Ecole Owen Public School is located in an area of York Mills that was originally the St. Andrew's Golf Course. Ecole Owen is a dual track school offering instruction in both English (JK - Gr. 5) and French Immersion (SK - Gr. 5). Our school has multi-cultural diversity with one third of the children speaking a language other than English at home.
Technology
Our recently revitalized library, full computer lab, and ongoing acquisition of Interactive Whiteboards (SmartBoards) provide opportunities for staff to differentiate instruction and engage learners. Students are able to access current, relevant technology to assist them as learners. Our Grade 5 and 6 students are engaged in a blended learning environment, where technology is used in combination with hands-on tasks to enhance the learning experience. Each Grade team accesses a fully loaded iPad or HP tablet cart to enrich their learning.
Interesting Feature
The Design of Owen
The design of Ecole Owen Public School involved considerable consultation with a variety of stakeholders, all working together to achieve the best possible solution for the community. Everyone agreed that the building should support the school's philosophy of openness and the library should be at its heart. The Library is a common area for all students and its focus is a "tree of learning". Thirteen classrooms ring the edge of the semi-circular library. With doors eliminated, students are constantly aware of the school community beyond each classroom.
More Information about Owen Public School
Instructional Programs
In Literacy, both English and French Immersion, we continue to implement the components of a Balanced Literacy program at all grade levels. In Numeracy, we continue to implement the Three-Part Lesson and Math Congress. The overall focus is developing higher order, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Student Success
Student success is the ultimate goal of our staff. Through Literacy and Numeracy Teaching and Learning Critical Pathways, grade teams work collaboratively to identify areas of need, plan appropriate programs and activities, and develop the most effective strategies to promote student success.
Staff Professional Development
Not only is it important for our students to become life-long learners, our staff is committed to being a community of learners as well. Team-teaching, mentoring, collaborative planning, and moderated marking all provide opportunities for the sharing of best and innovative teaching practices and the development of staff capacity and efficacy.
Eco-School
The staff and students at Owen are committed to caring for our environment. As a team, we work diligently and conscientiously to make environmentally responsible decisions and activities part of our everyday life.
Additional Features
- Owen Daycare on site
- Barrier free access
- Computers in every classroom
- iPad/tablet cart for each grade
- SmartBoards for each grade team
Student Life - Where You Belong
We welcome students living in our attendance area from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 and French Immersion students from the surrounding area. Co-curricular activities are an extension of the academic program and an integral part of student life. Many activities occur during lunch recess but others occur either in the morning before classes or after school. These activities may include cross-country, basketball, volleyball, choir, track and field, office helpers, announcers, eco-club, and many more. Each year, School Council organizes a variety of After-School and Lunchtime programs for students in Grades 1 - 5, including chess, judo, Mad Science, basketball, drama, woodworking, and many others. Details about the programs, including cost, are available on the registration forms at the school office or on the school website.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes a great school? The people inside it! We are fortunate to have dedicated staff, committed parents, and enthusiastic students who want to achieve their very best. As soon as you enter the building, you are greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. On any given day, you will find students engaged in and committed to their learning, staff members focused on creating effective learning communities within their classrooms, and parent volunteers supporting the students in a variety of ways. Our special needs students are welcomed into school life with the support and encouragement of older buddies. At Owen, we are proud of the fact that we have created a learning and playing environment that welcomes and respects everyone who joins us.
Parent and Community Engagement
Our programs are enhanced by placement opportunities that we provide Faculty of Education and Co-op students.We collaborate with community and social agencies and our community makes extensive use of the school for After-School Programs for children and evening programs for adults. Owen School Advisory Council (OSAC) is an extremely active parent group that meets on a regular basis. Each school year, approximately 200 parents volunteer to work in our school. Many fundraising, social and community assistance events are organized by the parents, including the collection of food and toys for charitable organizations. OSAC has provided major financial support for our school playground construction.
