Achieving - Believing - Caring

We maintain a climate of high expectations because every student can learn! Derrydown Public School is located south of Finch Avenue and west of Keele Street, just south of the York University's main campus. The school first opened in 1964. The school currently has about 440 students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. Derrydown has a diverse student population. About 20 languages and 30 countries are represented. This diversity helps our students to learn to interact positively and collaboratively with each other, preparing them for an increasingly pluralistic society.

In order to achieve academic success, students at Derrydown are expected to:

• attend and be punctual

• be prepared for and participate in the learning process and

• respect the rights of others 

French Immersion

Derrydown PS hosts the French Immersion program for the LC2 Family of Schools. As a dual track school, Derrydown PS has two languages of instruction: English and French. For the French Immersion program we draw students from a wider geographic area who enter the program in Senior Kindergarten. From Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3, students receive 100% French language instruction so that they are "immersed" in the language. The school strives to provide rich learning opportunities and experiences to bring the French language and culture "to life" for our students.

Code of Conduct

I come prepared to learn with a positive attitude, on time, well rested and well fed

I speak nicely with my choice of words, I listen in turn, and watch my tone of voice

I respect and help others through my actions, body language, with focused attention, and positive language

I follow all the rules on the bus, in class, on the playground and in school

I keep my hands and feet to myself

I avoid contact play and I solve problems through talking

More Information about Derrydown Public School

Literacy

Every school year we renew our focus to improve student achievement in Literacy. This year is no exception. We continue to review our EQAO scores, as a team, and discuss ways to improve scores. Guided reading strategies, small group focus and moderated marking are a few of our Professional Development topics.

Numeracy

In Mathematics, our school is striving to provide an integrated program that incorporates all learning styles. Ensuring that students have a strong understanding of Math fundamentals is one of the best ways to build confidence and prepare students for success and will be our Professional Development focus this year.

Safe and Caring Schools

Our Safe and Caring Schools Committee meets regularly and has Parent and Student representation. Character matters at Derrydown! We have monthly assemblies to provide explicit examples of "good character" and to recognize students and celebrate our successes. Our community is always welcome to attend these assemblies which are published in our monthly calendar.

Arts Education

Students learn mathematics and language through the Arts. Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Dramatic Arts are all important aspects of our curriculum and some are offered through specialist teachers and much of it is integrated. We additionally offer a specialized Music program each year for our students, this year it is Orff instruction.

Additional Features

● After School Reading/Homework Clubs

● Intramurals

● International Languages

● Violin Program

● Various Clubs

● Team Sports

● YMCA Daycare on site

● Piano Lessons

Student Life - Where You Belong

Our students are encouraged to follow the Build Character, Build Success initiative that emphasizes academic achievement, co-operation, excellence, and service to others. Students are recognized for endeavouring to achieve these goals at monthly Character Education assemblies. We regularly recognize student success in sports, the arts, and academic areas. As a staff, we believe that extra-curricular and co-curricular activities benefit students and enhance involvement in school life. As a result, we offer a wide variety of activities for our students. Students have opportunities in cross country running, track and field, all major sports, Choir, and Dancing, Chess, Scrabble and student leadership to name just a few of our clubs and initiatives. Students are encouraged to make suggestions for new clubs and parents may also make suggestions and lend a helping hand if they are available. South Asian dance was brought to our school as a result of parental and community involvement and staff will continue to provide opportunities in this area. A YMCA Before and After School Child Care program is available at Derrydown PS for school age students.

What Sets Us Apart

Our school community (e.g., students, staff and parents) is a diverse one with many members coming from all over the world. We encourage everyone in the school community to celebrate and respect the rich ethno-cultural diversity found at Derrydown P.S. Excellence in Academics, the Arts, Equity and School and Community Partnerships are among our goals. We provide a safe, nurturing, inviting learning environment. We have active parent participation in our school Nutrition Program and various events put on by our School Council to raise funds and promote school spirit. 

Parent and Community Engagement

York University, U of T, Niagara University student teachers, foreign trained teachers and volunteers readily find placements at Derrydown PS. Lunchtime and After-School Programs make for a very busy space. Derrydown has fostered positive relationships and partnerships with Black Creek Community Health Centre, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, Jamaican Canadian Association and other supportive organizations. Parent participation in school improvement and school planning initiatives is welcomed. Information sessions are offered for parents on Literacy, Mathematics, Equity and understanding assessment, evaluation and reporting. There are many ways to get involved and give back to our community.