We are extremely proud to be a triple-track school with approximately 430 students in grades 6 to 8 studying English, Immersion or Extended French. Willowdale Middle School embraces a diverse student population with a strong focus on the academics, arts and athletics. Our Science, Physical Education, Music and Visual Art programs are all taught by teachers who are Subject Specialists. Our school was originally designed as a junior high school, and in 1985 was converted to a middle school. Two years later the French Immersion Program was established, and in 2007 the Extended French Program was added. The school community is nestled in North York, one of the fastest growing areas for commercial and residential development in the city.
Student Leadership
Willowdale Middle School students are provided numerous opportunities to develop positive leadership skills. These skills are fostered through our Student Council, Eco-Club, and a variety of other clubs and sports teams that are offered at our school. Our Term Awards Assemblies recognize academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. In addition, we are a Future Aces school and every Friday, students are recognized as Willowdale Aces for demonstrating one or more of the following character traits: positive attitude, cooperation, confidence, courage, sportsmanship and service to others.
Interesting Feature
Technology
Willowdale Middle School is moving to a wireless computing model. Our iPads, Laptops and Notebooks allow students at different grade levels to use web-based applications in many instructional areas within our school. The integration of technology into teaching and learning is a strong emerging focus. Our Learning Resource Centre is heavily used by classes from all subject areas. In addition, we have Smartboards in several classrooms including our school Library and Instrumental Music Room. In addition, our ISP classrooms each have a Promethian Board.
More Information about Willowdale Middle School
French
Willowdale Middle School is very proud to be a triple-track school. All of our students study French (Core, Immersion or Extended). In addition to strengthening students' ability to communicate, learning another language develops their awareness of how language and culture interconnect, helping them appreciate and respect the diversity of Canadian and global societies.
Music
We believe that music is an important part of the education of middle school students. Vocal music is taught in Grade 6, and Instrumental Music (Band) instruction is taught in Grades 7 and 8. All of our students receive their music instruction by teachers who are talented and passionate Subject Specialists in music.
Special Education
Willowdale Middle School is committed to supporting every student, every day of the year. We provide indirect, in-class and withdrawal Resource support to students depending upon their level of need. We have a Home School Program and we house two Central ISP Programs providing intensive support focusing on both the academic and social skill needs of the students.
Extra-Curricular
We offer a large variety of extra-curricular clubs and teams that appeal to our students' needs and interests. Our various inter-school sports include basketball, cross-country, slow-pitch, soccer, track & field, volleyball. Our Wintermurals provide for increased student involvement in the athletics with fun, non-competitive sports for students of all athletic abilities.
Additional Features
- Jazz, Junior & Senior Bands
- Junior & Senior Choirs
- Intramural & Inter-School Sports
- Platinum EcoSchools Certification
- Student Nutrition Program
- Student Council & Other Clubs
- Smartboards & LRC
- iPads, Laptops & Notebooks
Student Life - Where You Belong
At Willowdale Middle School, we place a strong emphasis on the academics as well as other aspects of adolescent development. Our School Improvement Plan involves a rigorous planning process with three areas of foci: Achievement, Equity and Well-Being. In addition, we focus our efforts in a number of ways on Character Development and emphasize attributes, such as respect, that are essential in the social, academic and emotional growth of every learner. We are extremely proud to have earned the highest level of Eco-School Certification (Platinum). This school-wide initiative promotes eco-literacy, personal action and societal responsibility when it comes to energy, sustainability, and the environment. Classroom environmental projects combined with monthly Eco-Club campaigns help communicate information and enhance understanding. Our goal is to produce eco-responsible students who can meet the environmental challenges of the future. Our staff work very hard every day to meet the needs of middle level learners, to provide support and motivation, and to continuously challenge them to become responsible citizens in our global community.
What Sets Us Apart
- Arts: Holiday Concert, MusicFest, Arts Night, Jazz Band, Junior & Senior Band, Junior & Senior Choir, French Choir, Talent Show, Prologue to the Performing Arts and field trips to live performances (Matilda).
- Eco-School: Platinum Certification, Eco-Club, Mascot Point System, Eco-Conference, Eco-Olympics. - Academic & Character Recognition: Awards Assemblies, Willowdale Aces, Canadian National Math League.
- Educational Excursions: Gibson House, Forest Valley, Mono Cliffs, Montreal, ROM, Science Centre.
- Science Enrichment: Gecko Program, Science Olympiad, Engineers in Residence, Robotics and Coding Clubs.
- Sports & Clubs: Intramural, Wintermurals & Inter-School Teams. Student Council, Library Monitors, Office Helpers, Silver Birch, Red Maple, French Club, Chess Club and others.
Parent and Community Engagement
At Willowdale, we welcome school and community partnerships. Each year we host high school students for Co-Op placements, students in the Child & Youth Worker program at Humber College, and Teacher Candidates from various universities. The fundamental goal of our School Council is in this guiding intent: The Willowdale Middle School Council will work to positively and constructively affect the education of its students. The Willowdale School Council is committed to forging a strong school.
We have two annual fundraisers which provide funds for enrichment and revitalization at the school:
- QSP Campaign (Organized by the School/Parent Council)
- Achieve IT! (This fundraiser is to generate funds for enrichment in the area of technology. Families who make a $100 donation have their name engraved on a plaque in the main hallway of the school.)
