Fairmount Public School was built in 1951 at the foot of Fairmount Avenue, now known as Dorset Road. Additions were made to the original 8-room building in 1953, 1956 and 1962. An interesting historical feature of the school is a set of three architectural sculptures designed by the builder, Murray Brown, depicting the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics. These are on the outside north wall of the school. Centred in an older neighbourhood, bordering on the Scarborough Bluffs, the school has seen a great fluctuation in enrolment over the years. Currently, the school population is stable as more young families move into the community. We currently house a Sunshine Daycare.
ARTS BASED CURRICULUM/ S.T.E.A.M.
Fairmount Public School is the Arts Based Curriculum School for the South East Quadrant of the TDSB. Through the arts and STEAM we provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills and to build their knowledge through inquiry and experience. We will also bring a focus in STEAM education. This brings together the arts, science, technology, engineering and math through inquiry based learning.
Defining Arts Based Education
An APPROACH to TEACHING in which students construct and demonstrate UNDERSTANDING through an ART FORM. Students engage in a CREATIVE PROCESS which CONNECTS an art form and another subject area and meets EVOLVING OBJECTIVES in both.
More Information about Fairmount Public School
Reggio...."Nothing without joy." (Loris Malaguzzi)
Our full day Kindergarten classrooms are being inspired by the work of educators in a town in Italy called Reggio Emilia. The educators there have become world renowned in their approach to Early Childhood Education. The value they place on teaching children to use the arts as a means of thinking and expression fits well with our own ABC and inquiry approach.
Free The Children
We are proud to be affiliated with Free The Children. Since 2007, our students have raised sufficient funds to build a school in Africa. What an achievement! This year we had our own mini "We Day" assembly.
Technology
We are committed to providing our students with experiences using a variety of Technological tools. Chromebooks, Ipads, and desktop computers add to the work that our students complete. We continue to build resources for technology each year.
Positive Climate
At Fairmount we continue to strive for a positive climate which invites all learners to strengthen who they are as individuals and to build their self-esteem. We also incorporate mindfulness in our school life such as gratefulness journals, yoga and meditation.
Additional Features
● Safety Patrollers
● Library and Computer Lab
● STEAM Hub
● Peer Mentorship Boys/Girls Club
● Various clubs and activities
Student Life - Where You Belong
Our students at Fairmount are taught to speak out and be involved in their learning. Student voice is an important part of our culture and we value the ideas and suggestions from our grade 1 to 8 Student Council. Our school is a very active place to learn. All students are encouraged to join one of the many clubs or teams that are offered. Our Arts Based approach teaches students to become creative problem solvers. We have many guest artists who come into the school to work with students on special art projects. We focus on having older students know their own learning styles so they understand the best ways to experience academic success. The older students work with the younger ones as learning buddies. Many of our students are involved in activities outside of the school (i.e. dance, hockey, soccer) so they are learning to balance busy schedules. Our students go on a number of trips and we try to have all of the grade 5 to 8 students attend an overnight outdoor education experience (Kearney & Sheldon). Fairmount students are a well rounded happy group!
What Sets Us Apart
When you walk through the halls of Fairmount you can sense something very special. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and student work adorns our hallways. Students are valued, included and have a voice! Our committed, experienced parents and staff work closely in order to meet the needs of our students. Our status as an ABC school allows children the opportunity to not only develop academic skills but valuable learning and life skills. The arts allow for differentiated instruction and children can learn through their preferred modality. Staff and parents support the arts, sports, literacy and countless other activities such as Scientists in the Schools where we always need extra hands! Fairmount is a very busy, active place with many people coming and going with one thing in mind, the well being of all of our students. We are all committed to raising life-long learners, critical thinkers and responsible citizens. We truly live by and believe that it takes a village to raise children. Fairmount is that village!
Parent and Community Engagement
Dedicated parents share their time and abilities within the school community fueled by the desire to make Fairmount the best learning environment that it can be for present and future students. Parents help our young learners by volunteering in the classroom; lending their professional expertise to projects and special events and literacy programs. Valuable resources are acquired through successful fundraising events such as our annual book fair and Fall Fair. Proceeds are poured directly back into the school in the form of technology, manipulatives and other supports to enhance learning. Hours of work are committed to school council by parents and to extra-curricular activities such as coaching sports, theatre arts, art clubs and more! The result is a strong, friendly supportive school community which models for students what hard work, fun and teamwork can accomplish.
