Curious about what makes Elmbank Junior Middle Academy a landmark? Elmbank Junior Middle Academy stands at the corner of Martin Grove and Finch Avenue West. It lies in the heart of Jamestown. Since its construction in 1967, it has been a vital part of the neighborhood.
Elmbank serves around 600 students. These students range from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. The school offers diverse educational experiences. It caters to diverse needs. Students from the surrounding area attend Elmbank. Others come from the nearby Woodbine Centre area. They are bussed to the school.
Elmbank Junior Middle Academy introduced full-day kindergarten with three classes. This program aims to positively impact students. It focuses on social and academic outcomes.
Elmbank has a school uniform. Uniforms help with safety. They quickly identify intruders. Uniforms reinforce that students are there to work. They also reduce clothing competition. This separates those who have more from others.
Student activities at Elmbank are diverse. There is an elected student council. Co-curricular activities include basketball and volleyball. Students can also play soccer and participate in track and field. Other options are chess and cricket. There are also video making, video game, and animation clubs. Photography, garden, and crafts clubs are available. Students can join the Green Team, Boys 2 Men, or Young Women on the Move. A French club and an art club round out the options.
Elmbank has partnerships with several institutions. These include Humber College and Parks and Rec. Seneca College, Ryerson University, and York University are also partners. These partnerships provide support to students. They also enhance the learning environment. The school gains access to programs and workshops. These enhance student success. They also support parent empowerment.
Elmbank focuses on student success. It values diversity. The school works to achieve exemplary educational outcomes. It aims to improve student achievement. Elmbank fosters racial, religious, cultural, and social harmony. The community and school work together. They maintain a safe and caring environment. This promotes responsibility and teamwork.
Elmbank hosts special support programs. These include a Parenting Centre. There are programs for Learning Disabilities and Mild Intellectual Disabilities. The school also supports Multiple Exceptionalities. It offers a Safe Schools Alternative to Suspension Program.
Students at Elmbank enjoy many activities. There is chess and public speaking. A spelling bee takes place each year. There are girls’ and boys’ groups. Students can join arts and crafts clubs. They can participate in the animation or video club. Sports activities include floor hockey and volleyball. Students can play basketball, track and field, soccer, badminton, and ping pong. Elmbank also has an itinerant music program. It features strings, band, steel pans, and recorder.
Students fundraise for those less fortunate. They participate in the Terry Fox Run and Jump Rope for Heart. They raise money for a school in Kenya. They collect books, shoes, and clothing for Haiti. They also support Pakistani flood relief. Elmbank students attend outdoor education programs. These take place at Humber Arboretum and the Field Studies Centre. Grade 6 students participate in a 3-day overnight experience. This helps them fine-tune their skills. Camp Choice and Camp Smile are overnight experiences. They help Grade 7 and 8 students make career choices. They also help them plan their secondary school courses. Tutoring is available at all grade levels. It occurs during lunchtime or after school.
Elmbankers pride themselves on their commitment to eco-schools goals. They reduce energy use and waste. They increase recycling. The Green Team builds awareness about environmental issues and climate change. The school initiated a community garden with partners. Staff and students worked in the garden. They planted, weeded, and harvested. The community had access to vegetables and herbs. Excess harvest was donated to the food bank.
Elmbank provides a daily nutritious snack. This is possible through support. The Toronto Foundation for Student Success helps. Small donations from parents also contribute. Well-nourished children are calmer. They learn better.
There is an active School Council at Elmbank. Parents volunteer to assist in classrooms. They accompany students on trips. There is support for activities. These include music nights, play days, and concerts. Parents participate in the COPE Parenting Program. The School Council and organizations work on grant proposals. These provide workshops and training to parents and the community. The school hosts Heritage Language classes on Saturday mornings. Parents are welcome. They are encouraged to become more involved in their children’s education.