Lynnwood Heights is located in the Agincourt community on the north side of Southlawn Drive. The school first opened in 1956 with a population of over 400 students. The school serves approximately 145 students representing many different cultures. About 80% of our students have a primary language other than English. Lynnwood Heights is committed to promoting an effective partnership where open communication and collaboration are valued. We strive to maintain this team approach, as it enables our students to become productive, contributing members of our Canadian society. Students have the right to a safe and secure environment. They are taught safe practices and respect for themselves, others and the environment.
Parenting and Family Literacy Centre
Our school is very fortunate to have a thriving centre where parents and caregivers can network with friends and acquire strategies to support their young children. Children and their families enjoy playing with the toys and learning at activity centres, participating in the gym and learning through songs and stories. Snack time and "Pot Luck" lunches are always popular as are joint activities with the kindergarten such as Lunar New Year activities and the Teddy Bears' Picnic. Children acquire social skills that help smooth the transition into kindergarten. Many children love going back to visit as this program is available up to age six.
Student Life - Where You Belong
Despite our size, teachers are dedicated to providing co-curriular activities that appeal to our students.These have ranged from cross-country and track and field athletics to reading clubs and yoga and craft clubs where students have learned traditional skills such as knitting and cross-stitch embroidery. We also have had choirs and folk dancing groups for primary and junior students. Leadership groups such as student council share the voice of students with the larger School Council group.
What Sets Us Apart
Our school is fortunate to have both a band and strings program available to all students in grade 5 and grade 6. As an Eco -school students are exploring many ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint. They participated in the Candian Geographic Energy Diet competition and placed 2nd nationally for the number of challenges completed. The Arts are integrated into our language block to enhance differentiated instruction. We have had a Social Justice Leadership group which has discussed and promoted many causes relating to equity and inclusion. They organized Unicef fundraising, supported the food drive for Agincourt Community Services, and provided information regarding the UN Declaration regarding Rights of the Child. Several members were recognized for their participation in the Mathieu Da Costa writing challenge. Students have participated in Speech Arts for several years and their confidence and ability to persuade an audience has increased.
Parent and Community Engagement
We encourage local secondary school teachers and students to become involved with our school and facilitate opportunities for secondary school and college students who are interested in the field of education as a career. This year we are hosting Osler, Ryerson and Seneca College cooperative students. The school council focuses on enriching the lives of our students through involvement in a variety of ways: adult volunteers assist on excursions, in the classroom and for special events and outreach programs. The Family Literacy and Parenting Centre opened September 2008, which creates links between preschool and kindergarten programs and eases the transition for children and their families. This is particularly significant as the province moves towards full day kindergarten.
