Hollycrest Middle School was created as a special 1967 Centennial Project. Located on the western boundary of the Toronto District School Board, it enjoys the wide, open spaces bordering the Etobicoke Olympium and Centennial Park. Hollycrest currently serves about 380 students. Located in Hollycrest Middle School is Hollycrest Community School, which is a City of Toronto Parks and Recreation facility. Recreational programs are offered for pre-schoolers to seniors. In addition to the many programs offered, special events are also organized as are March Break and Summer Day Camps.
School Focus
We place a strong focus on academic standards and believe strongly that all students can learn. We focus on academics in all areas of the curriculum including Instrumental Music, Keyboarding. and Design and Technology. We also focus on Character Education. The character traits are celebrated at our monthly, school wide Recognition Assembly. At Hollycrest, we are committed to developing confident and responsible students who value learning and become successful citizens in our community.
Interesting Feature
High Performers Program
Unique to Hollycrest is the elite High Performers Program which provides a flexible, shortened day schedule for upcoming quality athletes to strive for both academic and athletic excellence. You can find more information on the High Performers Program in the “What Sets Us Apart” section of our school profile.
More Information about Hollycrest Middle School
Leadership
Hollycrest students are provided with various Leadership opportunities. We have an active Student Council with representation from each classroom, Monthly Character Education Student Assemblies, Best Buddies, Aboriginal Education Student Council, ECO Club, and Young Women on the Move!
Information Technology at Hollycrest
Information technology is integrated throughout the curriculum. Student learning is enhanced through the use of our Smartboards, Assistive Technology, iPads, laptop/Chromebook carts and our Computer Lab. We are officially a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school. Hollycrest has school-wide WiFi.
Hollycrest Music Program
Hollycrest has an excellent Music Program. Students have the option of Band or Strings with our two Itinerant Music Instructors, Keyboards and Vocal Music classes. There is also the opportunity to sing in the choir, and learn from guest instructors (e.g., African drumming). Our orchestra competed in Kiwanis and won gold.
Hollycrest...you've been here before!
Hollycrest hosts many TDESAA interscholastic athletic competitions from grades 4-8. Within our school we also have Hollycrest Community School, offering a variety of programming to our community.
Additional Features
- Math Competitions
- Visual Arts Club
- School Play
- Intramurals and Sports Teams
- Science Challenges
- Robotics
- Kiwanis
- Performances and Special Guests
Student Life - Where You Belong
Hollycrest provides ample opportunities for students to engage in various activities in Academics, Athletics and the Arts.
Some examples include:
- Young People's Theater Workshops (Hanna's Suitcase)
- National Film Board Workshop
- Music Program that includes: Band, Strings, Keyboards, African Drums, Choir, Itinerant Music Instructors and Vocal Music Teachers, Kiwanis Music Festival, and Music Concerts
- Academics: students participate in Essay Contests, Gauss Math Contests, Centrum Math Contests, Design and Technology Challenges, EIR Project (where students work with engineers on real-life applications for Science), and Science Skills Competition
- Interscolastic Athletics Teams include: Boys and Girls Touch Football, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Swimming, Softball, Co-Ed Hockey.
- Intramural activities include soccer, hockey and basketball.
- Student Activities include: Outdoor Education Center overnight trips, Club Umoja (Social Justice Club), Grade 8 Graduation Trip (Quebec City in 2011), Ski Trips, Winterlude, Cooking Class, School Dances, Student Council, Character Education Assemblies, and Class Trips.
What Sets Us Apart
Outside of the regular instructional program, Hollycrest offers some unique programs. For Example:
High Performance Program
The elite Hollycrest High Performers Program provides a specialized flexible learning environment that empowers the upcoming quality athletes to strive for both academic and athletic excellence in a shortened day schedule. The coaches of these students work in co-operation with the teachers from our school. Student applicants in Grades 4-8 must apply for acceptance into this program.
Special Education Programs
A variety of special education programs and services are offered to meet the needs of all students, including students with exceptionalities, such as behavioural, communication, intellectual, physical, and multiple learning disabilities.
Parent and Community Engagement
Some of the Parent and Community involvement at Hollycrest includes:
- University of Toronto, York, Niagara Faculties of Education
- teacher training
- Michael Power - co-op program
- Silverthorn Collegiate - co-op program
- School concerts and special events
- Local police partnership
- Parks and Recreation - Community School
- Active participation in the Hollycrest School Council: Fundraising Committee, Graduation Committee, Donation Program to Hollycrest Information Technology Centre,
- Parent volunteers who assist in a wide range of school activities/programs - Pizza and Sub Lunches, Graduation, Somalia Orphan's Lunch Fundraiser, Coaching and Managing school teams.
- Grade 8 Reading Buddies with Seneca School
