St. Andrews Public School is a neighbourhood school which provides a safe, caring, nurturing environment with a strong academic focus. Students are expected to be responsible Canadian citizens. St. Andrews school was built in 1959 on the estate of David and Mary Thomson, who were among the first settlers in Scarborough. The name honours their Scottish heritage. Alternate Scarborough Education 1 (ASE 1) is housed in the building. The program offers semestered independent academic studies for students in Grades 11 - 12.
School Focus
We continue to deliver a curriculum that supports the opportunity for our students to become independent thinkers. We challenge each and every child to develop their ability to think critically and incorporate many learned strategies in all curriculum areas. The staff focus is to move students towards greater academic independence with an ability to ask relevant and meaningful questions.
Interesting Feature
A True Community School
St. Andrews P.S. has celebrated its 50 years of learning in 2009. Throughout the 50 years, the community has been a vital part of the culture at St. Andrews. We have worked in partnership with the Glenn Andrews Community Association, ASE 1, police and other community services, local churches, parent and community volunteers, and the local businesses to support our curriculum and fund raising initiatives. The collaboration of all these groups and individuals has made and still makes St. Andrews a truly wonderful place for students to learn and grow.
More Information about St Andrews Public School
50 Years of Learning
St. Andrews celebrated 50 years of learning on Saturday, October 4, 2009. The school's main focus throughout the 50 years, has been student success. Each decade brought challenges and opportunities to gain valued insight and strategies to guide our students to further their love of learning beyond the halls of St. Andrews.
The Arts
St. Andrews values the arts throughout the curriculum. The arts are embedded in the day to day programming throughout the school. The St. Andrews staff collectively bring a very wide and rich background in the arts to the students. Instruction in crafts, fine arts, dramatic arts, and music is ongoing.
A Wealth of Knowledge and Resources
St. Andrews staff takes pride in sharing and engaging in professional development to keep up with effective and recent best practices. Our priority is to make sure all classes are equipped with resources, materials, manipulatives and books to run an effective program.
School Community / Partnerships
St. Andrews is committed to working with all community organizations. The School Council is an active participant in all areas of school life. Many volunteers, parents, grandparents, community members, York and UOIT teacher candidates, returning graduates and students from ASE 1 work closely with staff and students in a variety of ways.
Additional Features
- Homework Clubs
- Home Reading Program
- Extensive Library Collection
- Family Literacy Nights
- Variety of clubs, teams, activities
- Spirit Days, Character Assemblies
- Grandparent Reading Program
- Science Fair and Speech Arts
Student Life - Where You Belong
The St. Andrews staff is committed to creating an environment that enriches the lives of our students both in class and outside the classroom. Many of our students begin their educational journey at St. Andrews and continue through the grades with a sense of belonging. Students new to the St. Andrews community are welcomed immediately and appreciate the warm and welcoming environment. The many talents of our staff enable them to offer a variety of activities from the arts to extra-curricular activities. Student's work is displayed in the classrooms and hallways, demonstrating evidence of the learning that happens in and out of the regular classroom setting. Students are prepared for the many great opportunities available to them in the regular and specialized high school programs. Life-long connections in learning, social responsibility and friendships are fostered at St. Andrews.
What Sets Us Apart
St. Andrews P.S. operates on a K - 8 model of inclusion and support for all students throughout the grades. High expectations and reinforcement of character values is apparent throughout the school. St. Andrews works on the understanding that all students are the responsibility of the entire staff, and the relationships are built out of respect for all staff and students. The school environment is warm, welcoming and nurturing, and each child is valued for their personal and cultural differences, as well as their academic strengths and needs. Staff are committed to work with each student and their family. We invite and welcome parent communication and involvement in their child's learning. We strive to ensure that St. Andrews' students develop a send of self worth, leadership skills, values and respectful behaviour that will allow all of our students to be successful once they leave St. Andrews.
Parent and Community Engagement
St. Andrews is fortunate to have a very large number of involved parents, volunteers, grandparent readers and University teacher candidates. The St. Andrews School Council is actively involved with many active members and many parents on call for special activities. We have established a strong relationship with ASE 1, the Alternative School that shares our building. Co-op students and volunteers help with homework clubs, athletics and various school activities. We work collaboratively with community/social agencies - Local merchants, Domino's Pizza, Glen Andrew Community Association, St. Andrews Church, for various activities and fundraising activities. Parents and volunteers are actively involved in our primary reading bookbag program.