Equinox Holistic Alternative School was founded in 2009 and its mission is to "nurture, inspire and educate the Whole Child." It is located outside, on the 1st, and 3rd floors of Roden P.S. and is home to Canada's first outdoor kindergarten program. We have JK to Gr. 8 programs including Special Education Resource and Home School Programs (HSP) and delivered through the principles of Holistic Education of balance, inclusion and connection. We have an active school council along with a student council and staff professional learning communities that provides essential connections with each other and the greater school community.
A Unique Teaching and Learning Environment
Equinox Holistic Alternative School is dedicated to the holistic teaching and learning philosophy, allowing for the child's "head, heart and hands" to be engaged in his/her day to day learning. Storytelling is an important part of our teaching, as well as outdoor education and social justice. Full day Kindergarten children spend half of their day outside, and the Grade 1 to 8 students take part in weekly outings to local parks, ravines and woodland areas, observing and interacting with their environment.
Equinox Holistic Alternative School Council
The Equinox Holistic Alternative School Council is involved in many day-to-day activities at the school and is an integral part of our decision-making process. The council meets on a regular basis throughout the school year to discuss current educational matters that affect our school community. The School Council advises the principal and the Board on a variety of issues and activities relating to student achievement, curriculum goals and priorities, school budget, school safety, renovation plans, after school activities, and criteria for the selection of new principals.
More Information about Equinox Holistic Alternative School
Roden Child Care Centre
The Roden Child Care Centre is located on the second floor of our school, and serves the needs of children from 2 and a half to 12 years of age. The child care staff work closely with the teaching staff in order to ensure communication regarding our students' individual needs. They are an important and valued community partner. For more info, call 416-461-3010.
Eco-School
Equinox is a recognized TDSB Eco-School with PLATINUM status. We have very active Eco-Clubs and believe in reducing, reusing, recycling and thinking ecologically. We have put various actions into place to ensure that we are taking care of our school, the environment and the world we live in.
Itinerant Music Programs
Itinerant Music Programs are available to our students in Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. Our Itinerant Music teachers visit the school weekly to instruct the Steel Pan Band, Instrumental Band, Strings Band and ORFF.
Parent and Family Literacy Centre
The PFLC is located on the first floor of the building in Area 15. It is open Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 12:45 pm, and welcomes all parents, caregivers and their children up to 6 years of age. Through active play, hands on activities and music, skills are developed that help to prepare our parents and their children for school in later years.
Student Life - Where You Belong
Equinox offers many learning and leadership opportunities for all of our students, through various clubs and teams, such as: Student Council, Student Ambassadors, Prefect Program, Recess Revival, Playground Leaders, Office Helpers, Read-Up Club, Eco-Club, Karate Kids, Dance Club, Drama Club, Chess Club, Ukulele Club, U-School Club, Lego Club, Lego Robotics Club, Rainbow Loom Club, Jewelry Club, Colouring Club, Swim Program (at Bowmore PS), Intramurals (House League Floor Hockey, Indoor Soccer and Primary Sports League), Grade 7/8 Sports Club (with Toronto Police), Cross Country Running, Track and Field, Volleyball Teams, Basketball Teams, Soccer Teams, Ultimate Frisbee Teams, Slo-Pitch Teams, Cricket Teams and Community Liaison Police Partnership.
What Sets Us Apart
Equinox Holistic Alternative School aims to teach all aspects of the child: head, heart and hands - the whole child. Equinox is dedicated to the holistic teaching philosophy and has developed a holistic approach to education based on Jack Miller's book, "The Holistic Curriculum." Safety and the well-being of the children is our highest priority. Equinox and the TDSB value learning environments that are safe, nurturing, positive and respectful. Equinox and the TDSB are committed to equitable and inclusive practice, and value the uniqueness and diversity of our students and community. Our teachers are deeply committed to public/alternative education and believe that every child can be successful. We believe that all students can reach high levels of academic achievement within the Ontario Curriculum, and encourage collaborative communities and cohesive partnerships with students, staff, parents and the community. Equinox is committed to ecological thinking and protecting the environment.
Parent and Community Engagement
Parent and community involvement is vital to ensure student success. Research indicates that students do better in school when parents are actively involved. Our parents are expected to dedicate 20 hours of volunteer time to the school, by assisting on field trips, volunteering in our school library and classrooms, organizing special events and fundraisers, and supporting our breakfast and snack programs. We work in partnership with Ashdale Public Library, Eastdale Community Health, Big Brothers and Sisters, Gerrard / Ashdale Business Assoc., Roots of Empathy, universities/colleges/secondary schools, Scientists in Schools, and outdoor ed programs (e.g.) PINE and Brickworks. We invite parents to attend Curriculum Night, Open House Evenings, Family Numeracy and Literacy Evenings and Welcome to Kindergarten.
