G. A. Brown (GAB) is a dynamic and excellent school wherein students, teachers, parents and administration work together to help students reach high levels of achievement. Located in the St. Clair East Community near Topham Park, GAB is proud of its students and the rich and diverse programming we offer them. Our feeder schools include O'Connor PS, Presteign Heights PS, Selwyn PS and Victoria Park PS. The school was built in 1949 and has had a number of additions over the years, including a swimming pool. The corner stones of our academic program are literacy and numeracy.
At GAB, We ....
At GAB, we respect each other and our learning environment. The teachers, students and all members of the G. A. Brown community work together to create an inclusive environment that meets the needs of all learners. Through our committed staff, core curriculum, computer literacy, arts and athletics, we offer a balanced program of academic and social. We believe in student leadership and encourage our students and parents to take a formal and informal role in school activities and their organization. We believe in the 3Rs: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Reasonable. The school services approximately 355 students in Grades 6, 7 and 8.
Interesting Feature
Our Community
Our school has a deeply rooted sense of community; our excellent facilities serve the students and the community at large. Many of our students have parents and relatives who also attended Gordon A. Brown in previous decades. Our student body includes a number of new Canadians who require English as a Second Language support and encouragement as they acquire a new language and adjust to their new country. As well, we offer programs for students with special needs such as for HSP, Giftedness and MID and the Extended French Program.
More Information about Gordon A Brown Middle School
Daily Timetables
We are on a five day cycle timetable. Students travel as a class to their core academic subjects which include: English, mathematics, drama and dance, science, history/geography (social studies in Grade 6). Other parts of the timetable include: French as a Second Language, physical and health education, visual arts, and music.
Diverse Classrooms
GAB has a diverse school population, both culturally and academically, and are constantly seeking ways to involve everyone in school life. Our classrooms include regular, gifted, and special education support in both integrated (HSP supported regular stream classes) and congregated (small group with limited integration) settings. We also offer Extended French.
Co-Curricular School Life
Offering a wide range of academic, athletic and social opportunities for involvement. Academics: band, choir, Student Council, library monitors, peer mentoring. Athletics offer, but not limited to: swim team, flag football, team sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball), and track. Social issues involvement, to name a few: Eco Club and Boys/Girls Clubs.
Special Events
Our extensive facility, with two large gymnasiums, a pool, and backing onto Topham Park allows us to host a number of athletic tournaments each year. We are an ECO school and have received the Gold Award in 2017. We celebrate the many heritage months recognized in the TDSB. Workshops through TDSBCreates and other guidance programs are offered at GAB.
Student Life - Where You Belong
In addition to the rich co-curricular activities and the cultural events we offer to all our students, we also emphasize the importance of global responsibilities in order to accentuate our character education program. Our students support specific worldwide charitable organizations (Me to We, food banks, etc.) through in-school fundraising (dance entry fees) and, closer to home, we also support the local food bank through canned and dry food donations. In order to practice what we preach, staff have asked students to donate nickels to charity in lieu of spending money to buy their teacher a present. Each class elects student representatives that creates our school's Student Council. This is a great way to promote student voice and have our students directly involved in many school decisions.
What Sets Us Apart
At Gordon A. Brown Middle School, we are a dedicated staff of professionals devoted to developing the whole child. We combine high academic expectations for all our students with a wide range of co-curricular activities. We endeavour to develop character through positive citizenship goals, both globally and locally. We live what we teach. Students are supported in every facet of their growth in the adolescent years, be it emotional, social, academic, or athletic, through the variety of programs and services available to them. Our staff is expert at dealing with the adolescent learner, both in and out of the formal classroom situation, and at moving students along the continuum and becoming productive, critical thinkers and global citizens. Our motto is: SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION!
Parent and Community Engagement
Each year, we host Faculty of Education teacher candidates, as well as a number of co-op programs, hosting students from local collegiates. We regularly take part in the Terry Fox Run, and work with our community liaison officer on various programs such as Cyberbullying. Junior Achievement, Learning partnerships and Community links programs round out our community-linked partnership programs. Parents are recognized and celebrated as partners in the learning process, and many school policies are developed with the advice of our School Council and contribution of our students. The School Council and the Home and School Association are involved in organizing a range of community activities.
