Harrison Public School is located in the Bayview/York Mills community. The school serves over 200 children from Kindergarten through Grade 6, representing language groups from China, Iran, Turkey, Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Spain, and the Philippines. Seventy-eight percent of the students were born in Canada. The school is so well established that there are children of past Harrison graduates currently attending the school. Harrison is a neighbourhood school which is proudly and accurately known as "The Small School with the Big Heart".
International Baccalaureate
Harrison P.S. is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School. Harrison delivers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students from JK through Grade 6. The school has been accredited since April 2003.
Interesting Feature
Our Motto
The Harrison school community works together to foster inclusion, develop excellence and promote creativity. We encourage a joy for lifelong learning and respect for all. We celebrate diversity through a global perspective and empower everyone to become responsible and compassionate citizens of the world.
More Information about Harrison Public School
Platinum Eco School
As a recognized Platinum Eco School, students, staff, and parents work together to raise awareness, improve efficiency, conserve energy, and engage others in green initiatives throughout the school community. Harrison P.S. completed an Eco Greening project which resulted in an outdoor classroom of trees and seating rocks in our school yard.
Technology
Each classroom at Harrison P.S. has a smartboard and the school is rich with iPads. Classrooms use the computer lab on a daily basis integrating various software programs into the regular program. Students have access to Read Write & Gold and other programs to support their learning.
Athletics and Clubs
Students are given many opportunities to participate in a variety of athletic teams like cross country, soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, track n' field. Students also enjoy participating in a variety of clubs like drama /dance, eco team, chess n' math, boys reading, choir. These are among the many programs organized and operated by staff and parent volunteers.
Community Culture and Caring
Our goal is to build an inclusive culture that is safe, respectful and orderly through a range of school-wide initiatives. Profusion of Inclusion is an example where students meet in multi-grade groups for focused lessons on character development.
Additional Features
- Diagnostic Kindergarten Program
- YMCA After School Care
- Prologue Performances
- Fit for Life
- TDSB Mandarin and Farsi classes
- Safe and Caring Schools Committee
- IB Assemblies
- Talent Show
Student Life - Where You Belong
"Being a student at Harrison Public School is something that we'll remember forever."
"Every teacher makes our life at school fun and educational by showing and teaching us about the IB Attitudes in a creative way."
"School at Harrison is really fun. There are lots of extracurricular activities to choose from, so this school is for everyone. Our school is small, so everyone knows everyone too. Our classes are small and we are taught by wonderful teachers. Overall, we think that this is one of the best elementary schools in the world!"
"Harrison has so many amazing extra curricular programs to choose from. The teams, clubs, and other programs offer something to everyone."
"At Harrison P.S., everyone is welcome! I moved here in the middle of the year and made friends right away."
"Harrison P.S. is the same school that my parents went to!"
What Sets Us Apart
Harrison P.S. was the first public school in Ontario to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School and for over 10 years now, we have been delivering the Primary Years Program to our students. This renowned program develops students' academic, social, and emotional growth through units of inquiry and a focus on the IB learner profile attributes and attitudes. It prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. Our teachers have participated in specialized professional development and we are an active member of the International Baccalaureate Schools of Ontario with teachers from other accredited schools in the province.
Parent and Community Engagement
Parents and community members are actively involved in various aspects of school life at Harrison. Our knowledgeable and supportive School Council meets regularly to discuss information about curriculum, school safety, and special events at the school. The School Council hosts a number of spirited community events such as the Fall Welcome Back BBQ, Family Holiday Skate, Family Movie Night, and the annual Spring Fun Fair. Parents support our many programs at Harrison by fundraising, volunteering as drivers for sporting events, coaching and leading extracurricular activities, and providing weekly Pizza Lunches. We have a strong connection with our neighbouring schools Windfields JHS and York Mills CI by hosting school events in their much larger facilities, providing co-op student placements, and participating in transitions activities to prepare our Grade 6s for what lies ahead.
Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They are community-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety of opportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices.
Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice, access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financial stability.
