H. A. Halbert Jr. Public School, built in 1951 and named after a school inspector, is nestled in a park like setting in the Cliffcrest Community. A TDSB Model Inner City School, Halbert students, benefit from access to a variety of programs and services including vision and hearing screening. With the help of a Community Support Worker, parents participate in a variety of workshops geared to their expressed needs and interests. Teachers work, in consultation with Literacy and Numeracy Coaches, to assess and evaluate students, plan and implement classroom programs which utilize high yield teaching strategies and where instruction is differentiated to address the specific needs of all students.

Library

We are continuing our efforts to make the library a central hub of the school. A well-equipped library is an invaluable school wide resource for promoting literacy. We continue to add to the collection with the best and most up-to-date materials available. Partnering opportunities between the librarian and classroom teachers exist to deliver integrated and cross-curricular programming for students. Every year, our students participate in the "Forest of Reading" program which encourages students to read recently published Canadian books. This program generates enthusiasm for reading and concludes with a celebration at Harbourfront.

Interesting Feature

Supportive Programs

Halbert offers a Full Day Kindergarten program where students are supported by a classroom Kindergarten Teacher working in collaboration with an ECE (Early Childhood Educator). A Deaf/Hard of Hearing Kindergarten program, Special Education Resource and Home School Programs, and Primary and Junior Autism Programs, all provide students with a variety of levels of support according to their learning needs.

More Information about H.A. Halbert Junior Public School

Early Learning Program

Halbert offers 3 classes of full-day kindergarten. Our "Kindergarten Suite" is a bright, attractive and well-equipped space with its own entrance foyer and washrooms for the children. The program provides a focus on inquiry and play-based purposeful learning focused on literacy and math skills as well as the development of social skills.

2016 Premier's Award for Accepting Schools

At Halbert, we know that a safe and caring school culture is built on a foundation where students, parents and teachers have a shared understanding of school expectations and where caring and mutual respect are evident in our daily interactions with one another. That respect extends to our school and playground environment.

School Council

We welcome and actively encourage an active partnership between home and school. Being involved in your child's school can take many forms from attending school events, assisting with field trips, classroom volunteering, participating in school fundraising and shaping the priorities of the school in consultation with the principal and school staff.

Technology

Integrating technology into all curriculum areas is a focus at H.A. Halbert. Our school wireless and working to update our computers. Many of our teachers use the Promethean Interactive Whiteboard for engaging and stimulating lessons. Our grade 4-6 students use Chromebooks regularly in their programs and we are working towards being paperless by using google classroom. 

Additional Features

• welcoming office
• warm & inclusive environment
• bright classrooms
• music program: band & strings
• large playground area
• upgraded library/computer lab
• variety of clubs, teams, activities
• wheelchair accessible washroom 

Student Life - Where You Belong

Not only do our students work hard when they are in the classroom, but they are quite busy with the variety of clubs, teams and activities that are offered at H.A. Halbert. Basketball, soccer, slo-pitch, volleyball and cross-country provide an opportunity for students to develop their level of fitness and also to practice skills of teamwork and cooperation. The students in grade 5 and 6 participate in either the band or the strings ensemble and they enjoy taking part in music festivals and performing for our parents. Choir groups and recorder clubs round out our musical offerings. The Student Leadership club plays a very important role at our school throughout the year. Our teachers enjoy working with such an energetic and creative group of students.

What Sets Us Apart

We are fortunate to have talented and enthusiastic teachers who provide an excellent learning environment and a variety of learning opportunities for our students. Although we are a small school, we are certainly very busy! Excursions help to extend the learning outside of the classroom - visiting the Toronto Urban Studies Centre, the local Fire Station, various events and performances around Toronto, are all ways to enrich student learning. Every year, we host a number of special evening events that bring families together at the school to celebrate student success. Our students are creative and energetic and they enjoy taking part in a variety of projects. The photograph features our primary students who created their own "Olympic Torch" that was selected to be displayed at Toronto City Hall.

Parent and Community Engagement

Many of our classes regularly visit Cliffcrest Library, our local public library, conveniently located minutes away in the Cliffcrest Plaza. Parent volunteers are actively involved in projects such as homework bookbags, Reading Around Scarborough and various student clubs. Monthly pizza lunches are organized by Council members. Every year, H.A. Halbert hosts ECE (Early Childhood Education) students from Ryerson University so they can complete their school placement and benefit from the expertise of our staff. Neighbourhood walks and visits to the local Fire Station are important in the primary grades. Every December, students and their parents contribute to the Halbert "Food Train". Canned and dry goods are donated to local charities. The Terry Fox Walk is our annual charity event to raise money for cancer research. We welcome regular visits from our Community Liaison Officer.

Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They are community-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety of opportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices.

Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice, access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financial stability.