Drewry's school motto is: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Take Responsibility. Drewry Secondary School is a small, special needs school with a clear focus on providing appropriate academic and life skills courses for students in a safe and nurturing environment. We are very responsive to the unique needs of students, their families and the community. The curriculum addresses social/emotional needs, functional life skills, and employability skills. Drewry has small classes with extensive remediation, and a wide variety of co-curricular activities such as athletics, choir, drumming ensemble, Zumba, clubs (e.g. Bingo), field trips, and staff-student sporting events. Placement at Drewry is completed through the quadrant coordinators, according to the student's exceptionality.
D.H.H Program
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program (DHH) offers instruction in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken/written English. Students are also integrated into classes with hearing students throughout the day and have sign language facilitators with them. Acoustically retrofitted classrooms create an optimal learning environment throughout the school. FM amplification systems are set up in each of the classrooms and use infrared technology to amplify and clarify speech. Deaf community connections through community agencies, field trips and invited guests enrich this program.
Food Preparation Program
Drewry has two fully equipped kitchens where students prepare lunches and cater special events such as the Annual Festive Luncheon and Open House in the fall and winter. Lunch is prepared every day in the school's main kitchen. Pasta Mondays and Pizza Fridays are a hit! Grocery shopping, meal planning, food preparation, serving and cleaning are all completed by students. Serving for catered events helps students learn practical, hospitality skills, as they work towards earning their Employability Skills Certificate.
More Information about Drewry Secondary School
Employability Skills and Cooperative Education
Drewry's Co-op Programs offer students pre-placement training in: job applications; résumé and cover letter writing; interview skills; health and safety; as well as travel training. Our In-School Co-op Program provides essential employability skills that students will need before participating in a full-time Co-operative education placement.
Science and Technological Education
Drewry's Science program emphasizes the development of students' numeracy and literacy skills while reinforcing and strengthening science related knowledge and skills required to prepare them for success both at home and in the workplace. Students explore a range of topics. Opportunity is provided to work in our greenhouse as well as nurture and care for animals.
Literacy
The goal of the literacy program at Drewry is to provide students with functional literacy skills designed to both enhance their academic skill sets as well as provide them with skills that are paramount to their success after high school. Students have access to a wide variety of technological resources including Interactive White Boards, and Active Tables.
Music & Visual Arts
Students gain an appreciation of music by participating in a performance based program that includes a choir and drumming ensemble, both of which are regularly featured in school assemblies and outside performances. Students are introduced to different styles of music through attending live performances and participating in workshops led by professional musicians.
Additional Features
● Coop Programs
● Cosmetology
● Sensory Garden
● Best Buddies
● TTC Training
● Multi-Sensory Room
● Drewry Catering Service
● Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Student Life - Where You Belong
Come and join our many extra-curricular activities. We are a small school and we care about each other, so you will always feel welcome. Join one of our many clubs including choir, dance, African drumming, student council, talent shows, gardening, visual arts, dance and cooking. If you love sports, we offer basketball, soccer, bowling excursions, swimming excursions, and staff-student sports during our lunch hour. We value the importance of exploring the community in which we live. As such, opportunities for field trips are provided to such areas as community centres, outdoor education facilities, libraries, museums, art galleries, naturalized sites and the theatre. One of the hallmarks of our school is the fostering of community spirit. As such, we support many opportunities for students to engage with each other such as during fund-raising activities, school dances, school-wide extreme make-overs, and a variety of assemblies highlighting student abilities and celebrating student success.
What Sets Us Apart
We are a small school with small class sizes. Our special school environment enables special education students to be welcomed in a supportive environment. All Drewry students are accepted based on recommendations from their elementary and junior high school and the special education coordinators. We stress mental health and wellness, healthy living choices and community engagement and involvement. We help every student and we teach skills that students will utilize for the rest of their lives. Our teachers and support staff work to accommodate different ability levels. We also incorporate practical opportunities for students to test their new skills in hands-on learning. For those students who need extra assistance, Drewry accesses TDSB and community resources.
Parent and Community Engagement
Drewry Secondary School takes pride in our relationship with a number of community partners such as Surrey Place, Griffin Centre, Community Living, Best Buddies, Project Work, YouthLink, Toronto Public Health, Parks and Recreation. We offer two Open Houses each school year that provides community agencies with an opportunity to interact with the school community. Drewry Secondary School continues to inspire student leaders through the Student Council and Eco Schools Initiative. Within the Student Council, students are involved with many community events and school events such as volunteering at Cummer Valley Lodge, local elementary schools and Parents' Night.
