At Bessborough School we do our Personal Best! Our Environment, Programs and Beliefs Support Student Success!
Bessborough is a JK to grade 8 school located in the Leaside area of Toronto, a well-established community of mostly single-unit homes. It was the first public school in Leaside and at one point the Town Hall. Bessborough celebrated its 75th birthday in 1998. We now planning the 100th anniversary celebration in the year 2023. Bessborough is a dynamic neighbourhood school with a tradition of academic excellence. Active and involved parents participate in the daily lives of their children. As well, many former students are now parents and grandparents of children attending the school.
The Middle School
Students who join our school in Grades 7 and 8 from Rolph Road and Bennington Heights Public Schools take part in specialty programmes in vocal and instrumental music, visual arts, computers, drama, physical education, and science and technology. Our facilities include two gymnasiums, a music room, a computer lab, art rooms, a clay room, and two science labs. The school houses the Bessborough Child Care Centre and also serves as a community centre for various local groups and agencies.
Bessborough's Five Agreements
* Mutual Respect: Yourself, Others and Things - recognize and appreciate individual differences
* Participation / Right to Pass - Everyone needs to participate, but may choose to observe quietly or contribute at a later time
* Appreciation - No put downs
* Attentive Listening - Listen Carefully to the opinions and feelings of others
* Do your Personal Best
Additional Features
● Home and School Association
● Cabaret - Every Other Year
● Technology Focus on Smart Boards
● Safe and Caring School
● May Fair - Annual Event
● Critical Learning Pathways
● Eco School - Bronze Level
● Transitions Focused
Student Life - Where You Belong
Students are involve in a wide arrange of sports, clubs and school activities. Bessborough has a strong instrumental and vocal music program. Every other year students are involved in a musical or cabaret.
What Sets Us Apart
Bessborough has a dedicated staff of Professionals that make it their goal to make a difference for each and every student. The years at Bessborough School will offer many new experiences, new challenges and a variety of activities for every student. We officially Run the Annual Toronto Scrabble Tournament for Toronto District School Board students.
Parent and Community Engagement
Active Home and School Parent Council - more than 200 families are members - Extensive volunteer program with parent and community helpers for classrooms, library, field trips and athletics - Successful fundraising endeavours that help to support programs in all grades - Coordination of the After-Four Program that includes an assortment of classes such as Sportball, Kids 4 Kids, Madscience, Dance, St. John's Ambulance Babysitting Course, Beading and more. - Participation on various committees including Graduation Committee, Pizza Lunches, etc. - Responsible for the School's Safe Arrival Program - Community outreach including clothing, food, books, toys and other contributions to schools and community organizations.
