Blaydon Public School is located in the Downsview community west of Keele Street and north of Wilson Avenue. The school opened in 1955 and was expanded in 1977. Blaydon is a small school in a close-knit community serving a diverse cultural population. Blaydon Daycare is on site and serves our local community. Blaydon recognizes that our mission is to improve student achievement and instill values that serve students and their families. Our focus is in the analysis of data and the design of programs to meet individual needs. Parents play an integral role and are encouraged to be actively involved in school life by connecting regularly with teachers, attending school functions such as School Council and other curriculum focused events.
Aiming High
At Blaydon, we set high expectations for all students. Dedicated teachers provide learning opportunities designed to build higher level thinking across the curriculum both in the 'outdoor' and indoor classroom. We gather and assess data to design learning tasks to meet the individual needs of all students. We offer special education programs and services to meet all needs such as behavioural, communication, intellectual, physical and multiple learning disabilities. All students are encouraged to take part in extra curricular activities such as violin lessons, ping pong, skipping and sports to develop their skills, interests and abilities.
Building Partnerships
At Blaydon, we value the growth and development of the whole child from pre-school age on up to the end of Grade 5 when they leave for middle school. We liaise with our on-site daycare, Blaydon Daycare to assist with readiness activities for future students. We also work with outside agencies and provide readiness workshops for parents and young learners entering the school system. We provide opportunities for students to build leadership and empathy skills through activities such as Milk Bed Mats, Jump Rope for Heart, Bubble Run for Sick Children's Hospital.
More Information about Blaydon Public School
Building Strong Literacy Skills
We aim to build literacy skills that will encourage students to be actively engaged as a life long learner. Our school improvement plan focuses on implementing higher order thinking skills which will enable children to critically think and respond to a variety of social justice issues. These issues are presented through a variety of media texts (books, posters, videos).
Numeracy
We are learning to implement a balanced math program including 3 part math lessons, math journals and higher order questioning to assist students as they solve complex problems. Math manipulatives are integrated into authentic learning opportunities designed to provide students with the strategies and tools they need to be effective problem solvers.
Creating a Safe Community of Culture and Caring
Our focus is to build a culture where students feel safe and are ready to learn. We strive to ensure that we have a respectful, positive and supportive learning environment for all. Character Trait assemblies, 'Young Women on the Move', Second Steps program and Future Aces bring an awareness to our students and demonstrate the need for an inclusive environment.
Engaging our Parents and Community
We endeavour to involve parents as much as possible in their children's learning and success. Our School Council works together with our Model Schools Community Support Worker to engage parents through BBQ's, special interest speakers and community supports. Our parent volunteers work diligently to assist staff and students with classroom learning and special events.
Additional Features
● Extended French- Grades 4 and 5
● Tutors in the Classroom
● Resource Support Programs
● Newcomer Kids Programme
● Special Education ISP Programs
● Hungarian Settlement Worker
● English language Learner Programs
● Young Women on The Move
Student Life - Where You Belong
Students at Blaydon are involved in a variety of activities designed to develop the whole child. Because we offer an extended French program for grades 4 and 5, many of our initiatives include French language opportunities. Students can take part in extra curricular sports activities such as borden ball, soccer, cross country, track and basketball. They can also learn about the environment through ECO initiatives, conservation awareness and school yard cleanup. The PALS program has been implemented to give the opportunity for older students to develop their leadership skills by engaging younger students in the school yard through cooperative games and activities. Blaydon is part of the Model School Cluster initiative and is offered opportunities to visit special locations such as the Science Centre, the Toronto Zoo and theatre performances. Students have opportunities to learn to ballroom dance, play the violin, and play chess and mancala with community members. Our morning meal snack program offers students a 3 part meal and a healthy start to their day. Blaydon students have many opportunities to learn about their world within their small school environment.
What Sets Us Apart
At Blaydon, we work to create an inclusive and cooperative environment where all students can experience success. Our primary goal is to build student success and instill values and beliefs that will enable students to be successful members of society. Our staff work to differentiate instruction and provide students with the approach they need to complement their learning styles. In this way, we monitor, celebrate and improve our efforts in providing a supportive and challenging learning environment for all. Our teachers take part in developing Teacher-Learning Critical Pathways in literacy and mathematics. These pathways are designed to set goals for student learning and help to make informed decisions for school improvement planning. Relevant materials focusing on social justice issues and individual points of view are an integral part of our Teaching-Learning critical Pathways. Input is obtained from a variety of sources such as student assessments, teacher feedback, parent feedback and community surveys. Students routinely receive feedback that is constructive and positive.
Parent and Community Engagement
Blaydon strives to make our school the centre of the community. We collaborate with community/social agencies such as Adventure Place, Hincks-Dellcrest, Northwood Neighbourhood Services , 31 Division of the Police Department and the Downsview Public Library. School Council is involved in application of Safe and Caring Schools Policy, school improvement planning, setting school budget, fundraising, equity and cultural issues,special events, planning end of term celebration of student success events, selection of school photography company and planning graduation ceremonies. They volunteer in the classrooms and library and support parent evenings for health, parenting, school celebrations, family night and curriculum night. Parents, staff and community work together in a partnership which connects all stakeholders and strives to create high expectations and success for all.
