Whole Child School

Whole Child School

A new alternative public school in Toronto, using a holistic approach to education.

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FAQ

Frequently-Asked Questions about Whole Child School

These are questions that interested parents have been asking us. Updated 11 Feb 2009

Table of Contents

WCS Background and Philosophy

Who are the individuals that make up the WCS Organizing Committee?
In 2006, a committee of parents and educators came together to establish a landmark holistic public school inside of the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) alternative system.  The current Organizing Committee is made up of the following members:

  • Stephen Davies – Co-Chairperson, Organizing Committee
  • Shari Walczak – Co-Chairperson, Organizing Committee
  • Deborah Adelman – Chairperson, Curriculum Committee
  • Tammara Pabón – Secretary, Volunteer Management
  • Louise Zimanyi – TDSB Liaison
  • Kelly Drennan – Outreach Committee Co-Chair
  • Rebecca Haensel – Outreach Committee Co-Chair, Volunteer Recruitment
  • Winston Neutel – Website Lead
  • Genevieve Lennox – Creative Lead
  • Anthony Gonsalves – Treasurer
  • Marcia Mcvean – Social Studies Curriculum Lead
  • Marie Ammar – Environmental Education Curriculum Lead
  • Robyn Matamoros – Curriculum Development
  • Tamara Brodey – Curriculum Development

We also have unfilled, designated positions for Fundraising Initiatives, and Space & Environment Initiatives.  Members of our existing committee are currently sharing these responsibilities.

How will WCS be different from a regular TDSB public school?
An alternative school is a public school. As defined by the Alternative School Policy of the Toronto District School Board, an Alternative School is: an education site that is unique in pedagogy and forms of governance; and in that they have strong parental, staff and/or student involvement. The environments vary and provide an educational experience suited to individual learning styles/preferences and/or needs.
Specifically, Whole Child School will achieve academic excellence through an arts-integrated and experiential-learning curriculum. Our approach addresses the whole child and promotes the development of healthy, responsible, inquisitive, creative human beings. The curriculum will be reviewed and endorsed by a team of educational experts in the field of holistic education. In addition, the curriculum will align with the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines.
WCS follows the Ontario Curriculum like a standard TDSB public school. The primary difference in our approach is the delivery of the curriculum. WCS uses a transdisciplinary approach where a number of subjects are taught as part of a broad theme. We have also chosen seven key teaching and learning strategies that teachers will use regularly in their teaching practice. We offer an arts-enriched program and an outdoor/environmental program that starts in kindergarten.
To understand our philosophy and approach in greater detail, we have published a number of documents on the Whole Child School website that you can access here

How closely will the WCS curriculum be aligned with the Waldorf Approach?
We are not aligned with any one holistic approach. We have developed our curriculum by taking the “best practices” from a range of holistic approaches and adapting these approaches to the Ontario Curriculum. The holistic approaches we have drawn from are: Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Inquiry-based as well as many of the holistic teaching practices in that have been developed by the TDSB and the Ministry of Education.
How involved will students be in leading curriculum and/or pursuing individual interests?
WCS aims to strike a balance between student-led and teacher-led activities. The inquiry and problem-based model lends itself to children working collaboratively on problems and in groups and to pursue individual lines of inquiry. Students will often work in small groups on tasks that are either initiated by the students or assigned by the teacher. The kindergarten exploration program helps to lay a foundation for the students to work cooperatively.  However, throughout the curriculum when students are learning new concepts and techniques in Math, Science, Language, Drawing, Visual Arts, Music and French it is important for teachers to lead activities.
How will you foster an experience that values diversity?
All teachers within TDSB are trained to deal with diversity issues in a respectful and positive manner — this is integrated throughout the curriculum and teachers are trained to effectively deal with all diversity issues as they arise. Central to our approach is relationship building within the classroom and in the larger community.
I have heard that some holistic philosophies, such as Waldorf, have religious undertones. Will religious teaching be part of the curriculum?
No. We will be offering a holistic approach to education that does not have any religious undertones or affiliations.

WCS Faculty

Is the Principal the same for both schools?
Yes.  Teresa Tafaro, currently Principal for Roden PS Jr, will also take on senior administrative responsibilities for Whole Child School as Principal.
When will teachers for WCS be hired?
Hiring of teachers for WCS will begin in late Spring 2009 as soon as the required faculty size is determined.  Teaching positions will be posted and qualified candidates will be interviewed and hired by the WCS principal.
Will WCS teachers have any special training or background to teach in a holistic learning environment?
Yes. We are in the process of setting criteria for teacher candidates. Some examples include: training in a holistic pedagogy, training in visual arts, music, drama or outdoor education.
Will teachers be shared between both schools?
No.  A new teaching staff will be hired specifically for WCS. However, there may be teaching staff that will be shared like a gym teacher or librarian depending upon the final staffing model.

WCS Facilities, Size and Shared Resources

Where will WCS be housed in its designated building?
The current plan is for WCS to be housed on the third floor of Roden Public School with approximately 9-10 classrooms allocated for the school.
How might the physical space be changed or improved to accommodate the needs of WCS?
We firmly believe that physical environment and surroundings have a definite impact on learning.  Obviously, we will be working within the space provided and are very limited when it comes to structural changes or improvements (e.g. windows, walls).  However, the teachers and students will play a significant role in bringing the learning space to life, creating an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity and exploration.  A potential vision for this space will be shared on the Feb. 5th Information Night; however, it will be a work in progress and we will be reaching out to the WCS Parent and Student Community to help realize this vision when the school year begins.
What grades will be offered in the 2009-2010 school year?
WCS is planned to provide a full elementary grade offering from JK-8.  However, in its first year, there is the possibility that demand will not be high enough to fill certain grades.  The grades that will be filled in 2009-2010 will be determined and announced once all applications have been received.
How many students will WCS eventually have?
The overall vision is to start with a smaller student body in the beginning and grow organically as a school.  Clearly there is a demand for this type of approach in the public system.  As a result, we expect WCS could eventually have a full student body in the 200-250 range.
Is there enough room for expansion of WCS in this building if required in the future?
Roden public school was selected as the shared location for Whole Child School in part due to the flexibility in space allowing for growth across both schools.  Today, enrolment at Roden sits at approximately 300 students while the school has a planned capacity of just over 700 students. Even with the addition of WCS, there is still definite room for growth in the future.
How many students will be in a typical WCS classroom?
Consistent with overall TDSB policy, the goal is to cap 90% of Junior Kindergarten to Grade Three classes at 20 students with 10% of those classes reaching a total of 23 students. In Grades 4 to 8, the average class size is targeted at 25. However, this number represents an average target; therefore, final class sizes may be slightly smaller or larger depending on enrolment.
Is there a possibility that grades may be combined into one classroom?
Every year across the TDSB, there are classes that combine grade levels. Combined classes group children from consecutive grades into one classroom. Canadian research indicates that students in combined grade classes do just as well academically and may have greater opportunities for emotional and social growth than students in single grade classes.  A holistic curriculum particularly emphasizes the value of younger and older students interacting and studying together. The Ministry of Education has produced a very useful brochure that answers many questions that parents might have about combined-grade classrooms.  The brochure can be downloaded at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/combinedClassrooms/combinedClassrooms.pdf
As a K-8 school, will there be a separate outdoor area for the youngest children?
In most TDSB schools there are separate outdoor areas and/or outdoor times for kindergarten children. Our school will also follow this approach.
Are there any plans for improvement of the outdoor space to meet the needs of WCS?
We know that children learn through experience and exploration. At WCS, the goal is that, where possible, relevant curricula will be taught outdoors which lends itself to hands-on, experiential learning.  We are fortunate that Roden Public School already has a large, outdoor green space surrounding the school and we plan to take full advantage of this.  In addition, we have plans to create a school garden on the grounds and will be turning to our Parent Community to assist with this initiative.  Finally, we have engaged in a few early discussions about other exciting outdoor projects and will continue to update our community as details are finalized.
What, if any, facilities will be shared between both schools?
Although WCS will be located on the third floor of Roden Public School, shared facilities will include:

  • the Library Resource room (first floor)
  • Gymnasium (first floor)
  • outdoor grounds
  • Music Room (first floor)
WCS will have its own Office Assistant who will reside on the third floor for both convenience and student safety issues.
Will extra-curricular activities and sports teams be shared between both schools?
One of the advantages of a shared school environment is the opportunity for both student bodies to interact through outside activities and provide a larger pool of students to fill those teams and clubs.  Therefore, both WCS and Roden students will have the opportunity to participate jointly in the various (and future) offerings available at the school.
Will both schools have recess and lunch together?
The Roden school day currently begins at 8:55am.  There are two scheduled breaks for recess: the first from 10:20am – 10:40 am and the second from 2:00pm – 2:10pm.  Lunch runs from 11:40am – 12:40pm and the school day ends at 3:20pm.  The current plan will be to have Roden and WCS students operate on the same schedule.  In addition, assuming no significant space issues, the lunchroom (currently situated in the Gymnasium over the lunch hour) will function as a shared space, as well.
Can you describe the lunchroom arrangements and supervision?
The lunchroom arrangements and supervision will follow the same model as other TDSB schools. We will, however, seat the children in multiage groups to build community and have the older children take on a leadership role with younger children.

Parent Involvement in WCS

What are the expectations of parental involvement in WCS?
At WCS, we celebrate and believe in the connection between student success and parent involvement, and the expectation of parent involvement in WCS is very high.  Those who are free during the day or at certain times of the year will be encouraged to spend time in the school, either as a volunteer helper for the teachers or sharing a special skill or interest such as drama, photography, architecture, current events, etc.  Although a faculty “sponsor” is required for extra-curricular groups or sports teams, parents with a specific expertise or talent to share will be welcomed to lead student activities outside of regular school hours.  In addition, parents will be encouraged to become involved with WCS through fundraising initiatives, volunteer councils, and school excursions/trips.
Will WCS have a Parent Council like other TDSB schools?
Across the TDSB, school councils are an excellent way for parents to get involved in their child`s education. Every TDSB school, including WCS, has an elected school council. Your school council is an important forum for involving all members of the school community in matters that affect the education of students. The school council is made up of an elected committee of parents, staff and student representatives, appointed community members, the principal, and a general membership which includes all parents of children attending the school. The school council advises the principal and the Board on a variety of issues and activities relating to student achievement, curriculum goals and priorities, school budget priorities, school safety, renovation plans, after school activities, and criteria for selection of new principals. Click here to read the TDSB Parent, Community, and Student Involvement Policy, which includes Operating Guidelines for School Councils.
Will extensive fundraising be required to support WCS?
In order to offer an enriched educational experience for all of our students, both inside and outside of the classroom, we anticipate fundraising will be a definite requirement.  We also believe that fundraising activities and initiatives can provide a wonderful relationship-building opportunity for parents, teachers, students and the local community.

WCS Registration Process/Admissions

What is the admission process and key dates?
  1. First, you must attend the Whole Child School Registration Information Night on Thursday, February 5th from 7-9pm to pick up a registration package for each child you are intending to register for the 2009-2010 school year.  The location is Roden Public School located at 151 Hiawatha Road.
  2. Complete and return TDSB Registration Form and WCS Application Forms for each child you intend to register to the attention of Teresa Tafaro, WCS Principal (at Roden PS).  The last day of acceptance of forms will be Friday, February 13th.
  3. If necessary, a lottery will be held Wednesday, February 18th.
  4. Parents will be informed of their child(ren)’s placement on Friday, February 20th.
  5. Parents will be expected to accept their child(ren)’s placement by Friday, February 27th.
What happens if total applications exceed spots available for a specific grade?
All applicants for the affected grade will be entered into an Admissions Lottery.
How is a lottery administered if it is required?
The following outlines the TDSB’s administrative and operational requirements surrounding Lottery Procedure:

  • Each student who applies will be assigned a number for the lottery process.  For specialized schools and programs, each student who applies and meets the requirements for the school or program will be assigned a number.
  • The Optional Attendance Policy lists seven priority statements to be followed in the lottery process. The school implementing a lottery process must consider which priorities apply to that school. The school principal will ensure that these priorities are followed, for example, the sibling rule: if there is space all siblings may be admitted without a lottery, but if there is not sufficient space for all the siblings who have applied, it may be necessary to run a lottery of the sibling population.
  • The lottery process will be run in the school. The following people should be present for the lottery:
    • the school principal
    • the school superintendent, if possible
    • the school trustee, if possible
    • the chair of the school council (in this case, the WCS Organizing Committee)
  • A random number software package could be used to rank order the student names in the lottery. As each number is generated by the software program, the associated student name will be entered on the list. All students in the lottery will be placed on the master list. A line will be drawn on the master list after the student name that fills the last vacancy. All students above the line will be offered a placement in the school and all students below the line will be placed on the waiting list. As students above the line decline acceptance, students below the line will be offered the available spaces. Should a random number software package not be available, some other form of random selection must be followed.
Is there a sibling policy?
Siblings will automatically be accepted as per the TDSB sibling policy.
My child will not be old enough to register for WCS for the 2009-2010 school year. I’m wondering if there is a waiting list for future admissions?
There are no advance waiting lists for WCS. Each year, an Information/Registration Night will be scheduled for the upcoming school year and parents will be invited to attend, learn more about the school and pick up a Registration Package for any new students who want to be registered for the upcoming school year. Based upon total applications received for that upcoming year, decisions will be made about Grade Lotteries and Waiting Lists at that time. This, however, will only be conducted on a year-by-year basis.
Do I need to provide supporting documentation with my application at this time?
At this time, applications are being accepted without the supporting documentation — you need only submit the forms in the registration package. Should you be offered a placement at WCS, the supporting documentation will be requested.
What are the school hours for dropping off application packages?
Office hours are 8am to 4:30pm – come in via Hiawatha doors
Except for this Friday (Feb 13), 9am to 12pm – come in via Hiawatha doors
This Friday, after 12pm – come in via Ashdale doors and place in drop off box. These doors will close at 6pm.

Other Questions

Will there be accommodations made for students with special needs?
WCS is classified as an alternative or ‘optional attendance’ school.  As such, it is not likely that we will have the funding for a special needs program. For children who require a special needs program, WCS will not be an appropriate choice. If your child has special needs and can function in a classroom, then WCS should be a viable option.
Will a school bus be available to transport students to WCS?
The TDSB at this point in time does not provide busing for alternative (optional attendance) schools. However, there may be opportunities to explore other alternatives once the school community is formed.  This is an initiative that we will table once the School Registration process is complete.
What is the WCS policy regarding homework?
We will follow the TDSB revised homework policy.
How will student performance/progress be measured and reported?
WCS will follow the TDSB reporting procedures. Reports will be housed in the student’s files and parents can see reports by request. We will discourage sharing the TDSB grade-based reports with students. We will also provide a holistic assessment and evaluation of each student’s progress. Holistic reports will be anecdotal and identify the progress and skills development of the student.
Is there a plan to have any committees/boards in place to oversee operation of WCS?
In addition to the elected school council, mentioned previously, the Organizing Committee of Whole Child School is delighted to currently be working in partnership with a fully constituted Advisory Board of leading professionals and educators in the holistic field. WCS is honoured to be collaborating with Professor John P. Miller of the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. Prof. Jack Miller is a highly recognized expert in the subject of holistic education; and, as a member of the WCS Advisory Board, he has assisted us in identifying and inviting other leading experts to join this initiative. The criteria for Advisory Board membership has been designed to provide the best possible mix of holistic education skills, expertise, and experience.The role of the Advisory Board will continue to be one of reviewing and endorsing the holistic curriculum of the school and providing objective input and guidance to the WCS School Council.

Who are we?

We're the parent group of a new public alternative school in Toronto. Click for more

Contact:

The WCS office is open from 8:30 am to 11:30 am on weekdays. Call 416-393-8274

Applying

Click here for information on applying to attend WCS

Categories

Parent Handbook

The draft of the parent handbook is now available on the documents page.