Northlea Public School is located in Leaside on the site of the old Divadale Estate on Rumsey Road north of Eglinton Avenue. Although the school originally opened in 1944, it has undergone extensive renovations over the years, providing additional classroom space, a library, a second gymnasium and two portables. Today, Northlea is a large elementary school with close to 750 students. The school houses the Northlea Community Child Care (NCCC). We are a barrier-free facility including full wheelchair accessibility. Northlea is a dual track school offering English programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, and French Immersion programs starting in Senior Kindergarten.
Technology
The integration of technology into teaching and learning is a school focus. The goal is to improve student achievement by engaging learners, differentiating instruction, and providing innovative teaching practices. Our computer software provides assistive technology,(e.g.voice-to-text, word prediction) for students with special learning needs. Northlea is wireless, allowing students to use web-based applications in their classrooms on mobile devices such as netbooks, laptops, Smartboards and iPads. The technology committee works with the community to continuously support the students in this area.
Interesting Feature
Music
Music is a very important part of the education that students receive at Northlea. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, all students receive music instruction by teachers who are talented and passionate specialists in this field. Vocal music is taught up to and including Grade 6. In grade 7 instrumental band music begins and continues until graduation. Over the years, the Northlea Choir has earned numerous recognitions and awards on both a Provincial and National level, and has been described by nationally selected adjudicators as a "one-of-a-kind program".
More Information about Northlea Elementary and Middle School
Health & Physical Education
The Health & Physical Education Program at Northlea is amongst the best and most comprehensive in the city. It features a dedicated team of skilled teachers and coaches, excellent facilities and equipment. Northlea has two gymnasiums, and is very proud to be one of only a small number of TDSB schools that have an artificial turf sports field.
French Immersion
Northlea houses an Early French Immersion Program for the TDSB. This begins in Senior Kindergarten and goes through to graduation. The program offers French instruction for FI students from SK to Grade 3. English is introduced starting in Grade 4. Transportation is provided for students, depending upon distance from the school as per the TDSB policy.
Barrier Free Access
We welcome students and visitors to Northlea with physical disabilities. Our school is wheelchair accessible and our elevator enables all students, staff and visitors to move from floor to floor. In addition, we are fortunate to have two Artificial External Defibrillators (AED's). Each of the two floors in the school have an AED available for use at anytime.
Special Education Programs
Our Special Education Programs provide indirect, in-class, and withdrawal resource support to students, depending upon student need. We have a Home School Program and for those students who require intensive support, we have two centrally assigned Developmental Disability classes.
Additional Features
- Grade 5/6 Choir
- Lunch & After School Programs
- Wireless Computing
- Caring and Safe School
- Grade 7&8 Bands
- Smart Boards
- Assistive Technology
- Home and School Association
Student Life - Where You Belong
Northlea provides a thriving and dynamic learning environment. We have an outstanding team of teachers who work closely with students, giving them every opportunity to succeed and excel in the academics, arts and athletics. Some of our most exciting school activities are our concerts and performances. Our students are provided the opportunity to participate in school concerts, and the Kiwanis Music and Ontario Band Festivals. We have an annual musical production for students in Grades 7 and 8. Well over a hundred students have participated each year, treating the audience to powerful performances and amazing talent. Excursions at all grades bring learning to life at Northlea. In addition to day trips, students in Grade 6 participate in an overnight excursion to an outdoor educational facility. Intermediate students recently have had the opportunity to attend an overnight trip to a Camp facility in Muskoka. At Northlea, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in the school and community. Opportunities abound to develop student leadership potential as students contribute to the many activities, events and clubs that are offered.
What Sets Us Apart
Northlea is a school with a proud tradition of outstanding programs and a team of talented, dedicated and committed professionals. One of the few TDSB schools where learning spans from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 in one location. Outstanding arts opportunities including vocal music, band instruction, as well as an annual school musical. An outside artificial turf field containing two baseball diamonds, three soccer fields and a walking/running track, along with two inside gymnasiums, providing for extensive programs in Physical Education. Two Automated External Defibrillators available for school and community usage with significant numbers of school and child care staff trained in AED, First Aid and CPR. A strong partnership with the Northlea Community Child Care. This child care centre is located within the school and provides services to over a hundred families. A community-oriented learning environment where staff work collaboratively with parents to build critical links between the school, home and community.
Parent and Community Engagement
Parental Involvement:
- Home & School School Council
- Parent Safety Program
- Safe Arrival Program
- Safe & Caring Schools Committee
- Class Parents attached to every Homeroom Class.
- Parent Volunteers assisting with a multitude of events and initiatives.
Community Links:
- Northlea Community Child Care
- Metro Police
- School Liaison Officer
- Student-Teacher Programs & College Co-op Placements
- Blood Donor Clinics
- Connections with other programs and/or facilities such as Adventure Placee (TPAS), Bloorview MacMillan, Surrey Place and Variety Village.
