Highland Junior High School is situated on the highest piece of land in the Toronto area, and was named accordingly. Our logo has three mountain peaks - one for each grade. Since our opening in 1975, we have had a proud tradition of addressing the needs of early adolescents, offering a transitional and balanced program which takes students who arrive after Grade 6 and prepares them during three years for the specialization of high school starting in Grade 10. Most of our graduates attend A.Y. Jackson Secondary School. We are a school of many traditions, such as our honour roll, awards system, Grade 9 Graduation and Grade 9 Exams. Our Winter Alternative Program in Education enables students to expand their educational experiences. 

Our Mission

Borrowing from our name, we stand for the following: High standards in effort, achievement, conduct and fitness; Involvement in our own education, extra-curricular activities and our award system; Good citizenship by showing responsibility, consideration, care for our environment and co-operation; Helping others by participating in our volunteer and community service programs, being peacemakers and contributing positively to our learning environment.

Interesting Feature

Overview

We house School Settlement workers who work under the outreach project called SEPT. SEPT refers to Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto, a partnership between the settlement sector and the Toronto District School Board/Toronto Catholic School Board. This program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration of Canada. As the first years are particularly difficult for newcomer students and their families, school settlement workers provide support by connecting families to services available in the community and fostering better communication with the school.

More Information about Highland Middle School

Literacy

Literacy is a priority across the curriculum. Each department has a literacy plan that focuses on non-fiction writing. Enrichment activities include public speaking, poetry publication, reading clubs and Spelling Bee of Canada. All students participate in the Accelerated Reading Program. Our library is the hub of the school and is used frequently by all students. 

Mathematics

Estimation and mental math skills are reinforced through regular drills. One form of enrichment involves the preparation for and writing of math contests such as the Pascal and Gauss tests. Students are well-prepared for the E.Q.A.O. Math testing in grade nine.

Student Success

We offer the PAL Tutoring program and after school classes in literacy and math for students at-risk. Assemblies and parent evenings are offered at each grade level to help students with transition and course selection. Our students have opportunities for both remedial and extended enrichment programs delivered by staff members and volunteers. 

Safe and Caring School

We teach Character education through Anti-Bullying and Cyber-Bullying presentations. We promote Anti-Racist education through class discussions, units of study and social justice topics. We encourage student involvement in leadership activities such as Student Ambassadors and Student Council. We encourage major events for countries in need.

Additional Features

• A modern, well-kept building
• A well-equipped Library
• Hardworking Students
• String/Band Music Programs
• A Winter Activity Program
• Two Computer Labs
• Dedicated Staff
• High Academic Standards 

Student Life - Where You Belong

We offer a variety of student activities that provide opportunities for student leadership and involvement. Our Student Council meets monthly and plans school spirit events such as School Dances and initiatives. Our Student Ambassadors assist during Open House, Parent Interview Evenings and Course Selection Assemblies. Students take part in Peer Tutoring to assist other students in English, Math, Science and Geography. Students in volley ball and basketball travel with their in-school coaches to compete against other teams in Toronto. Our Band students, Strings and Show Choir perform at concerts for staff and families as well as Canadian and International competitions. Students in math and science have opportunities to enter the Pascal and the Gauss Math contest. Students are chosen as library helpers and others can apply to be in the annual Spelling Bee of Canada. At the start of each school year, there is a Student Activity Registration fee of $30. Included in this fee, is the Student Agenda and Yearbook. 

What Sets Us Apart 

At Highland JHS we have a fine tradition of High Standards, Involvement, Good Citizenship and Helping Others. We encourage and expect effort and academic achievement, participation in clubs and sports, respect for the environment and participation in the wider community. We believe that education is like a ladder that helps you reach your personal goals. No matter what you want to be--education is the way to get there. The staff at Highland is here to help students and families along the way. Parents continue to have an important role to play in supporting student learning at the intermediate level. Studies show than students perform better in school if their parents are involved in their education. By becoming familial with the curriculum, parents can determine what is being taught in the courses their students are taking and what they are expected to learn. Parents can also support their children's learning by attending parent-teacher interviews and becoming involved in School Council Activities. Homeform teachers are the first line of communication for parents.

Parent and Community Engagement

We are a work site for A.Y. Jackson Co-op Students. We are a school-based practicum site for Nursing students from several Community Colleges. We have a school website that parents can access. We support a variety of charities including North York Food Bank, Disaster Relief and the Free the Children fund. We promote healthy eating programs through liaison with our Public Health Nurse. Our Communication is through our monthly school newsletters, school web site, school council newsletters and outdoor sign Monthly School Council Meetings. We have parent and community volunteers. Federally-funded Settlement Workers (SEPT) working in our school provide support and advice for our newly-arrived families from China, Korea and other countries. We have all grade 9 students participating in the Take Our Kids to Work program. 

Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They are community-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety of opportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices.

Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice, access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financial stability.