Parent involvement is vital to the success of students. Research has shown that students perform better in school when parents are engaged in their learning. It could be as simple as asking children about their day at school, reading a book together or spending some physical activity time together. Parents are an integral part of the Churchill Heights community. They are frequent volunteers in the classroom, the library or on excursions; some help with after-school activities. Parents are also actively involved on the School Council, which meets monthly. Parents are encouraged to communicate regularly with the teacher and to attend school meetings in order to ensure that students are achieving to their potential.
School Focus
- to continue to improve student achievement in literacy, numeracy and conflict resolution
- to increase parent and community involvement in our school
- to continue meeting the specific needs of our students in both the regular and gifted programs
- to increase opportunities for students to participate in high quality physical activities
- to continue to work with our students, parents and community members to maintain a safe learning environment where everyone demonstrates mutual respect, responsibility and civility.
Special Education Programs
Churchill Heights P.S. opened in 1957 with a Kindergarten to Grade 8 population. In 1971, congregated classes for gifted students were established to develop the unique qualities of the gifted child. Churchill Heights P.S. is a dual track school offering both regular and a special education gifted program. The regular program accommodates students from JK to Grade 6 while the gifted program accepts students from Grades 4 to 8. Our school has one small primary/gifted class as well.
More Information about Churchill Heights Public School
Music Program
Churchill Heights is noted for its music program. The grade 5-8 classes participate in instrumental music while the primary classes focus on vocal and orff music. Two concerts showcase the talents of our musicians. We have a senior band. An itinerant music teacher comes in weekly. We take part in the Ontario Band Association Music Festival.
Special Trips for our Gr. 7 and 8 students
Every other year, a 1-week trip is planned for our Gr. 7 & 8 students to celebrate their graduation. Past trips have been to Ottawa, Quebec City and Washington D.C. A combination of rich, educational activities and the opportunity to get along with peers and meet new people in a different setting, provide an invaluable experience.
Overnight trip for Gr. 6 students
Every year, our Grade 6 students take a 3-day overnight trip to Camp Kearney, Ontario. This excursion teaches students about the outdoors and the environment. There are leadership and team-building activities. For many, this is the first time that the students have been away from home - a great opportunity to learn self-reliance and independence!
Heritage Fair
Annually our grade 5 - 8 students take part in a Heritage Fair in May at the Civic Centre. Our students do very well and annually win awards for their in-depth research and for their visual and oral presentations. Our students have won the "Founder's Award", the "Archives of Ontario Award" and the "First Nations Project" award.
Additional Features
● Heritage Fair
● Science Fair
● Speech Arts
● Student Leadership Council
● Eco Team
● Girls & Boys Club
● Houseleague
● Track and Field
Student Life - Where You Belong
At Churchill Heights P.S. we have primary, junior and intermediate students - JK to Gr. 8. This presents a great opportunity for younger students to have role models in the older grades and the older students to learn patience and compassion for our younger children. Our students work very hard on their academics - they are expected to continually progress and improve their achievement in literacy, numeracy and conflict resolution. But they are also encouraged to make friends, work in teams to accomplish goals and develop their personal interests in extra-curricular activities offered outside the classroom. There are arts programs and athletic teams, as well as clubs and competitions to join. There is plenty of opportunity for leadership and all students are represented through the Student Leadership Council, where they have a voice in school activities and fund-raising initiatives.
What Sets Us Apart
The dual-track aspect of our school - community students as well as special education "gifted" students - sets us apart. But what is even more exceptional and wonderful is the fact that you would never know it. All of our children are welcome to take part in all school activities and programs, regardless of their exceptionalities. The entire school population is embraced as one, cohesive, inclusive group. Our goal is improved student achievement. We have staff motivated by a vision of learning and they support one another toward that end. There are high levels of collaboration and collegiality. There is a collective effort to enhance student learning. The learning of all professionals is promoted. There is a focus on knowledge building. Data is analyzed and used for reflection and improvement. Data-driven discussions are encouraged and students engage in high-yield strategies that make a difference for their learning. The distributive leadership model is valued to foster and sustain professional learning, which will impact the achievement of our students.
Parent and Community Engagement
SAGE provides information, support and guidance to parents of bright and gifted students in the Scarborough community, with connections to the Association for Bright Children (ABC). Toronto Police Services are our safety partners for ensuring traffic safety. The Toronto Police also visit our students regularly. We collaborate with community/social agencies: OISE/University of Toronto Teacher Education Centre, Woburn Collegiate Institute (Woburn story tellers, music program, FLL Robotics Club) and Surrey Place. The School Council advises us on the Principal's Profile, playground improvements, fund-raising and other school-related matters. Regular parent volunteers assist in classrooms and the school Learning Resource Centre.
