We currently have approximately 400 students attending W.J. Watson, and close to 40 staff members including teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, child and youth workers, health workers, childcare staff, administrative assistants and caretakers. W.J. Watson is also proud to host community classes to provide specialized educational programming for students outside our school boundaries. Our childcare, Whipper’s Kids, is run by Upper Canada Childcare and offers before and after care for school-age children, as well as full-day programming for children 18 months to four years old. 

Each year we embark on another adventure of academic growth and exploration, and activities that support student achievement. With our dynamic and dedicated staff, we continuously work to develop our cooperative partnerships between child, parent/guardians and educators. We aim to help our students maintain strong mental health and develop as motivated and confident learners. Together with our home and school partnership, we can support our students as they navigate through a world filled with endless possibilities.

Mission

We at W.J. Watson are committed to a safe, inviting learning environment in which we promote: a quality curriculum, development of self esteem and risk taking, the treatment of all with dignity and caring, responsible citizenship, goal setting and learning.

History 

W.J. Watson P.S. is named for "Whipper Billy" Watson, a well known philanthropist in Georgina and a director of the Ont. Society for Crippled Children. Mr. Watson was also a wrestling star in the 1940's, 50's and 60's.

Our school mascot is the "Watson Wildcat".

Programs

As with each school in the York Region District School Board, W.J. Watson P.S. support student learning through the curriculum standards set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education and many other co-curricular activities.

A focus on literacy: Learning Partners, Young Authors Conference, Publishing Centre, Intermediate After School Literacy Program, Literacy Parent Tutor Program, Book Room, Computer Technology, and Book Fair

A focus on numeracy: Chess Club, Intermediate After School Mathematics Program, Pythagoras Math Contest, Math Club

A focus on achievement: Winnits program, Monthly Watson Winners, Honour Roll, Agenda Planners, Leadership Program, Homework Clubs, Grade 8 Scholastic Challenge

A focus on athletics: Intramural sports during lunch recess, interschool teams, cross country running, track and field, Daily Vigorous Physical Activity (DVPA), Walking Wednesdays, Jump Rope and Hoops For Heart, ACT Now

A focus on The Arts: Integration of Arts into other areas of the curriculum, Bands, Art Club, Musical Production, Holiday Concerts, Performing Arts Presentations

Our school:

• is a Performance Plus School
• promotes a safe and supportive learning environment. This is done through the Board's Safe Schools Policy and Procedures and the Character Education Initiatives
• provides Special Education Programs
• provides a before and after school program. Service is provided by Whippers Kids.

We are also very proud to offer the following programs to our students:

• Anti-Bullying Programs
• Guest speakers and workshops
• Ongoing and informal social skills counseling
• Progressive Discipline Model
• Student Leadership programs
• VIP program
• Roots of Empathy
• ACT Now
• Peer mediators