School Age

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It's great to see that these schools are going out of their ways to make them a wonderful place for children to learn. Although some of the programs and initiatives are attributed to the children, it is the teachers and the support staff who really make these schools some of the best in Canada.

Real respect

Christmas Park Elementary School
Beaconsfield, Que., 300 students, K–6
You can spot the peer mediators on the playground by their royal blue baseball caps or toques. These 40 grade-fives and -sixes know how to step in and peacefully resolve schoolyard squabbles. The program was introduced in 2002 and earned Christmas Park a YMCA peace medal in 2007.

Cedarvale Community School
Toronto, 220 students, JK–6
In September, names of students in grades one to six go into a china teacup. A name is drawn daily and that child, along with a classmate, pays a “social visit” to principal Martin Hunt. For Hunt, it’s a chance to see students in a different light and build rapport. For kids, it’s an opportunity to show him their work — and see his collection of PEZ dispensers!

One of a kind

Summit Learning Centre
Mission, BC, 500 students, K–12
Customized programs, individual attention and more family time are some of the reasons parents and students seek out Summit’s home learning options. Kids communicate with teachers through email, telephone and drop-in visits, while ArtSmarts classes at Summit’s four locations expose them to everything from gymnastics to medieval science.

Ben Calf Robe–St. Clare Catholic Elementary/Junior High School
Edmonton, 160 students, K–9
There’s a sense of belonging at this school where students are all First Nations, Métis and Inuit. They come for music classes, including drumming, aboriginal flute and Métis fiddling; and phys. ed that includes powwow dance and jigging. Students study Cree as a second language, and an elder visits weekly. Classes participate in a smudge ceremony each morning, lighting buffalo sage, and pipe ceremonies mark special occasions.

Briargreen Public School
Nepean, Ont., 330 students, JK–6
Smack dab in the centre of a city park, Briargreen has easy access to a baseball diamond, basketball court, long jump and soccer fields, tetherballs and a skating rink, as well as a forested habitat with bird feeders and benches for outdoor lessons. Inside the school, it’s open concept circa 1970. Dividing walls are scarce, fostering collaboration, focus and quiet communication.

Originally published in Today's Parent, September 2009