Colonel J.E. Farewell PS: A Vibrant Learning Community

Our school is comprised of a very diverse community with a strong spirit! Currently, our school has approximately 450 students. We have a Primary Language Class , a Junior/Intermediate Associated Class and a Primary Structured Learning Classroom in addition to a number of mainstream classrooms. We pride ourselves on having a very dedicated staff who believe strongly that “all students can learn.”

Our school motto is “If you believe, you can achieve.” There has always been a strong focus on academic skills, knowledge and values. In addition, we have worked diligently to provide a well-rounded experience for all of our students, under the umbrella of our 4 A’s Program:Academics, Attitude, Arts and Athletics. We have an active co-curricular program that supports the development of student leadership.

Colonel J.E. Farewell: A Rich Local History 

Col. J.E. Farewell P.S. was opened in 1983. The school is named after Colonel John Edwin Farewell who was one of the most important and influential figures in the early part of our community's history. He was referred to as "The Grand Old Man of Ontario County", and distinguished himself in many fields, including, writing, law and the military.

Col. Farewell was born in East Whitby township in 1840, a descendant of Irish ancestors who lived in Lower Canada (Quebec). As an infant he was adopted by Abraham Farewell, the member of parliament for South Ontario. He was educated at Whtiby and barrie high schools and lived most of his adult life at the corner of Byron and Ontario streets in the downtown area of Whitby. His house still stands, though it has been considerably remodeled.

J.E. Farewell was the founder of the Provincial Association of Public and High School Trustees in 1887. He took an active interest in education from his late teens when he became a teacher in the old Henry Street Public school (now the site of R.A. Sennett school). In 1874 he became a Whitby school trustee and later chairman of the Board. His interest continued for 50 years. He was also a great promoter of Whitby and of Ontario County.