Since first opening its doors in 1921, John Ross Robertson Public School has offered stimulating academic and enrichment programs for elementary students. The school's motto is "Learning Together". The word Learning reflects the school's focus on high academic standards and on helping students reach their full potential. The word Together reflects the school's collaborative culture where students, teachers, parents and community members work as a team. The mission of the school is "To build the best within ourselves and find the good within each other".
- As of September 2013, the school serves approximately 600 students from JK to Grade 6.
- JRR is a dual-track school with Mid-Immersion French starting at Grade 4.
Safe and Caring School Culture
The staff and families at John Ross Robertson have worked together to establish a safe and caring environment at the school. Our code of conduct is based on our motto of Learning Together and outlines expectations for student conduct. These expectations align with the TDSB character education qualities that we focus on in our daily announcements and monthly assemblies. We nurture a "Culture of Kindness" at JRR.
Interesting Feature
Academic Achievement
John Ross Robertson was designated as one of the 23 original Schools on the Move in the province by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat in recognition of our achievement on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments. Our students continue to achieve at very high academic levels because of the exemplary teaching and learning facilitated by the partnership of teachers and parents in our community. In recent years we have been short-listed for the Fraser Institute's Awards for Excellence in Education in the category of Excellence in Language Arts.
More Information about John Ross Robertson Junior Public School
The Arts at John Ross Robertson
At our school we understand the value of integrating the arts across the curriculum. Artists in dance, visual arts, music and media from the Learning through the Arts organization work with our classroom teachers to plan and implement lessons that enable students to experience the curriculum in rich and meaningful ways. Ceramic and clay artists also work in our school.
Sports at John Ross Robertson
Students at our school have many opportunities to participate in athletic activities. In the fall, over 200 students from grades 1 to 6 take part in our cross country running program. Over the year, our teachers coach a wide variety of teams that compete with other schools in the TDSB. In the spring, students in grades 4 to 6 participate in track and field events.
Music in the School
Music has always been an important part of the culture at John Ross Robertson. We have a large junior choir, as well as a grade three choir. Itinerant teachers teach band and strings instruments to older students. Our specialist music teacher works with all the students in the school. Students perform regularly in concerts and musical productions for the community.
Technology
Our computer lab is always filled with students who are using technology as a tool to explore the curriculum. We have worked with our parents to fund laptops and document cameras for our classes. Smartboards and iPads are being used in some classes. We use our website, newsletters, and twitter to communicate effectively with parents.
Additional Features
- Day-care and Nursery school on-site
- Library/Computer Lab
- Many extra-curricular activities
- Strong family support
- Dedicated and experienced teachers
- New playground equipment
- Safe and caring environment
- Student leadership opportunities
Student Life - Where You Belong
John Ross Robertson is a very busy place. Students have many opportunities to participate in the life of the school in many ways. As well as our many sports teams, house leagues and our choirs, students can be part of many clubs, including folk dance, games, math, skipping, and environment clubs. Every year we have our Terry Fox event and Winter and Spring Play Days. Classes are out of the school on field trips regularly to places in and around the city. Our students skate at our nearby skating rink and many of our students use the pool at Glenview Senior School. Many classes make regular use of the neighbourhood public library. Our grade 6 students are all offered the opportunity to take on leadership roles in the school. These students help out in the office, do announcements, assist the caretaker with recycling, supervise younger children in house leagues and at play days and help with Pizza Lunches.
What Sets Us Apart
The very strong partnership of staff and parents working together makes John Ross Robertson an excellent learning environment for students. Our parents volunteer in the school in many capacities. They read with students, they volunteer in the library and provide supervision and support on field trips. Every morning our parents work as part of our Parent Safety Program to receive children safely at the entrance to the schoolyard when they are being driven to school. Parents also volunteer in classrooms to work with individual students, to prepare materials and to work with children when a Scientist in the School program is being delivered. Caregivers work at every Pizza Lunch. Parents have also been integral to our Safe and Caring School committee and work to insure that programs are in place to support student safety. Our After Four program is organized entirely by parents and provides enrichment opportunities for our students after school. Parents also organize and run T-ball and softball teams for students in the evenings in the spring.
Parent and Community Engagement
Parents are involved in supporting the school through two parallel organizations. The School Council advises the administration on school programs and policies and is composed of parents, staff and community members. The Neighbourhood Parent Association (NPA) is responsible for fund raising and "fun raising" at the school. The money raised by the NPA supports enrichment programs such as Learning through the Arts, Scientists in School and Roots of Empathy. Funds have also been used to purchase technology to enhance classroom instruction. The NPA also organizes social events throughout the year that build a strong community feeling. In the fall, the Welcome Back BBQ and the New Parent Breakfast provide opportunities for families to get to know each other. Pizza/Bingo night and the JRR FunFair are well attended and enjoyed by everyone.
