Hawthorne PS

Our Students

Hawthorne Public School has an enrolment of 240 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 gifted and Early Literacy Development (ELD) classes. When our students finish grade 8 at Hawthorne, they attend any one of a number of different high schools such as Lisgar, Ridgemont, Hillcrest, Colonel By and Canterbury 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 encourages positive academic, social, and intellectual 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 fully automated library
• 2 gymnasiums (one stage)
• Fully-equipped computer lab
• Intermediate science lab
• 30 classrooms
• Two large playing fields and recreation areas including 2 baseball diamonds
• 1 play structure
• and 5 basketball nets

Our school is currently home to the Aladin Child Care for After School Care. We have implemented full-day kindergarten. Also 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. As well as the English/Core French program, the school is a Gifted Centre with specialized gifted classes from Grades 6 to 8. Our school has also been designated as a hub for English language learners and has an English Literacy Development class for grade 7 and 8 students. 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 11 homeroom classes. We are very proud of our Full Day Kindergarten program which supports early learners in their development. Presently, we have both single-grade and combined grade classes. Class sizes are kept as low as possible to maximize student learning. Our school operates on a five-day cycle for timetables with all intermediate students on a semi-rotary system. We are also 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.

Special Education and ESL Programs

Hawthorne is a designated site for OCDSB Specialized Gifted Program from Grade 6 to Grade 8, and for an English Literacy Development class for grades 7 and 8. In addition, we have English as Second Language teachers and Learning Resource teachers who support students at all grade levels to achieve success. Inclusionary practices, team teaching and occasional withdrawal for specific, targeted special assistance are used as productive strategies throughout the school to help our students achieve their goals.

Clubs and Activities

Our students benefit from our extensive extra-curricular activities. They include:

• Wide range of intramural athletics offered during lunchtime
• Competitive school athletic teams (tournaments, inter-school games)
• Student Action Council for Junior and Intermediate students
• Knitting Club
• Math Olympics Teams
• Lego Robotics Club
• Choir and Junior and Intermediate Concert Band
• Drama Club and Art Club
• Science Fair

Safe Schools Initiatives

Hawthorne P.S. has a code of behaviour, which was developed by students, staff and parents. It is published in our student planner. Other safe school initiatives include:

• W.E.L.L. focus (Wellness, Engagement, Leadership, Learning)
• Our Positive Progressive Student Support Plan
• OCDSB Character Wheel
• Intermediate Honour Roll Awards
• WITS strategies for the prevention of peer victimization
• Dress Code and Code of Conduct in every agenda
• Student Action Council for students
• Leadership Opportunities for students (Student Action Council, peer helpers, playground helpers, pizza coordinators, kindergarten helpers)
• Homework help sessions