Parkside
“School Beautification”
The top three priorities currently being considered:
 Revamp of Parkside library – become the nucleus or “hub” of the school
 Sign at front of school
 Dog’s use of park – safety, cleanliness, “off leash” area, poop n’ scoop, signs, bins, bags – need co-operation and collaboration of City

Items for a later date:
 Playground revival – sports, games
 Exterior lights

“Parenting Supports”
The parenting centre currently exists. Usually a parent council member “staffs” it. Enhancement opportunities exist.
 Parent Centre – hub for parents to drop-in, get info, meet one another and seek ways to engage parent volunteers

Further off-shoots of parent centre could, in the future, include:
 Parenting education
 Newcomer/ Parenting classes on a range of issues

“Enhanced School-day Programming”
Currently offer and plan to continue to offer the following school-based programs:
 Intergenerational programs (Have – will continue) –another way of engaging parent/community volunteers
 Roots of Empathy (Have – will continue)
 “Peace by Peace” – Peace maker program (Have – will continue)
 Active student council (Have – will continue)
 “Random Acts of Kindness Day”

Other opportunities to be considered in the future:
 Weekly skating in lieu of physical education;
 “Let’s play” – City council opportunities
 Ambassador program
 Programs that make use of natural surroundings

“Extra Curricular”
Ideas currently in place or being considered in the short-term:
 Use of facilities on weekends / after school
 Choir visiting seniors’ home
 After school programs – knitting, cubs, chess, games, cooking

Ideas for future consideration
 Rent a time slot – Yoga/Pilates/Karate etc.
 Bike Club
 Sports tournaments

“Food / Nutrition”
The school just completed the application process to go forward with the implementation of a school-wide snack program. May begin with kindergarten children and graduate from there to the entire school.
 Universal snack program

Ideas for future consideration:
 Cook 10 dishes and share
 Food co-op program / Food to Table
 Community kitchen dinners
 Community Garden

“Easing the Transition”
Concerns related to the transition for grade 5 students to middle school resulted in conversation related to easing the transition for both students and parents. The following ideas are a priority for Parkside:
 Cross-age tutoring – academics & athletics with middle and high school students: D.A. Morrison / EYC kids back to Parkside (students who attended Parkside)
 Enhanced interaction with Middle School – reading to grade 1’s; band performances

This idea may be considered at a later date. Partnership with D.A.Morrison would be required.
 Gr.5’s spend time at D.A. Morrison – shadowing, experiencing the environment

Skills and Values of Importance
to the
Parkside Community

Social Interaction Skills & Team Work

Keyboarding

Health

Physical Fitness – Swim & Skate with confidence; basic sport skills

Musical Appreciation & Practical Skill

Resourcefulness (including research skills)

Critical Thinking

Flexibility

Perseverance

Bravery

Problem Solving

Creativity

Respect for Diversity & Differences and Unique Abilities

Literacy – How to gain knowledge

Citizenship

Ownership

Accountability