-risk" in their reading. Selected students in Grade 1 work with teachers and volunteers to address gaps in reading development. Over the course of nine weeks, students will learn to read texts with familiar "high frequency" vocabulary in order to build fluency.
Special Education Programs
Our school has one self-contained special education program - Junior Developmental Disability program staffed by a teacher and an educational assistant. Students requiring additional academic support are served through the Home School Program (HSP) or from the Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT).
Technology
Our school-wide WiFi network allows teachers and students to use integrative technology in learning with mobile iPad and laptop carts, as well as a wide variety of digital technology including SMART boards, document cameras, and multimedia projectors. Our library houses a full class set of desktop computers available for students to use to support learning and research.
Building a Respectful School Climate
Our collective goal is to model and foster respect for each other through team building, developing empathy and displaying cooperation in house leagues, sports teams, clubs, as well as recognition at character education awards assemblies. Consistent school-wide anti-bullying dialogue serves to teach students and reinforce acceptance and appreciation for each individual.
Additional Features
- Classrooms with large windows
- Variety of extra curricular program
- Library/Computer Lab
- Safe and caring environment
- Dedicated teachers
- Full Day Kindergarten Program
- Music Room
- Naturalized school yard
Student Life - Where You Belong
The students at John G. Diefenbaker have a variety of extra-curricular activities to choose from. There are house league activities, Folkdance, Math club, French club, Technology club, Me to We, sports teams, Red Maple Reading club, Student Council, as well as a variety of special activity days such as play day, spirit days, and our amazing Dance-a-thon! Students are encouraged to be active and responsible participants in all activities at our school. Our students are provided with many opportunities to demonstrate leadership throughout the school: office helpers, radio announcers, library helpers, safety patrollers, kindergarten helpers, technology team, and lunch monitors to name a few. Student voice is important here at JGD. Our Student Council is made of of class representatives from grades 4-8 classes. Class meeting are held regularly and students representatives represent their class at Student Council meetings. Our students are also represented at the monthly school council meetings.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets our school apart is that the entire staff has high expectations for our students in the area of academics, arts, athletics, awareness and attitude. Our staff are committed to ensuring that our students have what it takes to achieve their goals and dreams and to meet their full potential. In addition, our students have a voice in the kinds of programs and activities that are offered at the school.
Parent and Community Engagement
Co-op students from local high schools are placed in various classes and extra-curricular activities. Our School Council has an active Fundraising Committee. They organize and supply special lunches for students, they organize and support family engagement evenings and events, as well as give input to school policies and directions. We have numerous parent volunteers who assist in our school library, in classrooms, and on class excursions.
