We acknowledge that our learning is taking place on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Territory. We thank the Algonquin Nation for hosting us and recognize their enduring presence on this land.
Our School
We strive to create a challenging, safe and caring environment where our students develop the knowledge, skills and values to achieve their full potential.
As a school community, we believe in excellence, respect, and striving for continuous improvement. Our school motto is “Your Future is Now” and we help students set goals, develop action plans, and achieve their goals for a positive future.
Our Students
Hawthorne Public School has an enrollment of 317 students representing over 40 countries of origin. Our students come to us from the local community as well as from Arch Street Public School for Grades 7 and 8, and from various parts of the city for our Early Literacy Development (ELD) class. When our students finish grade 8 at Hawthorne, they attend any one of a number of different high schools, including Canterbury, Colonel By, Gloucester, Hillcrest, and Ridgemont High School.
Our Staff
Hawthorne Public School is fortunate to have dedicated and compassionate staff members who work hard to provide each student with engaging instruction and support, both inside and outside the classroom. Our teaching staff is highly qualified, many of them holding certificates in Special Education and English as a Second Language. Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants, Administration and Support staff work together to provide a supportive framework which honours the individuality and uniqueness of each student and which fosters positive intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
Our Community
Hawthorne families represent a rich diversity of people that help form the Hawthorne School Council. Parents are dedicated to volunteering on this council and in the school to strengthen educational opportunities for all our students. Our parents also reach into the community to foster positive partnerships with area businesses. We encourage families to come to school and be part of the learning community. We welcome our community members and volunteers as partners in education.
Mission Statement
Your Future Is Now
Facilities and Resources
Hawthorne is a fully-equipped elementary school with extensive facilities including:
- A multi-functional learning commons
- 2 gymnasiums (one stage)
- Maker Space
- Science lab
- Two large playing fields
- 1 play structure
- Kindergarten Music Wall
- Raised bed gardens
- Basketball courts
- Dedicated Instrumental Music Room
- Collaborative Problem Solving Room
- Multi-Faith Prayer Room
- Dedicated Arts Room
Our school has an OCDSB Extended Day Program that provides after school care for children in grades K-6 who need it. Within walking distance are the Canterbury and Dempsey Community Centres, the Museum of Science and Technology and the Elmvale Public Library.
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
Hawthorne P.S. offers a wide range of academic programs for students. Along with our English & Core French program, we are a hub for English Language Learners (ELLs), providing English Literacy Development classes for grades 6, 7 and 8 students. We have a specialized Autism class which has 6 students in grades 4-6. An Instrumental Music program with wind and percussion instruments is provided for all students from Grade 4 to Grade 8.
Classroom Organization
Hawthorne is a JK-Grade 8 school that is organized into 14 homeroom classes. We are very proud of our 50/50 English/French Full Day Kindergarten program which supports early learners in their social-emotional and academic development in both official Canadian languages. Class sizes are kept as low as possible to maximize student learning. We are on a “balanced day” schedule, giving students two opportunities to have a nutrition break and recess during the day, while the academic learning time is in 100-minute blocks for more focused learning and less transition time.
Clubs and Activities
Our students benefit from our extensive extra-curricular activities. They include:
- Black Excellence Club
- Rainbow Club
- Science Fair
- History/Geography Fair
- Outdoor Education
- Gardening Club/Education
- Red Shirts Student Leadership Team
- Lunch Monitor Team
- Kindness, Inclusion and Anti-Bullying Committee
- Morning Announcement Teams
- Press Club
- Choir
- Concert Band
- Skills Ontario Challenge (2018/19 Silver Medal Award Winner)
- A wide range of intramural athletics offered during lunchtime
- Competitive school athletic teams (tournaments, inter-school games)
Scent Free Environment
Several of our students and staff have an ALLERGY TO SCENTS and products that contain scents like shampoo, perfumes and deodorant. Even tiny amounts of the scent left on desks, books, computer keyboards, door handles, etc. can pose a serious risk to these children and staff members. Exposure to even small amounts of these products can lead to vomiting, migraines, and nosebleeds, and respiratory distress.
Please refrain from wearing strong scents to school. Check labels and if it says “perfume”, please do not use these products.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.