PEEL Program Highlights

The PEEL program, which offers Practical Education and Experiential Learning, starts each year with a warm welcome presentation in late September or early October. This is a time for families to meet teachers and other families, and to feel part of our inclusive community. We'll discuss the program and the wealth of resources available, both within the school and in the wider TDSB and Toronto community.

Family Engagement

Family engagement is a key component of the program. Families are invited to participate in various events, including presentations, classroom tours, the community lunch in December, the talent show in March, and the graduation and prom in June. The program also prioritizes regular communication with families through parent-teacher interviews and consistent updates.

Skill Development

Students gain practical life skills through weekly meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking. These skills are further honed in a dedicated apartment where they practice laundry, bed-making, and basic cleaning. The program also includes a monthly swim session focused on water safety, ensuring a well-rounded skill set.

The SPEEL program fosters employability skills, offering all senior students six-week job placements with a coach. This inclusive approach ensures that all PEEL students have the opportunity to participate in a school-wide lunch program, where they organize and distribute snacks. Monthly snack sales in the cafeteria raise money for local charities or field trips, further promoting inclusivity.

Field trips around the city help students develop community safety skills and learn to navigate public transit. The annual 'PEEL Program's Got Talent' show is a platform for every student to showcase their unique abilities, from performing to organizing and selling snacks or baking cookies, ensuring that the program caters to a diverse range of talents.