For the complete detailed school profile on the TDSB site … click here
Fait français
John Fisher is one of only three single-track French Immersion centres as well as the largest French Immersion centre in the TDSB. We are dedicated to the promotion and ongoing use of French within the school, and our involvement in as many French cultural activities as possible.
The French Immersion program at John Fisher begins in Senior Kindergarten, and all instruction is in French until the end of grade three. English language instruction is introduced in Grade 4. Our staff is committed to providing an excellent bilingual academic program supported by a wide variety of extra-curricular activities in athletics, the arts, technology and other student interests. Of our 560 students, the majority (86%) come from homes where English is the primary language.
The ongoing success of the FI program within the school stands at the core of our existence. The school promotes French culture by inviting French authors, organizing an annual Carnaval, participating in the annual Concours d’art oratoire and the Turning Points composition competition. These exemplify our commitment to le fait français.
History
John Fisher PS began in 1816 as a log schoolhouse in the agricultural community of Eglinton, north of the Town of York. Then located steps from historic Montgomery’s Tavern, it was known as Eglinton School. It burned down and was rebuilt on Yonge near Castlefield behind what is now the Capitol Theatre. In 1850, a one-room brick school was built probably on the same site. In 1887, a two-storey, four-room school was built on Erskine.
John Fisher was part of the firm that built the school on the Erskine site and was to became the first Mayor of North Toronto. In 1915 the school was named in his honour to solve the name confusion between it and a new school on Eglinton Avenue, now Eglinton PS. John Fisher began as a “common school” with eight grades and gradually added a school for the deaf, home economics and shop programs. French Immersion was introduced in 1977.
Physical and Health Education
Bilingual Physcial and Health Education specialists cover all strands of the program with children from Kindergarten to Grade 6. This is supplemented by a large and varied Athletics program in some of the following sports: Cross-country running, co-ed flag rugby, co-ed ice hockey, soccer, basketball, badminton, volleyball, track and field, and softball. For more details on the Athletics Program, click here.
Music
Bilingual Music specialists teach the Music curriculum, with an emphasis on vocal Music from Grade 1 to Grade 6. Opportunities to sing in the Primary and Juniors Choirs supplement the Music program, and our Choirs regularly participate successfully in different music festivals. For more details on the Music Program, click here.
Library
Our Library houses an excellent collection of books, magazines, software and other learning resources both in French and English. Special programs and events, such as book fairs and visiting authors, take place in the Library. Student and parent volunteers assist our bilingual teacher-librarian in a variety of welcome ways. For access to the School’s Library, click here.
Green
John Fisher is committed to making this planet a better place. Our students, staff and community have worked diligently for many years to make it an example of eco-conscious learning. We have been recognized for five consecutive years running with a Gold EcoSchools designation and have received the Platinum level for 2009-2010 & 2010-2011 school years. Click here for more information.
Character
Character development is an important focus for John Fisher and the TDSB. The 10 Character Traits have been widely promoted, and this initiative benefits both staff and students by fostering a climate of respect and cooperation conducive to better learning.
Staff, students and parents have benefited from workshops by behaviour consultants such as Ron Morrish and Martin Himmelson. John Fisher intends to build on this momentum in partnership with School Council. One of our short term goals is to revise the code of conduct for students, school staff and parent, to recast it in terms of the positive behaviours that exemplify the character traits promoted by the TDSB.
Student Success
Student success is the fundamental mandate of educators. Through Teaching and Learning Critical Pathways, the school looks to identify areas of need and develop the most effective strategies to support student success.
Student Life
A student’s life at John Fisher is very exciting as every day they learn something new. John Fisher offers many learning opportunities and activities. The days can at times start quite early if a student is involved in athletics, morning choir practice or drama rehearsal. It can go beyond school hours if he or she participates in the After 4 program, with activities such as Art, Science and Computer Game Design are offered. Students tell us they love Carnaval, which is held each Winter, where they join with schoolmates of all ages to play games and celebrate. Others tell us how they will always remember their trip to the Island School in grade 5, or to Montreal in grade 6. For some, sports are their personal highlight, and they are proud of how well John Fisher performs in competitions. Finally, all agree that John Fisher is a place where everyone can make friends.
What sets us apart
As one of only three French Immersion Centres in the entire TDSB, John Fisher P.S. offers a unique opportunity for students to experience French in all aspects of their school life.
- John Fisher has an excellent Physical Education program and a long history of athletic success in boardwide competitions.
- Our choir program has been recognized as one of the best in the TDSB and will continue to be a focus of support in the future.
- John Fisher benefits from deep and broad support from the community.
Throughout the year, John Fisher holds special events that continue to define the character of the school. Click here for more information.
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