D.A. Morrison M.S.

271 Gledhill Avenue
Toronto M4C 4L2
Web Site

D.A.Morrison
“Enhanced School-Day Programs”
The following is a new idea for D.A.Morrison that would link to several curriculum areas:
 Re-open design and tech lab that currently exists in the school but is “closed”. Lab would enhance family studies programs such as cooking, sewing, health/nutrition (kitchen facilities needed) Focus on green technology. Seek possible partnerships or sponsorships with business sector as a way to bridge community; Corporate Citizenship ie. IKEA; Home Depot.
 Gardening on site tied into to health/nutrition initiatives. Possible partnership with community run greenhouse

These ideas are currently in place. They will be maintained and may be expanded upon in the future:
 Intergenerational Programs – ITLC-crafts + seniors/computers
 Currently use a “block timetable” to provide less transitions for students throughout their school day

“Parent and Community Engagement”
A range of ideas, some currently in progress and others to be revisited for further refinement and enhancement:
 Build school website – notes are not getting home, easier for teachers to communicate, links ie. to library page, need to be more proactive with email addresses, site “discover zone” – premier agenda
 Parent involvement in the school:
 Evening programs for parents – in partnership with settlement worker, continuing education, “YES”
 “Enrichment afternoons” – access to different kinds of hands on activities, learning; opportunities to build community – career links
 Pool – made use of by neighbouring schools, offers opportunities to work with Parks and Rec

“Easing the Transition”
Currently:
 Have a range of programs and systems in place currently to help introduce new students to the school including student council, FEA, prefect system (student leaders), grade 5 tours and transition meetings with feeder schools. Also - Principal visiting with incoming students while in gr.5; offer reading challenge to incoming students

Ideas for future consideration:
 “Buddy program” – match grade 5 students with grade 7’s prior to the transition
 Peer mentors / involve alumni including secondary alumni as mentors and also to work on school website

“Safety”
Tried or in progress:
 Crossing Guard – previously applied and turned down
 Welcoming Environment – names in with TD for plants and Home Depot. Parents report that staff in general and office staff in particular are very approachable, acknowledging and welcoming. This is important as it “sets the tone for the school”.

Issue identified that needs more attention:
 Distance Crescent Town kids have to walk to D.A. Morrison, sidewalks, traffic – grade 6’s are bussed, not others – equity issue, need to provide either TTC tickets or bussing for those in CT area. Suggest board should do an analysis on attendance by distance. Have decision makers come and see the site and distance children must travel.

Skills & Values of Importance
to the
D.A.Morrison Community

Honesty Responsibility

Empathy Respect

Perseverance Integrity

Teamwork Kindness

Courage Patience

Social Skills Engaged Children

Programs that allow students to have a sense of accomplishment

Empowerment Hands-On Skills

Open & Non-Judgmental Mind