Dewson is a dynamic, vibrant community school with a rich history of excellence in education since 1884. The original school (corner of Concord Avenue and Dewson Street) consisted of a basement and four rooms on two floors. The school opened December 1884 with 76 pupils; Mrs. J.S. Arthurs was head mistress. Today Dewson offers both English and French Immersion classes for Kindergarten to Grade 6. The school serves over 500 students with key enrichment opportunities in Social Justice programming and the Arts - dance, music and visual art.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enable all students to reach their individual social and academic potential, acquiring the knowledge, skills and values they need to become members of a democratic society, in an inspiring environment that will motivate and enthuse them to practise critical, creative thinking and lifelong learning.
More Information about Dewson Street Junior Public School
Academic Programming
Strong academic programming with both social justice and arts teaching is provided to students at Dewson. Literacy is enhanced in the early years. Our math programming is enriched with our work on math problem solving.
Arts Programming
Dewson has a dynamic arts program with specialist teachers in Dance, Visual Arts and Music for all grades. Further enrichment for our Grade 5 & 6 students with steel pan and strings. As well, all students participate in work with visiting artists through the Ontario Arts Council Education Grants which funded by our School Advisory Council.
Social Justice Programming
Parents and teachers plan focused, informative and enriching programming for all of our students to encourage social justice learning. Topics include: Aboriginal Education and issues, Black History Month, Pink Day, Anti- Bullying, Homophobia and Transphobia. These topics ensure that our students are well informed on their role as leaders and change agents in our society.
Programming Supports at Dewson
Early Intervention Strategies promote student achievement. Our Resource departments supports students in both English and French in both small groups and in the whole classroom. Our ELL students are provided small group instruction as well as family supports. Community supports such as Toronto Public Health assist with annual hearing, dental and vision testing.
Additional Features
● Grade K-3 Daily Snack Program
● Host Faculty of Education Students
● Community Arts Evenings
● Integrated Volunteer Programming
● Host Nursing Students
● Me to We and Community Outreach
Student Life - Where You Belong
Extra Curricular/Enrichment Activities: Students have many options for extracurricular activities both in physical activities. We boast a rich physical education programme with many extracurricular teams. As well, Dewson offers students in Grade 1 & 2 skating, Grade 3 swimming lessons and Grade 4 & 5 skiing lessons while students in Grade 6 earn their CPR certificate. As well, Dewson students participate in monthly visits to our local Toronto public library. Our Kinders are visiting Dufferin Grove park, the firehall and the police station. Our Community Liaison Officer from Toronto Police brings friends for our Early Morning Activity club. Field trips are planned for all classes to ensure an engaged and enriched program.
What Sets Us Apart
The Staff! The Students! The Programs! The Parents! The Community!
"Dewson is a role model community school in the TDSB. Committed and dedicated teachers and staff lead the way in producing a vibrant and enriching program for all those that attend." ---- D. Killeen, parent
"Dewson is a school community where staff, teachers, students, parents and community collaborate to create a safe, caring and accepting school where we all strive for excellence while improving student achievement and well-being." --- D. Williams, parent
Parent and Community Engagement
Get Involved! Study after study has shown that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children's education, and that good schools become even better schools when parents are involved. It is recognized that parent engagement is a key factor in the enhancement of student achievement and well-being. OME
School Advisory Council: The School Council meets regularly to identify support student achievement at Dewson.
Parent Committees: Many opportunities to get involved include: the Arts, Social Justice, FunRaising Fun Fair and Danceathon, Playground/Greening, Safe, Caring and Accepting School, Communications, Afterschool Programs and Ward 10 Council.
Parent/Community Volunteers: We have volunteers who assist in classrooms, in clubs and extra-curricular activities as well as fundraising, arts, field trips, sports coaching, and special events.
