Since our opening in 1996 our school has proudly offered a vibrant, engaging and exciting learning environment for students and has become an integral part of our neighbourhood and community.
Like all schools, we are learning and adapting to our rapidly changing world as we respond to the innovative and creative ideas that our students bring with them every day. Guided by our board's focus on ​Modern Learning, Mathematics, Mental Health; our school staff, students and families are working together to understand and ignite a learning community that values our gifts, respects the rights of all and challenges each of us to do our best and be our best.
Uniquely, Black River Public School is also part of a thriving collaboration between the YRDSB, the York Catholic District School Board, the Chippewas of Georgina Island​ and the Town of Georgina. Our partnership with St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School, Upper Canada Child Care, the Georgina Leisure Pool and the Georgina Library-Peter Gzowkski Branch represents a unique, community-focused resource that is an integral part of the Sutton and Jacksons Point area.
In addition to these partnerships; we are also proud of the relationships we have fostered with our Black River parents and families. We appreciate the many ways they contribute to the well-being of our students and school community; formally, through our School Council and other school committees and initiatives, and informally, by being caring and active supporters of their children's well-being and learning.
Mission
As a community of learners, Black River P.S. is committed to the development of each person to his/her full potential in an ever-changing global society. As learners we commit ourselves to becoming independent and interdependent lifelong learners. We treat others and ourselves with respect and always strive for excellence.
Our School
Our school is located in Sutton, in the Town of Georgina, close to Lake Simcoe. We offer programming from Kindergarten through Grade Eight and host two Autism Community Classes as well as instruction in the Ojibwe language and traditions. We are part of the Sutton Multi-Use Complex, which also includes St. Bernadette Catholic School, the Georgina Leisure Pool, Peter Gzowski Library and a child care facility operated by Upper Canada Child Care. We also appreciate our on-going collaboration with the Chipewas of Georgina Island as our partners in education.
Programs
As with each school in the York Region District School Board, Black River P.S. support student learning through the curriculum standards set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education and many other co-curricular activities.
Our school:
- provides student and community engagement & support through Performance Plus initiative
- promotes a safe and supportive learning environment through our Board's Caring and Safe Schools Policy and Procedures
- provides targeted appropriate Special Education interventions using a tiered approach
- hosts before and after school care is available onsite through Upper Canada Childcare.
We are also very proud to offer the following programs to our students:
- Bullying awareness and prevention activities and ongoing programming to support student mental health and well-being
- Guest speakers and workshops drawing upon authors,musicians and artists, as well as presentations from community agencies and resources
- Career and Pathways planning to support student success and well-being
- Instruction in the Ojibwe language
- Ongoing and informal interventions focused on social skills, mental health, equity and inclusion
- Progressive Discipline and Restorative Approaches for student incidents and conflicts
- Student Leadership programs: Reading Buddies, Lunch helpers, Door Monitors, hosting and emceeing assemblies (all grade levels), announcements, school mascots, organizing and running Playday, Bus Buddies, anti-bullying role models, fundraising, school spirit days and events
- VIP program (in partnership with the York Region Police)
- A focus on healthy, living through outdoor learning and daily physical activity
- Extra Curriculuar Sports: volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross country, relay, high jump, running
- Arts: Theatre/Musical productions, primary and junior choirs, bands
- Library Partnerships: Book Fairs, author visits
- Special Events: Terry Fox Trot, Jump Rope for Heart, Halloween Happenings, skating
- We Scare Hunger Halloween food drive
- Recognition of the holidays and celebrations of our diverse school community
- School community recognition and celebration assemblies
- Welcome to Kindergarten information evening